Iron And Silk Analysis

“Iron and Silk,” written by Mark Salzman and directed by Shirley Sun, shows post-Cultural Revolution China from the perspective of a foreigner. Mark Salzman is an English teacher living in China during the 1980s, right after the country’s doors have finally opened to the world. Salzman wants to learn Chinese culture and customs, particularly wu shu, but finds it difficult to become part of society. Along the way, Salzman comes to rely on his friends in the country to help him cope with culture shock attached to being a foreigner. He finds throughout his exploration of the country that China’s past greatly affects the people around him.
In 1966, Communist Party leader, Mao Zedong, instigated the Cultural Revolution, bringing complex social change to China. The country’s youth took up arms and joined the Red Guards, an extensive militia that served Zedong ideaology. The Red Guards were radicalists; during the course of their 10-year reign, the guards killed anyone that opposed Mao Zedong or Communist radicalism. Oftentimes, these mass murders targeted teachers, parents, and the elderly, who held “old customs and beliefs”,”or people who enjoyed anything …show more content…
Teacher Hei cares for Mark, not only teaching him Mandarin, but how to interact with the withdrawn people around him, along with social customs and obligations. Due to the stigma around foreigners, especially Americans, Salzman has trouble socializing, but with Hei’s help, he is able to deal with the isolation. Sinbad, one of Salzman’s English students and friends, also tries to introduce Mark to Chinese culture. In one instance, Sinbad takes Salzman back to his home, where they enjoy the evening with Sinbad’s family. Both Teacher Hei and Sinbad are at risk of becoming outcasts in a society, that although not in the Cultural Revolution, avoid anything foreign and those who accept foreign