In the historical memoir, Red Scarf Girl, author Ji-li Jiang illustrates the way in which different social classes are viewed throughout Chinese society during the Cultural Revolution, as well as the struggles many families endured during this socio-political movement. Issues surrounding class status is a prevalent issue throughout the novel as China’s leader, Chairman Mao Zedong, initiated a Cultural Revolution in 1966 in an attempt to rid the country of capitalist ideas and preserve Communism. This Revolution changed everything as black elements of society turned red and red turned to black. The old ways of living were viewed undesirable as Chairman Mao ordered the Red Guards, a militant youth socialist group, to destroy the four olds of
