Introduction
For huge countries like China, leadership is essential due to the tendency of a country to break into factions when there are no directions given to them. If a huge population is allowed to act without a leader and on desires alone, then many contrasting ideas would not be settled, causing divides and the downfall of a nation. Worse, people may even go against each other to establish a position in the society. A leader, in situations like this, acts as the bond that pulls everything together while leading them to a brighter future. In the case of China, this leader is Mao Zedong. Although many do not consider him as their hero, there are many instances where his skills to lead his people became apparent. Sure, Mao Zedong has his own dark side, but he tried to overcome them and create a consolidated and a more globally competitive China. This paper will likewise discuss the positive or good sides of Mao Zedong in many aspects.
Body
Ethical Behavior
Mao Zedong is a revolutionary leader with much regards to ethics. He came up with services that helped the public. During his time, many hospitals and schools were built. He pioneered building more schools since he realized that it is only ethical that people be able to understand the situation China is in, the purpose and the extent of the law, and his messages (Da et al., n.d.). He wanted people to understand him and not blindly follow him. This is a very ethical move since it shows commitment to the people he is serving at that time. The hospitals were likewise a reflection of his commitment and compassion to the people of China.
Mao brought oppression to its knees. He did it in many instances through various means. For instance, Mao brought balance to a society where the poor are oppressed and the wealthy are allowed to do so. He did it by confiscating excessive wealths, and distributing them to the less fortunate (Da et al., n.d.). This move likewise brought back equal opportunities for the people of China and closed the gap between the rich and the poor.
Additionally, Mao banned any forms of arranged marriage. This move is ethical in many levels since it allows people to have their choice. Arranged marriage disregards one’s ability to choose and decide without much intervention. Mao also raised the legal age to get married, thus, allowing people to become more mature when they choose their spouse (Da et al., n.d.). Reforms in the marriages in China allowed choice and maturity to prevail, rather than other factors like the parents’ business potentials.
Legacy
Mao desperately wanted China to become the best country and this desire had allowed him to leave many legacies. Among his legacy is the founding of the People’s Republic way back in 1949. He did this by launching the Cultural Revolution that was directed to root out anyone who hindered China’s progress by steering it in the wrong direction. This Cultural Revolution was violent and is among the most disputed events in China. While many deem it extreme, many scholars view the Cultural Revolution a necessity for China.
Furthermore,Mao became a symbol for equality and ambitions for many, and communism. This legacy of him allows people to help China achieve a state where there is equal opportunity for all. This includes providing subsidized education, health care, and other basic human needs. He abolished equality and helped other people to realize its importance. He likewise left a legacy that resonates through many years and many places. Additionally, many people outside of China were also influenced by his desire to end oppression and bring equality back (Tatlow, 2011).
Impacts
Within China, Mao served as a figure that leads people to ambitious goals. As stated earlier, Mao moved people and influenced their ideologies. He did not only become a leader when he was alive, but also led even when he is not around. With him, people became more aware of the oppression in the society and allowed people to combat it. This particular impact of Mao is important since it opened the eyes of many and allowed China to function appropriately. During his time, he disregarded social status and recognized that everyone should receive similar opportunities (Ross, 2005).
Mao also impacted other countries aside from China. After 1970s in the West, the ideals and principles that Mao reflected had slowly shaped and influenced politics. More people around the globe had been influenced by his ideologies and who had called for social reforms in their own countries. Furthermore, Mao encouraged ambitions and economic stimulation in China. Shaping the economy of China and influencing what China is now (Ross, 2005). The impact Mao has made is immeasurable due to its extent. His legacy alone is an evidence that a man can change the course of a whole nation and other nations as well.
Conclusion
Mao Zedong is a leader with a dark side that have been overwhelmed by his ambitions for his people. Mao Zedong has many facets and many legacies that had impacted many people through many timelines. His ideals should likewise be studied and improved by other leaders so as they can be as influential as he is, but better.
References
Da, C.Q., Yang, J., Liew, K., Look, K., and Rong, P.W. (n.d.). The Father of Communist China. Mao Zedong. Retrieved August 1,2016.
Ross, A. (2005). Mao Zedong’s Impact on Cultural Politics in the West. Cultural Politics,1(1): 5-22.
Tatlow, D.K. (2011). Mao’s Legacy Still Divides China. The New York Times. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
