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Arts & Communication Lianhuanhua during Mao’s era

as a systematic approach to political education, shaping the primary literature they encountered before being exposed
ideological perspectives of Chinese children. to the wider world. Its influence extended beyond mere
entertainment, playing a formative role that surpassed
4. How lianhuanhua shaped the political the impact of today’s short videos on Chinese children’s
views of Chinese children in Mao’s era ideology. For these respondents, lianhuanhua shaped their

The year 1949 marked a major turning point in Chinese basic judgments of right and wrong, influenced their value
history. Before this, China was transitioning from old orientation, and fostered preferences for specific literature
traditions to a modern state, resulting in a complex social and art themes, including books, movies, and TV dramas.
structure. When the CPC came to power, millions of In interviews, 301 respondents noted that while they
children were from diverse backgrounds, and many of had forgotten many story details, they still remembered
their families did not support communism or the CPC. certain dialogues or phrases from lianhuanhua books. Mr.
To reshape adult beliefs, the CPC employed ideological Lu, a native of Changsha born in 1959, recalled during his
propaganda and, at times, coercion. However, this approach interview:
was deemed unsuitable for children. CPC leaders believed I read many lianhuanhua books as a child, and now,
one reason the KMT lost power was its failure to focus on when you ask me which one left the deepest impression,
shaping the worldview of youth. Consequently, regardless it is hard for me to say. However, I do remember certain
of whether a child’s family supported the KMT, practiced phrases that have stayed with me, such as “alarm bells
Christianity, or identified as liberal intellectuals, farmers, ringing frequently,” “eliminate private ownership,”
or workers, all children were viewed as future citizens who “revisionism,” and “let Comrade Lenin go first.” I still
needed to embrace communism. occasionally use these phrases in daily life, though, of

During Mao’s era, children were politically educated course, only in conversations with my peers. (Interview
through a concept known as the “politicization of daily life.” date: May 12, 2020).
Materials such as lianhuanhua conveyed political messages, The lianhuanhua format helped children internalize
including Mao’s supremacy, the KMT’s failure due to lack of political discourse that shaped Mao’s China effortlessly,
public support, and the inevitable triumph of socialism over allowing them to grasp political concepts more effectively
capitalism. Although this political education appeared simple, as they matured. These teachings influenced their
it embedded Maoist ideology deeply within young minds. worldviews, which they continue to apply today as
While politics is traditionally viewed as an adult domain, the entrepreneurs, officials, artists, and professors. A study
CPC considered children’s political enlightenment essential found that individuals who grew up during Mao’s era now
for securing the CPC’s long-term power. control more than 80% of China’s wealth, a testament to the
Lianhuanhua used simplified language to present enduring influence of their formative political education.
complex political issues, effectively turning politics into a Some call this generation China’s “Beat Generation,”
“game” that children could easily grasp. Political phrases but a more accurate description might be a generation
like “elimination of private ownership” became part of shaped by Maoist ideology, deeply marked by memories
children’s everyday vocabulary. According to Agamben, of the Cultural Revolution. Among the 500 people
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this gamification of politics does not dilute its essence but surveyed, 402 agreed that lianhuanhua played a key role
rather enhances political engagement. in shaping their political understanding, representing 80%
In response to the question, “How much has of the respondents. This percentage surpasses those who
lianhuanhua contributed to building your knowledge previously believed that lianhuanhua influenced their
and value systems?”, 301 respondents stated that their knowledge and value systems.
knowledge and core values had been significantly shaped It is important to distinguish between related but
by lianhuanhua, representing over half of the total distinct concepts: while lianhuanhua shaped political
surveyed. One significant reason for this is that, in Mao’s understanding, it did not necessarily influence one’s entire
era, children had few alternative sources of information. knowledge or value system. Political understanding could
Lianhuanhua became their most important source of align with Mao-era positions (positive) or oppose them
information, especially during the Cultural Revolution, (negative). This distinction highlights a critical point: as
when literary production was taken over by Mao’s wife, an ideological propaganda tool during the Cold War era,
Jiang Qing, and her allies, and many writers, including lianhuanhua served as a medium through which recipients
those of children’s literature, were persecuted. either accepted or rejected its content. Nonetheless, the
Many respondents noted that lianhuanhua was the vast majority adopted values consistent with the political

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 7 doi: 10.36922/ac.5738