I've alway been puzzled by the 5000 years of Chinese history notion, not least of all because it seems to be almost universally accepted, and not just in China. I once asked a UK academic who had used the phrase approvingly, who exactly the king of China was in 3000 BC. Even the legendary Yao and Shun do not go back quite so far.
Every family’s memory is a reflection of modern history, once you talked with your elders wisely, you will find something that is different from the official history.
Great post Cindy - thank you. Very interested but my direct China experience limited to partnering in a Sino/Australian educational joint venture in Ningbo. My view of ordinary Chinese people's ability to get the Party/State to bend was changed by the "White horse village" documentary. Saw how local's insisted via direct action that local Party Chair honour his pledge to let original villagers enrol their kids in new high school built for a new development. Almost participatory democracy? In contrast, with my joint venture my first realisation was that College Party official ran a parallel management structure to College Director.
I've alway been puzzled by the 5000 years of Chinese history notion, not least of all because it seems to be almost universally accepted, and not just in China. I once asked a UK academic who had used the phrase approvingly, who exactly the king of China was in 3000 BC. Even the legendary Yao and Shun do not go back quite so far.
Thanks Cindy. Great Times article!
Thank you for sharing. Been a fan of your podcast and am now looking forward to your book!
Every family’s memory is a reflection of modern history, once you talked with your elders wisely, you will find something that is different from the official history.
The trees say so much
Great post Cindy - thank you. Very interested but my direct China experience limited to partnering in a Sino/Australian educational joint venture in Ningbo. My view of ordinary Chinese people's ability to get the Party/State to bend was changed by the "White horse village" documentary. Saw how local's insisted via direct action that local Party Chair honour his pledge to let original villagers enrol their kids in new high school built for a new development. Almost participatory democracy? In contrast, with my joint venture my first realisation was that College Party official ran a parallel management structure to College Director.
Look forward to your book 👏👏❤️❤️
Great to see you here - and I was happy to read your column in the Times,also!