Lei Feng
Chinese soldier turned enduring propaganda icon.
Lei Feng (18 December 1940 – 15 August 1962), born Lei Zhengxing, was a Chinese soldier in the People's Liberation Army who became the subject of major propaganda campaigns in China. The most well-known campaign, launched in 1963, promoted the slogan 'Follow the examples of Comrade Lei Feng,' portraying him as a model citizen whose selflessness, modesty, and devotion to Mao Zedong were to be emulated by the masses. For decades, Chinese state media promoted the 'Lei Feng spirit' of helping others, frugality, and socialist collectivism, and his image continues to appear on T-shirts and memorabilia. However, biographical details, especially his diary, are generally believed by Western historians to be propaganda creations, and the historicity of Lei Feng himself is sometimes questioned.
- born
- 18 December 1940
- died
- 15 August 1962
- field
- Soldier, propaganda icon
- nationality
- Chinese
- known_for
- Model citizen in CCP propaganda; 'Learn from Lei Feng' campaigns
Lore & Background
According to China's state media, Lei Feng was born in Wangcheng, Hunan, near the town now named Leifeng in his honor. His family died before the establishment of the People's Republic: his father was killed by the invading Japanese Army when Lei was five, his elder brother died as a child labourer a year later, his younger brother died soon after, and his mother died by suicide after being 'dishonored by a landlord.' In autumn 1958, he was recruited by the Anshan Iron and Steel Group and worked as a bulldozer operator at the Gongchangling Iron Mine. He joined the Communist youth corps and later a transportation unit of the People's Liberation Army at age twenty. He died in 1962 at age 21 (22 by Chinese reckoning) when a telephone pole, struck by an army truck, hit him as he directed the truck in backing up.
Reader's Guide
Lei Feng's significance lies in his role as a central figure in Chinese Communist Party propaganda, especially after the 1963 'Learn from Lei Feng' campaign initiated by Lin Biao. The campaign, which promoted Lei's diary full of admiration for Mao and selfless deeds, aimed to improve Mao's image after the Great Leap Forward. Western scholars generally believe the diary was forged under Lin's direction, though contemporary researchers note excerpts were published between 1959 and 1960, and Lei was already a known media figure while alive. The diary, containing about 200,000 words, was later reshaped to fit different political periods. The campaign shifted from good deeds to a cult of Mao by 1964. Despite cynicism among some Chinese, Lei's function as a propaganda icon has survived decades of political change. March 5 is now 'Learn from Lei Feng Day,' marked by community service events. His image remains in school textbooks, though prominence has declined, and the phrase 'living Lei Feng' describes anyone seen as selfless.
Did You Know?
- Lei Feng's diary contains about 200,000 words describing selfless thoughts and enthusiastic comments on Mao.
- The phrase 'living Lei Feng' is used in China to describe anyone seen as selfless or who goes out of their way to help others.
- Lei Feng's military unit was based in Fushun, Liaoning, where he died and where his tomb is located.
- Contemporary researchers believe Lei Feng's diary was edited and propagandized, but not entirely fabricated.
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