From "A" to Xi. What You Don't Know About China's President.

This is how symbolism is born and reborn.  In religious symbolism, umbrellas or canopies are often used to denote unity and protection.  The forces of good often feel as though they are huddled together underneath a single umbrella.  But, it's usually just raining water.  In Hong Kong, in the year 2014, it was raining tear gas.  So, multiple hordes of democratic protesters formed walls of shields with their umbrellas.  The police backed down.  Then the protest was allowed to continue.

This protest came complete with reluctant police officers, religious leaders, and college kids trying to score.  Most of the time, the crowd mas manageable.  But, the mediocrity of the government crack down raises one question about umbrellas.  Are they the new symbol of systemic injustices?

Systemic injustices differ greatly from hate-based injustices.  Systemic injustices don't actually have any willing participants.  People are often controlled by an intricate web of financial incentives paired with violent disincentives.  But, where does Chinese president Xi Jinping fit into all of this?  Isn't he the embodiment of systemic injustice?

Xi's first major political debacle occurred when he was ten years old.  That's when his father was purged from the communist party in an effort to eliminate capitalists elements.  Five years later, his father was jailed.  Xi was sent to work in a factory.  Forty five years after that, as president of China, this same guy reigned tear gas on democracy protesters.  How does this all come together.

I am but a lowly writer.  At this time, I can not fully understand Chinese politics.  But, I want to know what makes Xi Jinping tick.  That's why I need help from you.  The discussion about Xi Jinping could be happening right now. All you have to do is use the social media buttons below.