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March 05, 2006
Happy Lei Feng Day
Today, as my Chinese friend told me, “is the day we learn from Lei Feng.”
After Lei Feng’s death in 1962 he was declared by Chairman Mao Ze Dong to be a worthy role model and exemplary Communist. Lei Feng’s life was ordinary; his greatest claim to fame was that he wanted to be nothing more than “a revolutionary screw that never rusts.” Many stories are told of his frugality and the kind deeds he did for others. Most importantly, he let the Communist Party – or Mao – do his thinking for him and taught others to do the same.
Some doubt exists as to whether Lei Feng ever actually lived, and as to whether the “Lei Feng spirit” is even relevant in today’s China. Now the commemorative day is used to promote volunteer work.
And so it was that, when we went for our weekly visit to the local orphanage yesterday, it was mobbed with swarms of students standing around, watching the kids, some passing out candy or fruit. It was a little overwhelming: my first time back to the orphanage since the vacation and it was challenging to really reconnect with the kids amidst the madness. But I still had a good time. I’m not sure how many of the kids know about Lei Feng Day.
| By huzzlecoo | 08:42 PM
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Comments
Lei Feng,a great guy.
Posted by: Sherry at March 5, 2006 08:58 PM
all of this is making so much more since now that i am reading Wild Swans...why didn't I read it long long ago?
Posted by: Jamie Gadberry at March 16, 2006 05:39 PM
