World - Chinese Modern Gangs (Famous People Lectures)

Author: Li Shuxi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: Where there are people, there is a "jianghu." The intense social upheaval and the psychological disorientation of people during China's modern period led to the "jianghuization" or "gangsterization" of modern China. Brushing away the dust of history reveals a world of jianghu filled with conflicts, swords, and daggers. The beggar gang, the axe gang, the Qing Gang, the (brotherhood), the secret society organizations, and the legendary jianghu bosses all make their appearances, resplendent in their roles. In our daily language, there is a string of terms that are not complimentary: the axe gang, the boss, to settle matters, Shanghai, the hall, and so on. Behind these terms lies a broader, encompassing noun: "jianghu!" Familiar names often turn out to be unfamiliar concepts when examined closely. What exactly is jianghu? Who is in the jianghu? What is within the jianghu? This book will take you into the world of the jianghu, composed of modern secret societies. "Gangsterism" was a revolution in name, but it was a revolution in reality. While there were indeed scoundrels among the gangsters, there were also many who possessed knowledge, thought, ambition, and courage. They upheld the virtue of "yi" (righteousness) and dared to act boldly. The complexity of Chinese society is unfathomable, and reading the history of "gangsterism" may help us rediscover those lost memories. Whether you are someone with little or extensive experience, whether you are a person of loyalty or not, whether you admire traditional culture, or whether you want to understand or avoid understanding Chinese society—this book is for you.