China’s Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is rapidly spreading throughout the country, resembling the way Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has infiltrated various institutions in the West. Xi Jinping Thought, an attempt by China’s leader to imprint his personal philosophy on the entire nation, has been gamified within the Chinese internet, creating a dedicated following among Communist Party officials.
Officials use the Rejuvenation No.1 app, where they can access Xi Jinping’s quotes and ideology. By actively participating in the app, officials can propel their Communist Party branches to the top of the leaderboard. The app has gained significant popularity, with approximately 700,000 cadres logging in daily to partake in a nationwide quiz on Xi’s personal ideology. The quiz presents multiple-choice questions, requiring accurate answers to progress. The scope of the quiz demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Xi Jinping Thought, which encompasses various aspects of China’s socio-political landscape.
Xi Jinping Thought is essentially a compilation of Xi’s statements and speeches on various topics over the years. It is not an original philosophy but rather a collection of his ideas. The sheer volume of material makes Xi Jinping Thought seemingly endless, effectively resembling the invasive nature of the kudzu plant, which grows rapidly and is difficult to contain.
To further promote Xi Jinping Thought, a proposed law seeks to make its study mandatory in Chinese schools. Schools and organizations working with children and young people would be tasked with carrying out ideological and political education, including the Communist Party’s official version of history, national symbols, national unity, and national security. This concerted effort to embed Xi Jinping Thought in everyday affairs is also permeating Chinese businesses, where failing to show appreciation for the ideology could harm one’s career prospects.
The similarities between the spread of Xi Jinping Thought in China and DEI in the West are evident. Both involve attempts to embed ideology in various spheres of society, ultimately establishing control over discourse and power dynamics. In the West, expressions of fealty to DEI principles are increasingly required for career advancement in universities and major businesses. Institutions deeply committed to DEI have observed a shift in focus, with workers spending more time discussing woke issues rather than their job responsibilities.
While there are differences between Xi Jinping Thought and DEI, such as their respective details and contexts, the underlying impetus is similar. Both seek to wield influence by integrating ideology into everyday life. The effects of this approach are becoming increasingly apparent in China, and parallels can be seen in Western societies.
As China continues to disseminate Xi Jinping Thought and its gamified elements, it raises questions about the balance between promoting ideological principles and fostering open discourse. The extent to which these ideologies are embraced and imposed in daily life will shape the future trajectory of both Chinese and Western societies.
