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China Pictorial (1950–1966): A Study on Ethnic Minority Images

Author(s)

Liangjie Wei, Mingkang Xiao

Affiliation(s)

School of Literature and Law, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, Hunan, China

Abstract

As a crucial vehicle of state discourse, China Pictorial (1950–1966) reflected national concerns, ethnic policies, and state undertakings through reports covering 490 appearances of ethnic minority individuals from 36 distinct ethnic groups across 19 provincial-level regions, including people of both genders from a wide range of occupations. Through its construction of ethnic minority images, the pictorial conveyed implications of unity and progress, encompassing socioeconomic development in ethnic regions, ethnic solidarity and patriotism, as well as the inheritance of ethnic cultures and the advancement of ethnic minority affairs. The portrayal of ethnic minorities in China Pictorial (1950–1966) offers valuable references for shaping ethnic minority images, telling ethnic stories, and articulating a discourse of ethnic unity in the new era.

Keywords

China Pictorial; Ethnic Minorities; Image Construction; Unity and Progress; Contemporary Value

References

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