Recently I've taken quite an interest in all this "communism stuff," as I wasn't alive during its peak. A couple months ago a new guy from China moved in down the street in a crummy apartment building, and we've sort of become friends, which has also helped to spark my interest. I've been helping him with English and stuff, (he barely knew a word upon his arrival,) and I just can't get over how different our backgrounds in history are. He's having an absolutely terrible time with his world history class. Trying to explain WWII was quite a task...he hadn't heard of Hitler!

Does anyone here know much about modern China, and what his life must have been like before moving? I'm especially curious about the education system and whether the government still controls employment. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Misty.In response to your PM, I am here! It would help if I knew where in China he comes from. I live in Hong Kong and that is vastly different in every way from the Mainland. If he comes from a large city like Beijing or Shanghai then he will have still only learnt Chinese History, and lets face it there's a heck of a lot of that! If you want a real insight in to Modern Chinese History , I think I would contact TheJazzkickazz who is our FT expert on that. My knowledge of education and modern history only extends to Hong Kong, both under British Rule and after, really. The subject you are asking about is incredibly vast. I might be inclined to be more specific when you ask Jazz or anyone.
You could do some background reading . There are some novels that might give you an insight. I am thinking of :"Black Snow"by Heng Liu,
"Iron and Silk" by Mark Salzman
"Red Azalea" by Anchee Min and
(this is a bit 'heavy'!) The Tyranny of History: The Roots of China's Crisis (Penguin History)
by W. J. F. Henner
The well known authers Ha Jin and Jung Chang will provide you with good background knowledge about the Cultural Revolution too.
I hope this helps.

Thanks ren, it most certainly does! I'll be sure to hunt up a couple of the books you mentioned.

All I really know for certain is that he's from Northern China, in an area where it doesn't snow. I doubt it's a big city or he would have mentioned it. We still have quite a few communication problems; I had an awful time trying to explain what the word "interesting" meant a few days ago!

Recently I read a fascinating novel entitled "Forbidden City," which had to do with the Beijing Massacre, but unfortunately the whole concept was so foreign it only sparked my curiosity further. I believe I will consult Jazz. Thanks for the help again.

Hi,you may browse http://www.chinadaily.com.cn
to get info of modern china.
I'm from Shanghai,China

sorry to put a damper on REN'S posting but I would NOT read anything written by a western person living in China or ask JAZZ for his insights, you will only get a false opinion of Chinese life and society.The Chinese will only tell you what they think you want to know, unless you are part of the family you will not learn much.Stick to reading stories written by the chinese themselves and not overseas chinese who have a different outlook on life

I'm posting this as one of the moderators for this Forum.

It's perfectly possible to make one's point without running down other individuals who are active on this site. One is perfectly entitled to put 'a damper' on the notion that Westerners have any insight into China, but this can be done without reference to individuals. I take a dim view of the comment made above on thejazz. The tenor of that remark is, no doubt unintentionally, reminscent of one of the more unfortunate features of the old "Controversial Issues" Forum.

Thanks Bloomsby. I would like it known that Jazz (and yes I am mentioning someone's name, mainly in praise) is a person whose views on and knowledge of, China I have come to respect greatly. He speaks the languages and is much more of an authority , I would say than many local people.

Wow, who'd have thought this thread would be brought up again over a year later!
I guess and update is needed: though my friend struggled extensively with English he's now quite fluent and, (get this,) managed to earn straight A's last term with the exception of History. (Quite an accomplishment at my school-it's extremely competetive here.)
Anyway, my point is that we can now communicate much more easily and he's answered many of my questions. He never speaks ill of China, (always praises it,) but at least I've got my facts straight.
...Oh yea, he's also attempting to teach me Mandarin. Anyway, thanks for the info! You guys were extremely helpful.