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John Beekman wrote: "I think history may well determine that it was the fall
of the Gang of Four, and the ultimate triumph of Deng Xioaping's "socialism
with Chinese characteristics", that began what looks from here to be the
Chinese century. So, say, the Beijing Spring period, 1977. Though of
course this departs from the overwhelming Eurocentrism of the terminology in
question."
In choosing the Y2K fiasco as the determinant for the end of the 20th
Century, I was drawn to its quintessential mix of technology and
superstition which captured in a single moment what appear to be the
conflicting elements which I think will be the defining qualities of the
20th century: continuing technological progress set against an increasing
flight from knowledge and return to received fundamentalist ideas. This
conflict is completely international, existing, in one form or another, in
almost every culture.
Ed Pollack
Edward T. Pollack
Rare Books & Fine Prints
3 Mayfair Court
Mashpee, MA 02549
508-539-4720
pollackbks@comcast.net
www.edpollackfinearts.com
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