Red Scarf Girl

Red scarf girl: a memoir of the Cultural Revolution
by Jiang, Ji-li
Review by Jo Shurer
Life could not have been better for Ji-li; it was 1966, she was twelve years old, at the top of her sixth-grade class, enjoyed the respect of her neighbors and friends, was embraced by the love of her family, and held the honor of being a Young Pioneer of the Communist Party, proudly wearing its emblem, a red scarf. Recognized for her agility, another honor was bestowed upon her; she was selected to audition for the Central Liberation Army Arts Academy. The possibility existed that she would tour the country as a performer, helping her beloved Chairman Mao, sharing all the good news of the New China. Basking in the glory of such an honor, her dreams diminished when her father, worried that she would not pass the political background investigation, afraid of the outcome, told her she could not audition.
The Cultural Revolution began in May of that year with every effort to rid China of the “Four Olds”: “old ideas, old culture, old customs and old habits.” It was Chairman Mao’s belief that a new China could only emerge when these “olds” were extinguished. But this exciting future for China lay in the hands of young revolutionaries anxious to meet Chairman Mao’s expectations. Chaos ensued. Humiliation, torment and fear turned Ji-li’s world upside down. Ji-li could not escape her family’s bourgeoisie heritage. Her father imprisoned, Ji-li would eventually need to choose between the love for her family and the love of her country.
This is an engaging read. Enough information is provided through context to give the reader an understanding of the Cultural Revolution in China. A glossary is provided for easy access for depth of discussion and guided instruction. In addition to a social studies unit on Asian history, it would be an excellent tool to teach the methods and effects of propaganda to a middle school/junior high audience. (review submitted by Jo Shurer 5/31/10)