Hushi's Communication Theory Of Media And Media Construction Of Liberalism (1905-1937)

Hushi is a well-known scholar, thinker and activist for the newspaper& periodicals of liberalism in the contemporary Chinese history. He founds a great many influential publications, in which many of his thoughts on culture & politics can be found expression. The paper aims to present the readers with features of Mr. Hu's theory of communication at different stages, such as when he begins his career with the newspaper named "Jingyexunbao", and when he is in charge of the newspapers like "The New Youth", "Hardwork Weekly", "Crescent", "Independent Review". Based on the elaborate introduction, the clue of Mr. Hu's theory is clearly demonstrated to the readers. What's more, with the publication of these newspapers & periodicals, China is undergoing several of its crucial historical periods of time. Being an elite intellect, Hushi was habitually meditating upon a question about the proper expression means through media in the big context of the age.As a matter of fact, Hushi once shifted his identity from being a pioneer of enlightenment who tried best to lay a foundation for Chinese cultural innovation by publishing articles in The New Youth to a political observer who wished to build up an ideal "world of liberalism" by means of public voice and media in China. By and large, Hushi's communication theory had a great impact in the political and cultural fields. His deeds boosted up the political as well as the social development while he got his high academic status from this. Moreover, the practical rationalism in his thoughts gave influences to the formation of standard quality type of newspaper.The first chapter focuses on the generalization of historical factors leading to Hushi' s communication theory to which comprehensive analysis and empirical research are made in the background of social and political reform in the contemporary history of China. At Hushi's childhood, he was deeply edified by the traditional Cheng and Zhu's ideas as well as the orthodox Confucianism. Later on, he got his teaching and inspiration from theories of Liang Qichao, Yanfu, etc, which makes it possible for him to set up the famous newspaper "Jingyexunbao". Afterwards, Hushi got down to the work of editing of the newspaper"The New Youth". Through Mr. Hu's lifelong process, it was obvious that he's greatly influenced by both the liberal style of newspaper & periodicals and the positivism spirit in the western world. He advocated the practice of writings in vernacular, the social reform for the better, the emphasis on the individual liberation, the science education and anti-federalism. This period of time as mentioned was also a significant developing period for Hushi's liberalism theory.The second chapter mainly elaborates on how Hushi constructed the national political order through media. During the 1920s', Hushi played the role of intellect once again under the circumstances of the aggravating political situation and the increasing ideological conflict. On the one hand, by establishing economically independent scholastic circle, he inherited the tradition of setting up newspapers & periodicals together with like-minded intellects. He stood for the discussion of political affairs among intellects and put forward a series of suggestions on national policies. On the other hand, Hushi's conception of setting up newspapers & periodicals was greatly improved either theoretically or practically. A lot of his celebrated thoughts on public voice, newspapers and periodicals were known to people then.The third chapter not only gives a conclusion and review upon Hushi's communication theory, but also makes concrete analysis on its features displayed at various stages. The author, under the historical circumstances, generalizes all the aspects of Hushi's thoughts, such as about press freedom, public supervision, editing conception and so on so forth. To sum up, referring to the specific ideological characteristics, the advocacy for press liberalism is Hushi's spiritual core; "establishing newspapers with like-minded people" is a way Hushi sticks to in setting up newspapers; pragmatic rationalism is the attitude he adopts in the face of various changes of social & political environment, and also a means by which the press lives with high quality.The fourth chapter gives a historical assessment of Hushi's communication ideas. His ideas not only inherited from the previous thoughts and traditions of establishing newspaper, but also conclude his thoughts on the social reality in the big context of his age. On the values of his thoughts, the author affirms its inheritance of that of Liang Qichao and it is indeed very beneficial for the effect of enlightenment of newspaper. Hu shi's thoughts and vernacular style of writing and individual freedom in the enlighenment of New Youth is in a leading role for others. As a historical figure, the thought of Hu shi will inevitably has its historical limitations, The author gives a general conclusion of the phenomenon that economical problems are usually neglected. As a well-known newspaper establisher, his strong patriotism, noble characteristics can obviously be seen and must be applauded.