Polarities

Abstract

This chapter examines minkan in the 1960s, a turbulent decade when the issues of privilege and class dominated almost every aspect of social activity. Social stratification was reinforced through officially launched class struggles and political campaigns against various “enemies” and “black elements” labeled according to political behavior and family origins. Minkan from this decade reflect political discrimination and social conflicts. Magazines produced by young people from privileged backgrounds were inspired by internally accessible reading materials such as the gray- and yellow-covered books.¹ These magazines were normally circulated within the elite circles. In contrast, the magazines founded by youths from the oppressed groups were concerned about social inequalities. The distribution of their magazines benefited from the da chuanlian (大串联, The Great Networking) during the early Cultural Revolution (CR). As mimeograph and letterpress facilities were strictly controlled by the authorities, hand-copying became the main method of producing unofficial magazines. The political consciousness and the features of independent culture, as manifested and fostered by these magazines, projected the potentialities as well as the clear limitations of minkan.