"Taking Off the Hat" and "Coronation": Historical Mirror Reflection and Reflection on the Changing Identities of Intellectuals.
In the torrent of history, the identity of intellectuals is like a symphony of ups and downs, sometimes passionate, sometimes low. Among them, the alternation of "taking off the hat" and "crowning" not only symbolizes the drastic changes in the social role and class attributes of intellectuals in different historical stages, but also deeply reflects the changes in the spirit of the times and the context of social change. Today, let's unveil this period of history, enter the tortuous process of "taking off the hat" and "crowning", and explore the sociological implications behind it, as well as the enlightenment for the present and the future.
1. "Taking off the hat": the reconstruction and challenge of the identity of intellectuals
1. The formation and influence of the label "bourgeois intellectuals".
After the struggle against the rightists was seriously expanded in 1957, the label of "bourgeois intellectuals" was once again pressed on the shoulders of the broad masses of intellectuals, which not only constrained their freedom of thought, but also suppressed their ability to contribute to social progress. This phenomenon reflects the one-sided perception of the class attributes of intellectuals in the society at that time, as well as the excessive criticism of intellectuals in a specific political context.
2. Zhou Enlai turned the tide and called for the correction of "leftist" mistakes
In the face of the unfair treatment of intellectuals, Premier Zhou Enlai showed profound insight and a firm sense of justice. For example, at the December 1958 conference, he explicitly pointed out the need to respect and protect veteran experts and correct excesses such as "pulling out the white flag." This spirit of upholding the truth and having the courage to correct deviations has won a breathing space for intellectuals.
2. "Coronation": the promotion and recognition of the status of intellectuals
1. "Part of the Working Class": A Historic Identity Shift
In 1956, Zhou Enlai made it clear in his Report on the Question of Intellectuals that the vast majority of intellectuals were already part of the working class. This thesis is not only an affirmation of the social status of intellectuals, but also an expectation that they will play a central role in socialist construction. Mao Zedong's high evaluation of this report further strengthened the widespread dissemination and acceptance of this concept.
2. The "spring" after the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee: Putting things right and cleaning up the roots
After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, China opened a new chapter in the comprehensive rectification of chaos. Deng Xiaoping once again reaffirmed the working-class nature of intellectuals at the National Science Conference, completely removed the "bourgeois" label that had hung over their heads for a long time, and announced the arrival of the true spring of intellectuals. This historical turning point marks the return of the mainland's cognition of intellectuals to rationality and the recognition of their value to a new height.
3. Sociological Reflections in Historical Mirrors
1. The relationship between the change of intellectual identity and social ideology
The process of intellectuals "taking off their hats" and "crowning" is actually a direct reflection of the ups and downs of social ideology and the evolution of ideology. When society tends to emphasize class struggle and guard against the "erosion of bourgeois ideology," intellectuals are easily labeled negatively, but when society turns to reform and opening up and attaches importance to the power of science and technology and knowledge, intellectuals are "crowned" and gain the respect and status they deserve.
2. The interaction and symbiosis between intellectuals and social development
The history of the identity change of intellectuals reveals an important truth: the prosperity and progress of society are inseparable from the active participation and contribution of intellectuals, and the attitude and policy of society towards intellectuals directly affect the release of their innovative vitality. Intellectuals and society should form a benign interaction, respect each other, and achieve each other.
"Taking off the hat" and "crowning" are a vivid portrayal of the changes in the identities of Chinese intellectuals over the past half century, which reflects the collision and integration of social concepts and witnesses the exploration and choice of the country's development path. Today, we stand at the starting point of the new era and look back on this period of history, not only to remember those intellectuals who adhere to the truth and dare to take responsibility, but also to remind the whole society to cherish knowledge and respect talents, so that every intellectual who is interested in promoting social progress can be "crowned" under the sunshine of the new era and jointly write a new chapter in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.