Why was it remarkable that Lin Zhengyi (Lin Yifu) would defect from Taiwan to mainland China? What was the general economic situation in each at the time?

This encourages the student to consider the historical context of China’s economic boom before it developed rapidly over the past several decades.

Who were the Got Rich First Crowd? Beyond their wealth, how did they defy traditional Communist and cultural norms?

This challenges the student to consider how individuality has become valued throughout China despite the fact that is was sharply discouraged by Communist ideology.

Explain how Macau serves as a metaphor for the Chinese economy. What is the comparison between organized crime and corruption?

This encourages the student to consider why Osnos chose to depict Macau and its extreme wealth. It also shows how organized crime, like corruption in China generally, is deeply embedded in the economy.

Why was Caijing unique among Chinese publications? What does it demonstrate about the ways in which media outlets could criticize the government?