the masses as well. As Deng Xiao Ping looked abroad to strengthen China on the world’s stage, his people embraced a wide array of ideas and gained expanse for certain freedoms. In Throwing the Emperor from His Horse, the difference in philosophy between Wang Fucheng and his son Wang Dejun is microcosmic of each living during Mao’s regime and during Deng’s reign. Wang Fucheng was a staunch supporter of Chairman Mao, believing his ways produced social stability while establishing the fact that it was Mao who paved the way for Deng’s open market system. Wang Fucheng praises Mao with an aura of respect, as he subscribed to the chairman’s propaganda, which curbed his thinking, limited his freedom, and forced him to give himself up for the sake of his community. The elder Wang despised the ideas of decollectivization and “too much freedom” (Seybolt 88). Mao’s period awarded only communities on quotas met, while under the leadership of Deng, hardworking individuals reaped the benefits of their hours of toil. Wang Dejun’s views correspond to Deng’s new order, which is “characterized by increased prosperity on the one hand, and political…insecurity, official corruption, and material inequality on the other” (Seybolt 121). Wang Dejun saw the better clothes and decorative houses that villagers could afford under Deng, and the wider scope of freedom of expression that was privy to each individual.In the eras of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiao Ping, China underwent great changes that affected the freedoms of individuals and communities. Mao impaired individual rights with his Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, which sought to unify the nation under a single cause (of communal agricultural production) and bring China under uniform thought as well. Thus, in his attempt to accomplish his goals he placed less emphasis on freedom and more on developing a sturdy political back...
