Serve the People

"Serve the People" or "Service for the People" (zh-sp|s=为人民服务|p=wèi rénmín fúwù) is a political slogan which first appeared in Mao-era China. It originates from the title of a speech by Mao Zedong, delivered on September 8, 1944.

The concept of "Serving the People", together with "Never benefit oneself, always benefit others" and "Tireless struggle" became the core principles of the Communist Party of China

Although less often used in China today, the slogan still plays some important ceremonial roles. It is inscribed on the screen wall facing the front entrance of the Zhongnanhai compound, which houses the headquarters of the Central People's Government and the Communist Party of China.

During inspection of troops in the People's Liberation Army, the following ceremonial exchange is carried out::Inspecting official: "Greetings, Comrades!" ( _zh. 同志们好 "tóng zhì men hǎo"):Troops: "Greetings, Leader!" ( _zh. 首长好 "shǒu zhǎng hǎo"):Inspecting official: "Comrades [you] have worked hard." ( _zh. 同志们辛苦了 "tóng zhì men xīn kǔ le"):Troops: "Serving the people!" ( _zh. 为人民服务 "wèi rén mín fú wù")

In the West today, the slogan is often seen as a fashion accessory in certain fringe cultures. For example, Mao-era style schoolbags emblazoned with the slogan are now marketed in the West as a fashion accessory.

External links

* Mao, Zedong (1944), [http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/selected-works/volume-3/mswv3_19.htm Serve the People] .
* Xinhua Net, [http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2004-07/31/content_1686074.htm PLA garrison in Hong Kong to continue using "Serve the People"] (in Chinese)