China attempts to make Karl Marx ‘cool’ again with a catchy rap song (VIDEO)
CHINESE state media is leveraging on a rap song to make Karl Marx and communism appealing to its youngsters.
The song, entitled “Marx is a post-90” (a “post-90” being China’s version of a millennial), praises the philosopher’s supposed coolness with lyrics about how a Chinese youth “discovered how awesome he is” after being exposed to his teachings.
According to local news portal People’s Daily, the song is proof of Marx’s longevity and how he will “never completely go out of style”, reported Xinhuanet.
The song was released to accompany a television program about books which will soon be aired in northern China meant to introduce Marxism to a young audience in a relatable way.
The rap’s lyrics draws a connection between Karl Marx and qualities that China’s post-1990’s generation aspire to, featuring lines such as “Not for power, not for money, but for faith, we march ahead” and “We both won’t give up till we die”.
The song’s writer, Zhuo Sina, in an interview with the People’s Daily, said: “The lyrics are meant to tell everyone that Marxism is still in fashion, and is not something outdated.
“If this song could change students’ attitudes toward Marx and prompt greater willingness to learn about Marxism, then I think that’s a good thing,” she added.
In China, students are required to take “theoretical thinking” courses that include Marxist theories, but they may not embrace it as much as the Chinese government would like.
Additional reporting by Associated Press
