A Generation Lost: China Under The Cultural Revolution
Zi-Ping Luo, a chemistry professor at California Polytechnic University, provides an engrossing account of her life as a young girl growing up during the Cultural Revolution. Written in the form of letters addressed to a disillusioned compatriot, the author tells the story of her family's survival during those dark, violent years. After the Red Guards closed down the schools and universities, the Luo children risked imprisonment to continue their own education program covertly. A portrait of personal courage and a testament to the strength of family.
Related
In the past decade, 12,000 Nepalis have died in an increasingly brutal civil war that pits a backward-looking monarchy and an abusive military against fanatical Maoist rebels. To help solve the crisis, the rest of the world must convince both sides that there is a third way.
Wall Street financial managers may eye China's economy with pleasure and awe, but the engine of its growth is exploited labor. Since Deng Xiaoping declared getting rich glorious two decades ago, China's embrace of capitalism has made sweatshop socialism a reality for millions of Chinese workers. Although some economists claim the workers' day will come with continued growth, double-digit rises in GDP have not translated into a better life. Exhausting hours, scant pay, draconian work rules, psychological harassment, and physical punishment are the seamy underside of China's economic miracle.
The Big Chill has descended over China. Sino-American relations are suffering. While we assess the ramifications, we must also look beyond the crisis and sketch blueprints for a warmer climate, for the present season will not long endure.
