Discussion Questions
Directions: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided Be prepared to
Share your righalles in a class discussion
1. The establishment of Chairman Mao's Red Guards is often looked to as an example of the
vulnerability of young people to propaganda, manipulation, and ideological myopia. Have
you seen or experienced any instances of this teenagers latching on to a cause or belief
without questioning it - in recent years? Have you learned of other instances of this in
history? Why do you think this happens?
2.
In the context of this text, why do people follow the crowd? Why do you think the students
in the Red Guard formed their army? What might other consequences of folowing the
crowd be?
3
Mao advocated for war as the means of progress, first in China, then for workers
worldwide. In your opinion, is war usually the most effective means for creating change?
What are other ways people create change in society? Which ways are the most effective
and under what drcumstances?