Mind-Blasting

Perhaps it's the effects of my "Education in Modern China" grad class, but I've become very intrigued by the Eastern world. I have always had an interest in Thailand and India but I am only recently "discovering" China.  The culture, ancient traditions, policies, political ideologies, powers struggles, and the various dialects were not anywhere near my vast bank of knowledge. I know, surprising.
Anyways, I  just found this really interesting video about a Chinese photographer/painter who uses his work to make political and social commentaries about the industrialization of  China. He hides himself within his images- earning him the name of "The Invisible Man".  It's really amazing!

" I think development is very important for China, but in the process there are some issues. My work is often a reflection of social problems caused by development"

Side-note:  I'm feeling a little passionate. Ok on the subject of the "Cultural" Revolution in China.  I put quotation mark on cultural because the actual effects and ideology behind this era of "enlightenment" ( there I go again) is so absurd and backwards. No, Mao Zedong, what  the people really need is  to NOT  be shipped to rural villages and peasant farms to learn "real" lessons.  Although this later helped the children of these peasants gain access coeducation, more harm was done to the educated youth.  This period was not one of peace and tranquility, it  involved major changes being made to the political, economic and social nature of China, often through violent means.

The interesting thing about China is that it might be the only example of a nation that has actually tried to overturn the processes of social reproduction. In most societies the people in the privileged classes have an inherent advantage in the education system and therefore the education system becomes a means of transmitting privilege from one generation to the next. During the "Cultural" Revolution intellectuals and children from intellectual families were persecuted and sent to learn from the peasants and the workers.  Educators found themselves arrested and out on trial for "crimes" like owning a piano. Sad but true story.   

Luckily, the Opening and Reform Era professed that teachers and intellectuals be respected again and the focus was on academic excellence and training the most talented individuals to help rebuild the country. Thus during this time the initial sources of inequality ( based on financial means and geographic location) returned and were actually valued again as a means to ensuring that science and technology and material advancement could thrive once again.

Ok, end of rant.... ( I totally rocked my exam on this)