Red Scarf Girl is a memoir written from the perspective of twelve year old Ji-Li Jiang. The telling tale of Mao’s Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) affected all aspects of China: social, economic, and political life. In order for students to fully understand the story, it may be helpful to provide some historical background regarding Mao’s intent. The goal of the revolution included purging all capitalist and traditional elements of Chinese society. In order to remove these so-called “revisionists”, Mao promoted a violent class struggle in which he appealed to the youth and empowered the Red Guards. The movement spread to all walks of life in which neighbor turned against neighbor, students against teachers, even family members against each other. His call for “perpetual revolution” led to the elimination of his rivals and the consolidation of Mao’s power. In addition, it led to a “lost generation” of young people who had to make near impossible choices to slander your own parents or face being labeled an enemy of the people.
Ji-Li was born on Chinese New Year. Her parents chose her name carefully; Ji meaning ‘lucky’ and Li meaning ‘beautiful’. They were hopeful she would grow up to find happiness living in Shanghai. A sixth-grader at the top of her class, she is faced with many obstacles as her family is labeled as ‘black’ or ‘Rightest’ due to her grandfather’s status as a wealthy landlord. Ji-Li is very bright and strives to stand out among her classmates. During the Cultural Revolution, her opportunities are limited due to her family background. First, her father discourages her from applying to the Central Liberation Army Arts Academy because he knows she will be rejected due to her family background. Ji-Li losses her status as a student at the top of the class and is denied entrance as a member of the Red Guards. A consistent theme throughout the book is the internal conflict she faces as Ji-Li tries to decide whether to participate in the activities of the revolution or what she deems right and appropriate in her heart. For example, she watches her classmates slander her teachers; however, she is unable to bring herself to join in. At times, she does chose the Cultural Revolution over her family as seen during the summer in which she goes to the countryside to work instead of stay home to help her family. Ultimately Ji-Li will choose her family. When her father is detained for listening to foreign radio (a false accusation by her Uncle), she considers testifying against him; however, her commitment to her family is stronger. In the last chapter she writes “Once my life had been defined by my goals: to be a da-dui-zhang, to participate in the exhibition, to be a Red Guard. They seemed unimportant to me now. Now my life was defined by my responsibilities. I had promised to take care of my family, and would renew that promise every day.”
On the surface, Red Scarf Girl is a great way for students in History or Language Arts classes in both the middle school and high school levels to explore the culture and history of 20th century China. The book can serve a two-fold purpose: to understand the history of the Cultural Revolution and the underlying themes which include conflicting loyalties and the triumph of the human will. Students will hopefully be able to identify with individual struggles and the courage to make the right decisions.
