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Survival Through Generations: To Live (Lifetimes) - A Psychological Analysis

Explore the profound psychological effects of Chinese Communism through the lens of the movie "To Live (Lifetimes)," delving into themes of survival, redemption, and familial bonds in the face of political turmoil. Unpack the intricate character dynamics and plot points, revealing the challenges and resilience of individuals impacted by historical events. Gain insights into the lasting consequences on families both on and off the mainland, highlighting themes of trauma, mistrust, and perseverance. Discover the intricate interplay between personal struggles and societal ideologies, shedding light on the complexities of human experiences under tumultuous circumstances.

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Survival Through Generations: To Live (Lifetimes) - A Psychological Analysis

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  1. To Live (Lifetimes) 活著 Melvin W. Wong, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist ChristianMentalHealth.com Students@ChristianMentalHealth.com

  2. Shadow Puppet Show 皮影 • A form of ancient Television • Puppets were made of leather for flexibility & durability with portability • Illuminated from behind the scene • This art: The common thread over the events • A man’s accidental career with this art form • A way to illustrate the powerlessness & helplessness of the masses “Survival” “To Live”

  3. To Live (Lifetimes) 活著Features of the movie • Chinese man: The gambler (addicted) • Chinese man: The spoiled brat (scoundrel?) • Chinese man: The irresponsible husband • Chinese man: The irresponsible father • Chinese woman: The servant (roles) • Chinese woman: The neglected wife • Chinese woman: The enabler • Chinese woman: The the whistle blower

  4. Plot of the movie • The redemption of a traditional Chinese man • Introduction to the last fifty years of modern day China • Communism: The emergence & justification of • Nationalist government: The problems • Low morale with the soldiers: Opportunistic • Irresponsibility: Abandoned the sick to die in the cold • Atrocities were committed by the leaders (Abuse, corruption) • Introduction to the specific political movements • “Communes” for of idealistic community living • “Big Leap Forward” (“Backyard blacksmiths”) • The Red Guards: Cultural Revolution

  5. 1940’s • Master Xiu Fugui: A spoiled brat and his gambling addiction • Grandiose: Took over the puppeteer's work • Gambling

  6. Gambling Addiction • Pregnant wife confronts husband at the casino • “Losing face” of the husband • Wife decided to leave him • He was overcome with shame and wept • He lost his father’s house: Overcome with rage and suffered a stroke? Heart attack? • He lost his father

  7. Father and son relationship • He disappointed his father by losing the house • He caused the death of his father “shame” • He accepted his wife’s naming of son “Don’t gamble” • He cares for his son • He care for his grandson

  8. Husband and wife relationship • Husband can be redeemed because of his good wife • Wife was long-suffering and smart • Let husband be homeless until he gets it • Survived the family upon husband’s disappearance • Daughter held the hand of his dad to their home • Child is expected to be go-between

  9. Chinese Communism & Psychological Effects Psychological effects on the Chinese people on the mainland • Common Psychological Effects (PTSD features) • Pain and tragedy: “Eating Bitterness” “Survival for the fittest” • Fears-safety: Unable to control or predict future political events • Mistrust: Disruption of “Basic Trust Bonding” Parent-Child • Trauma-Bonding: “Good & Bad” Reinforces family living • Passive-Aggressiveness: “Back Door” “Get around the system” • Encouraged “Mindlessness”: “Dumbing Down” Effect • Deprivation of resources: “Entitlement” expectations • “Blame” mentality: Unable to self-reflect, grandiosity • “Flee at all cost” “Make it no matter what”

  10. Chinese Communism & Psychological Effects Psychological effects on the Chinese people off the mainland • Survivors’ guilt: Grief for family members on mainland • Estrangement & Separation of family members • Political ideas separate family member for life • Broken families: uncle & niece constitute a family • “The Abandoned” syndrome • “You owe me”: “It costs so much to go home!” • Scheme & scandals: To milk money from abroad

  11. Chinese Communism & Psychological Effects Psychological effects on the Chinese people in Taiwan • They escaped the communists take over of the mainland • Self-determination: Starting over • Preferred to be called “Taiwanese” not Chinese • Wanting to be independent but fear of Chinese invasion • Psychological effects on the Chinese migration • Determination to rebuild at all cost: Casualties • Anti-Communists, anti-Japanese • Only the well to do or intellectuals can emigrate

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