What problem do the neighbors have with Mrs. Tall and Mr. Short?
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They don't have children
They are mean to their neighbors
They look funny together
How does the neighbor's reason for disliking Mrs. Tall and Mr. Short relate to the historical context of the Cultural Revolution in China? (How does the story relate to what was happening in real life at the time?)
1 answer
The neighbor's problem with Mrs. Tall and Mr. Short not having children relates to the historical context of the Cultural Revolution in China because during that time period, having children was seen as a patriotic duty to the state. The government promoted the idea of having large families to support the socialist cause and the idea of "One Child Policy" was not implemented until the late 1970s. Therefore, not having children in a society where it was encouraged and expected could lead to social ostracism and criticism from neighbors. This reflects the societal pressures and expectations placed on individuals during the Cultural Revolution in China.