The present study, like all other academic works, results from collective efforts. I am heavily indebted to various individuals who not only made this study possible, but also trained me as a historian in the first place. It is my pleasure to thank them all here.
I am eternally grateful to Professor liping Wang, who recruited me from China into the University of Minnesota. without her absolute confidence in my potential and meticulous guidance when I was a graduate student, I would still be a white-collar employee in the Bank of China. I appreciate Professor Ann waltner’s unreserved and unend- ing support to me during my years at the university of Minnesota and after my graduation. Professor Lary May not only introduced me to the field of popular culture, but also enhanced my awareness of the interrelationship between culture and ongoing political struggles. My conversations and cooperation with Professor Jason McGrath during my last year in Minnesota elicited my interest in culture and politics in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).