On the shoulders of giants
0 
Kong Dongmei has been following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Mao Zedong, by promoting literature and culture.
Kong Dongmei has the same mole on her chin as her grandfather, former chairman Mao Zedong, but that's not all. She also has the same ambition to promote culture.
The daughter of Li Min, Mao's only surviving child with second wife He Zizhen, Kong is the president of a Beijing culture corporation.
"I started the enterprise with much the same goals as my grandfather," says the 38-year-old.
|
|
|
Kong Dongmei, granddaughter of former chairman Mao Zedong, wants to popularize "New Red Culture". [China Daily] |
In the early 1920s, Mao helped found the Cultural Book Society and its affiliated bookstore, in order to reform academic studies and provide intellectual comfort and stimulation for the nation by introducing new Chinese and foreign publications. Kong intends to popularize "New Red Culture", by offering a modern and diversified perspective on revolutionary history, through publishing books, filming documentaries and operating art studios.
"It is a goal that requires courage and determination," she tells China Daily, at her Bauhaus-style studio in Beijing's 798 Art District.
The studio is lined with shelves and display tables filled with books and souvenirs about Mao and his time.
On the walls and pillars, hang portraits and mottos from the "Great Helmsman," along with posters of leaders Vladimir Lenin, Mahatma Gandhi and Che Guevara.
While talking on the third floor at her studio, she is by no means reticent, but extremely cautious about her words. Her furtive glance at every passer-by signals her constant vigilance.
Kong looks chic, dressed in an agnes b. coat. Although she never met Mao (she was 4 years old and living with her grandmother in Shanghai when he passed away) his affection for her is revealed by her name.
"Grandfather chose the name Dongmei - dong from his own name, and mei from his favorite flower, the plum blossom," she explains.
Go to Forum >>0 Comments