TED-Ed: Mao Zedong's infamous mango cult | Vivian Jiang

In 1968, Mao Zedong gifted mangoes to Chinese factory workers, sparking a nationwide fascination. This gesture was linked to the Cultural Revolution, a movement aimed at eradicating capitalist and traditional elements from society. The Red Guards, a student-led group, enforced Mao's ideology through violence and public shaming. Mangoes became a propaganda tool, demanding reverence and leading to extreme actions. The mango fever subsided after the Red Guards were dissolved, but the Cultural Revolution's impact remains a sensitive topic in China.

What unusual gift did factory workers receive from Chairman Mao in 1968?

• A golden wax replica of a mango

• A silver statue of a dragon

• A jade carving of a phoenix

• A bronze sculpture of a tiger

What was the primary goal of the Cultural Revolution initiated by Mao Zedong?

• To eliminate capitalist and traditional elements

• To establish a new educational system

• To promote capitalist values

• To encourage foreign trade

Who were the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution?

• A team of foreign diplomats

• A student-led paramilitary group

• A coalition of farmers

• A group of factory workers

How did Mao Zedong respond to the chaos caused by the Red Guards?

• He increased their power

• He sent factory workers to suppress them

• He ignored their actions

• He rewarded them with more mangoes

What was the origin of the mangoes gifted to the factory workers?

• They were purchased from a local market

• They were a gift from Pakistan's foreign minister

• They were imported from India

• They were grown in Mao's personal garden

What happened to the wax mango replicas after the mango craze ended?

• They were melted down for sculptures

• They were repurposed for candles

• They were buried in a time capsule

• They were displayed in museums

How is the Cultural Revolution viewed in China today?

• It is openly discussed and celebrated

• It is a topic of unrestricted academic study

• It is completely forgotten by the public

• Discussion is restricted and sensitive