breaking stereotypes

Growing up, I remember reading a lot of Chinese version of fairytales, so I was really surprised that I had not read the Chinese version of Little Red Riding Hood before. It has taken me a long time to really come to appreciate and embrace my Chinese heritage, so I very much enjoyed reading this version and then looking up the history behind when it was it written. I think that it was really interesting that it was the girl that was the heroine and the brave one in the story, because even until now, sons were more desired in Chinese families because they not only carried the family name, but because they can be worked, thus supplying for the economic purposes of the families. This is especially interesting as this version was published in 1979 (in the wake of the Cultural Revolution in China), the same year that China passed its “One-Child” policy to ease social, economic, and environmental problems in China, so couples only had one chance for a son, making it even more fascinating that the main character and hero of the story is a girl. As a stereotype, Asian women are also rendered as meek, passive, and gentle, but Goldflower in this version completely breaks that stereotype and I think truly inspires and empowers all women, Asian or not alike. She is not only brave, but clever and witty, ultimately tricking the wolf to give her the very weapon he was probably going to kill her with, which she used to gorily spear into deep into the Bear’s throat. Because of this, I think that this version was intended for a more mature, and adult audience. Children back then did not have the freedom to just play and enjoy childhood in the way that is so common for us living in the Western world in the 21st century, for they were very much an integral part of supporting and providing for the family. Thus, stories would not be specifying or especially written for children nor for their entertainment. Lastly, this version of the traditional Little Red Riding Hood story is that it highlights several aspects that are important to the Chinese family unit. The story starts out with the mother going to visit and care for a sick aunt- this shows that the family is treated as a communal thing, without members of the family caring and helping each other out. In everything that Chinese people do, it is not so much for themselves or how it affects them individually, but it is usually with the family in mind- you never just bring shame on yourself, but shame on the whole family. Also, the eldest in the family will always play the pseudo mom and cares for the younger siblings, as the older sister is in charge of caring for her younger brother when the mom was away. So not only was this version published during an a very important and defining period in Chinese history, but it also highlights and emphasizes several fundamental parts of Chinese family life. This might not even be connected to this version and it can be a complete coincidence, but this is another version of Little Red Riding Hood, and the color red is very important, symbolizing happiness/joy, good fortune/prosperity, dignity, mystery, and signifying reunion/unity, health, harmony, and peace. For China, red is not just a color, but something that embodies and reflects traditions, cultures, and a wealth of history.