The Cultural Revolution’s Four Olds and the Modern Woke Movement in the USA
The Cultural Revolution in China, spearheaded by Mao Zedong, aimed to radically transform Chinese society by eliminating the “Four Olds”: old customs, old culture, old habits, and old ideas. This movement was characterized by an intense drive to eradicate traditional elements and replace them with new ideologies aligned with communist principles. It also eradicated a great many people as well. In contemporary America, a parallel can be drawn between this historic movement and the rise of the modern woke movement. This essay will explore how the woke movement mirrors the Cultural Revolution’s approach to dismantling established norms and values.
Historical Context of the Four Olds
During the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), Mao Zedong mobilized the Red Guards to attack the Four Olds. These were seen as impediments to the creation of a socialist society. The Red Guards targeted cultural artifacts, religious sites, intellectuals, and anyone perceived as counter-revolutionary. The goal was to purify Chinese society by removing any remnants of pre-communist traditions and thought patterns.
- Old Customs: Traditional practices and social behaviors that were prevalent before the communist revolution.
- Old Culture: Cultural artifacts, literature, art, and philosophy rooted in the pre-revolutionary era.
- Old Habits: Everyday practices and routines that were inherited from past generations.
- Old Ideas: Philosophical and ideological beliefs that contradicted the new communist ideology.
The eradication of these elements was often brutal, involving public humiliation, destruction of property, and widespread persecution, which eventually led to death camps.
The Woke Movement in the USA
The term “woke” is represented by a heightened awareness of social justice issues, particularly those related to race, gender, and inequality—the woke movement advocates for dismantling systemic oppression and promoting equity across all facets of society. However, it bears a striking resemblance to the Cultural Revolution’s campaign against the Four Olds. And, as with the previous Cultural Revolution in China, “woke” will lead to humiliation, destruction of property, and widespread persecution, eventually ending in death camps.
Parallels Between the Four Olds and the Woke Movement
- Old Customs and Cultural Norms
Just as the Cultural Revolution sought to abolish old customs, the woke movement challenged long-standing social norms and practices. Traditional customs surrounding gender roles, family structures, and social etiquette are scrutinized and often labeled as outdated or oppressive. For instance, traditional views on gender are being replaced by more fluid and inclusive perspectives. While this shift promotes inclusivity, it also generates tension and backlash from those who feel our cultural heritage is threatened. Not only is our cultural heritage under threat, but also our children, as with sexual indoctrination in elementary schools.
- Old Culture and Historical Narratives
Like the Cultural Revolution targeted cultural heritage, the woke movement actively critiques and reevaluates historical narratives. Statues and monuments commemorating historical figures associated with colonialism, slavery, or other forms of oppression have been removed or defaced, reminiscent of the Red Guards’ destruction of cultural relics and temples. The intent is to acknowledge and rectify past injustices. Still, it also leads to historical revisionism, the removal of historical monuments (erasing our collective memory), and the erasure of complex histories.
- Old Habits and Everyday Practices
Another area of overlap is the transformation of everyday practices. The Cultural Revolution sought to change daily behaviors seen as remnants of feudal or bourgeois society. Similarly, the woke movement encourages everyday language and behavior changes to promote social justice. This includes adopting new terminologies, pronouns, and behaviors that reflect greater sensitivity to issues of race, gender, and identity. While these changes aim to foster inclusivity, they can also lead to accusations of overreach and the policing of language and behavior.
- Old Ideas and Ideological Beliefs
The woke movement’s challenge to old ideas parallels the Cultural Revolution’s attack on pre-communist ideologies. Concepts such as meritocracy, free speech, and individualism are increasingly scrutinized for their roles in perpetuating systemic inequalities. The push for ideological conformity within certain academic and professional circles echoes the Cultural Revolution’s insistence on ideological purity. Those who dissent from the prevailing woke orthodoxy may face loss of their livelihood, social ostracism, professional repercussions, or public shaming.
Consequences and Criticisms
The Cultural Revolution and the woke movement have sparked significant controversy and resistance. The Cultural Revolution led to widespread chaos, persecution, the loss of cultural heritage, and death, leaving a lasting scar on Chinese society. While the woke movement in the USA operates within a different context and with slightly different methods, it has similarly polarized public opinion and led to social and cultural upheaval.
The woke movement fosters a culture of intolerance and censorship, where dissenting views are not merely debated but actively silenced. This environment stifles free speech and intellectual diversity, advancement through merit, much like the Cultural Revolution’s suppression of counter-revolutionary thought. Furthermore, the focus on identity politics and collective guilt undermines individual responsibility and merit-based achievement, core principles of American society.
Conclusion
The comparison between the Cultural Revolution’s Four Olds and the modern woke movement in the USA highlights significant parallels in their approaches to societal change. Both movements aim to dismantle entrenched systems and ideologies to pave the way for a new and destructive collectivist societal order. The methods and contexts may differ, but the ultimate goals and consequences are the same. While the Cultural Revolution sought to establish a communist state, the woke movement strives to maintain the current power structure of the left under the pretense of establishing a more inclusive and equitable society.