(Ecns.cn)--For three years, Chongqing Municipality in southwestern China has been promoting activities related to "red culture." It is said that red songs, stories, movies, and maxims have become a part of people's daily lives there.
Historical products that still glisten
"The color 'red' symbolize vitality, youth, and energy in Chinese culture. Though red songs are historical products, they represent not only the revolutionary spirit of the past times, but also the people's enthusiasm for pursuing happiness today," said He Shizhong, director of the Department of Publicity in Chongqing.
What people are singing now in Chongqing ranges greatly: red songs praising workers, the Reform and Opening Up, the unity of the people, and the beauty of the country; original songs written by Chongqing composers illustrating life and the changes in the city; and songs written by Hong Kong and Taiwanese musicians expressing their love of the Chinese mainland. They are even singing foreign patriotic songs like "Edelweiss."
According to He, songs are a way for people to express their feelings. "It is groundless to say that the activities are ultra-ideological or are related to the Cultural Revolution," said He. "Through participation, people's spiritual life has been enriched," he added.
Welcomed by the masses
"Without the support of the masses, no activity can be conducted successfully or passed on," said He, "and the reason why red song activities have been held continuously for three years here lies in the support of the public."
People from all walks of life, including from rural areas, communities, governmental departments, schools, and companies are forming special singing groups. You can see people practicing songs in the garden, squares, or just on the street corner.
Criticism of the activities
Yet there are those who still criticize "red culture" activities as being ultra-ideological and bringing people beck to the Cultural Revolution period when socialism and Maoism were over-eulogized.
Not long ago, a story that the Chongqing government had spent an incredible 270 billion yuan ($41.8 billion) on red song activities from 2008 to 2010 overwhelmed the Internet and aroused people's attention. Some even criticized the event as wasting time and energy on something that will not bring direct benefit to the economy.
"It is ridiculous to say that," answered He, "for most activities are held in gardens, squares, schools, and communities, which are all free for people. Most of the time, people do not need to wear special costumes or pay for venue rentals. And even if there were some large-scale activities, the government would only spend less than 200,000 to 300,000 yuan ($30,928 to $46,393)."
"In addition, the Chongqing government plans to invest 300 billion yuan ($46.39 billion) to further improve people's life," added He. "And starting in 2008, the average GDP growth in Chongqing was 15%, ranking it among the top growing cities in the country."
What the Chongqing people have been doing with red culture and their positive attitude toward the city and their love for the country expressed through the songs are reported to move former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger after visiting the city this July.
