Gutek describes PRC’s strong ideologies in education, media and entertainment that helps drive the nation toward a unified viewpoint. They combine reality and mythology to create heroism in historical figures. The example that Gutek uses is of Chairman Mao, “who led his followers on a long march of five thousand miles to escape annihilation by his Nationalist foes.” This combination of formal and informal education can have a strong impact on the citizens because it creates a constant, reinforced ideology.
I personally find this aspect of education interesting because it is not unique to China and is often used in times of war to unite a country quickly. For example, during World War II, the United State's government took over Hollywood and put it in their war department. They controlled the content of all films to rally American’s behind the war by portraying the same theme in all movies. In essence, films were used as propaganda. This non-formal education helped propel America to war.
Italy had similar tactics and made movies about a glorified ancient Rome. They, like the Chinese, created unity throughout the country by continuously showing historic mythological stories in films. This lasted through World War II until 1946 when neo realism took over. The profound impact of such tactics is seen throughout history.
The U.S. has also used this type of propaganda through film and media during other times of social change. Many films during the late 19th and early 20th century depicted African Americans as either innately unintelligent, violent, or made to serve others. These films perpetuated racist ideologies and negative stereotypes that delayed African Americans' ability to be eligible for certain rights in this country, such as the right to an education. It has been argued that there are remnants of these stereotypical caricatures in the media today.
ReplyDeleteGood point about the US taking over Hollywood and turning it into propaganda during WWII. This is a common occurance that has been not only seen in China and other communist countries, but all over the world since the dawn of media, and it is a phenomenon that can have serious effects on education.
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