Fact Check: Chinese Red Guards cannibalized people during the Cultural Revolution

The Claim: "Chinese Red Guards cannibalized people during the Cultural Revolution"

Introduction

The assertion that Chinese Red Guards engaged in cannibalism during the Cultural Revolution is a disturbing claim that has surfaced in various historical accounts. This claim specifically references incidents that reportedly occurred in Guangxi Province in the late 1960s, suggesting that numerous individuals were consumed by others amid the chaos of the Cultural Revolution. This article will explore the available evidence surrounding this claim, critically assessing the sources and their reliability.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The Cultural Revolution, initiated by Mao Zedong in 1966, aimed to reinforce communist ideology by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. This period was marked by widespread violence, persecution, and social upheaval, often led by student groups known as Red Guards 59.

2. Incidents of Cannibalism: Reports indicate that in Guangxi Province, there were instances of cannibalism during this tumultuous period. A New York Times article from 1993 cites documents suggesting that at least 137 people were cannibalized, with estimates indicating that the actual number could be in the hundreds 1. The article describes how many individuals reportedly consumed the flesh of a single corpse, implying that the number of participants in these acts could be substantial.

3. Zheng Yi's Research: Zheng Yi, a Chinese dissident and writer, has published accounts detailing the cannibalism that occurred during the Cultural Revolution. His work, "Scarlet Memorial," is cited as a significant source of information on this topic, claiming that hundreds or possibly thousands were involved in these acts 107.

4. Wikipedia Entries: The Wikipedia entry on the Guangxi Massacre corroborates some of these claims, stating that violence during the Cultural Revolution escalated to extreme levels, including cannibalism, particularly in Guangxi 2. However, Wikipedia entries can vary in reliability depending on the citations and the editorial oversight they receive.

5. Additional Reports: Other sources, such as NPR and The Washington Post, provide narratives of the violence and chaos during the Cultural Revolution, including accounts of cannibalism. The Washington Post article emphasizes the complicity of local Communist Party officials in these acts 86.

Analysis

The evidence surrounding the claim of cannibalism during the Cultural Revolution is drawn from a mix of historical accounts, personal testimonies, and scholarly research. However, the reliability of these sources varies:

• Credibility of Sources: The New York Times and The Washington Post are generally regarded as credible news organizations with rigorous editorial standards. However, the articles referenced are decades old, and while they provide valuable insights, they may not reflect the most current scholarship on the topic.

• Zheng Yi's Work: While Zheng Yi's accounts are often cited, it is essential to consider his position as a dissident, which may introduce bias. His personal experiences and narratives may not be universally accepted as objective truth, and further corroboration from independent sources would strengthen the claims he makes.

• Wikipedia and Secondary Sources: Wikipedia can serve as a useful starting point for research but should not be relied upon as a definitive source due to its collaborative nature and potential for bias. The information should be cross-referenced with primary sources or peer-reviewed studies.

• Methodological Concerns: The methodologies used in gathering evidence for these claims, particularly in Zheng Yi's work and other historical accounts, should be scrutinized. For instance, how were the numbers of cannibalized individuals determined? Were there reliable eyewitness accounts, or are these claims based on anecdotal evidence?

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that Chinese Red Guards engaged in cannibalism during the Cultural Revolution is partially true, as there is some evidence supporting the occurrence of such acts, particularly in Guangxi Province. Reports from credible sources, including the New York Times and accounts from Zheng Yi, suggest that cannibalism did occur amid the violence and chaos of the Cultural Revolution. However, the exact extent and nature of these incidents remain unclear, with estimates varying widely and reliant on potentially biased or anecdotal evidence.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. Many of the sources are historical accounts that may not have been rigorously verified, and the context of the Cultural Revolution complicates the interpretation of these events. Furthermore, the reliance on dissident narratives introduces potential bias that should be considered when evaluating the claims.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding historical events, particularly those as complex and fraught as the Cultural Revolution. Engaging with a variety of sources and perspectives can provide a more nuanced understanding of such claims.

Sources

1. A Tale of Red Guards and Cannibals - The New York Times. Link
2. Guangxi Massacre - Wikipedia. Link
3. How violence unfolded during China's Cultural Revolution - Stanford News. Link
4. Confiscated Objects of the Cultural Revolution: A Visual Interview with Puck Engman - Social Science Matrix. Link
5. Introduction to the Cultural Revolution - FSI. Link
6. Newly Released Documents Detail Traumas Of China's Cultural Revolution - NPR. Link
7. Scarlet Memorial - Wikipedia. Link
8. DEVOURING THEIR OWN - The Washington Post. Link
9. Red Guards - Wikipedia. Link
10. Cultural Revolution Horrors: Cannibalism and Massacres - Facts and Details. Link