Gn2GT | Freshman Podcast Season 1 Episode 2 | Authoritarian Rule | Linking China's Past & Present

Gn2GT GETTING INTO GOOD TROUBLE | Freshman Podcast 
After our Hong Kong protest episode, we became intrigued with the puzzling idea that China doesn't seem interested in compromise or even negotiation with the protestors in Hong Kong. In our effort to figure out why, we discovered a likely connection between Chinese history, specifically their history of authoritarian rule and a brief experiment with democratic ideals, and the current mindset of, "no compromise". 

A lively discussion between the fundamental differences between communism and democracy breaks out during which a second thesis emerges: Democracy is messy but more representative of the people than other forms of government. 
(music from bensound)

Thank You for listening to THE GETTING INTO GOOD TROUBLE PODCAST, a project of the Innovation Diploma program of The Mount Vernon Upper School in Atlanta, Ga.
learn more

Chapters

• 0:04 Aubrey introduces the show
• 0:18 Emma and Aidan introduce the origin of the episode topic
• 0:50 Jesse gives historical context by looking at the Chin Dynasty
• 1:28 Jesse discusses the Yuan Dynasty & Kublai Khan
• 1:43 Aidan discusses Chinese religious history
• 2:11 Aidan, Aubrey, Moritz ask how this history informs the present?
• 2:53 Moritz compares authoritarian rule to a stern parent
• 3:06 Emma & Barrett discuss China's experiments with democracy
• 3:52 Moritz Emma and Aidan relate the situation in Hong Kong and news this week of a British diplomat allegedly being detained and tortured in China.
• 4:01 Barrett says China is playing 3D Geopolitical Chess
• 4:21 Aubrey and Moritz clarify yesterday's news story and its implications
• 4:35 Everyone goes back to the original question: Can a link be made between China's history and their current refusal to compromise.
• 4:42 Barrett connects the people's economic security with their contentment with China's methods.
• 4:54 Aidan, Barrett, and Aubrey hypothesize that the people are unlikely to seek change.
• 5:03 Everyone discusses that people get comfortable with what they are used to and the young people will need to bring change.
• 5:34 Barrett relates young change-makers to the US protests in the 1960s.
• 5:58 Discussion about why young people often lead protests
• 6:21 Aubrey summarizes conclusions about democracy vs authoritarian rule and AIDAN NAILS THE ANSWER
• 6:48 Emma brings in the right to vote as a fundamental freedom, and Barrett connects that back to Hong Kong's revolution
• 7:00 Jesse concludes and Aidan wraps up. See you next time!