Song Binbin, Red Guard whose beating to death of a teacher heralded Mao’s Cultural Revolution

Song Binbin, a prominent figure during the Cultural Revolution, was involved in the brutal murder of Bian Zhongyun, a deputy principal, in 1966. This act of violence marked the beginning of a decade of chaos in China, resulting in the deaths of one to two million people. Song, who was a student leader of the Red Guards, later expressed regret for her actions in a public apology in 2014, which sparked controversy and calls for a national reckoning regarding the atrocities committed during this period. Her apology was met with skepticism, as many felt it was insufficient given the scale of the suffering experienced by victims like Bian. The Cultural Revolution, initiated by Mao Zedong, aimed to purge perceived enemies within the Communist Party and society, leading to widespread violence and persecution. Song's father, a high-ranking military official, was purged during this tumultuous time, illustrating the personal impact of the political climate on families. After years abroad, where she earned advanced degrees, Song returned to China, where she worked in engineering. Her life reflects the complex legacy of the Cultural Revolution, as she navigated her past while contributing to modern China. The events surrounding Bian's murder and the subsequent societal changes continue to resonate, highlighting the need for acknowledgment and understanding of this dark chapter in Chinese history.