While Lu Xun’s writing are being removed from high school reading lists in Beijing, the reading of kung fu romance novels of Jin Yong is promoted by authorities. From Travellers’ Tales – The FEER Blog:
The more interesting question is, why now? Jin Yong‘s novels were once banned by the communists, apparently on the grounds that they glorified outlaws, perpetuated feudal values, etc. But in this post-ideological age, the difference between Lu Xun and Jin Yong boils down to this ” Lu Xun engaged in soul-searching to understand the weaknesses of the Chinese national character, whereas Jin Yong is escapism with a dose of nationalism. This fits in perfectly with the “bread and circuses” approach of the Hu administration. As the Taoist philosopher Laozi wrote, “The sage rules men by filling their bellies and emptying their minds.” [Full Text]
