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Mao Zedong's infamous mango cult - Vivian Jiang

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TEDEd Animation

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In August 1968, factory workers overheard news of a mandatory meeting. Whispered rumors described shipments of a gift from the country’s Communist leader, Chairman Mao Zedong. And sure enough, managers soon distributed a gift to every factory worker– a glass box encasing a golden wax replica of a mango. What was the meaning behind this unusual offering? Vivian Jiang investigates.

The Chinese Cultural Revolution targeted certain groups of people, allowing for communities to grow suspicious and even violent towards one another. In what ways did this movement impact the everyday, ordinary aspects of people’s lives?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Vivian Jiang
  • Director Kayu Leung
  • Narrator Pen-Pen Chen
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Senior Producer Anna Bechtol
  • Associate Producer Sazia Afrin
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Senior Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
  • Fact-Checker Paige Downie

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