PODCAST:Drum Tower
TITLE:Drum Tower: Yunnan Mongolians
DATE:2024-01-23 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
In this episode of "Drum Tower" from The Economist, the focus shifts to Xingmong, a small collection of villages in Yunnan, China, home to a tiny community of about 6,000 ethnic Mongolians, far south from Inner Mongolia. These villagers proudly identify as descendants of Genghis Khan, reflecting the complex and evolving dynamics of ethnic identity and policy in Xi Jinping's China. The episode explores how the Communist Party's approach to ethnic minorities has both promoted and restricted the Mongolian identity based on political interests.
The host, David, shares his experiences from visiting Xingmong during a Mongolian folk festival, or Nadam. This festival, which includes traditional Mongolian activities, is also mixed with local customs, highlighting the unique blend of cultures in the region. The area's subtropical landscape, contrasting with the grasslands of northern Mongolia, underscores the distinctiveness of this community. The festival, while celebrating Mongolian heritage, is carefully monitored by the authorities, with political messaging about ethnic unity woven into the event.
The discussion delves into the historical context, tracing the villagers' Mongolian ancestry back to the 13th century when Mongolian soldiers were sent to conquer the Dali kingdom in southern China. The narrative of the community's identity has fluctuated over centuries, influenced by the ruling dynasties and political climates. Under Mao Zedong, the community was officially recognized as Mongolian for the first time, reflecting the broader political strategies of the era.
However, the Cultural Revolution brought about a period of suppression for ethnic minorities, including Mongolians in Xingmong. The episode discusses how the community's Mongolian identity was suppressed during this time and only re-emerged with China's economic reforms and the promotion of tourism. The festival, with its Mongolian-themed attractions, serves as a contemporary example of how the community's heritage is used for state purposes, aligning with the party's narrative of ethnic unity and national pride.
The podcast episode also touches on the subtleties of the Communist Party's policies towards this small Mongolian community in Yunnan. It highlights the party's meticulous approach in shaping and controlling ethnic identities, even in remote areas that pose no apparent threat to national security. The episode concludes with a broader reflection on how ethnic policies under Xi Jinping seek to mold the spiritual core of minority identities, favoring party loyalty over individual cultural expression.
