BAMBOO CURTAIN Meaning and
Definition
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The term "bamboo curtain" historically refers to the political and ideological barrier that isolated and separated communist China from the rest of the world, particularly during the height of the Cold War. The phrase is a play on the more well-known "Iron Curtain" that divided Europe.
This expression originated in the 1950s and gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. The bamboo curtain represents the restrictions and control imposed by the Chinese government, limiting the flow of information, goods, and people between China and other countries. It symbolized the censorship, surveillance, and strict regulations that characterized China during this period.
The bamboo curtain encompassed policies such as strict visa regulations, limited foreign trade, controlled media, and limited cultural exchange. It prevented communication and interaction between China and the outside world, fostering a sense of isolation and secrecy. This barrier affected not only China's economic development but also its citizens, as they experienced restricted access to global information, ideas, and cultural influences.
However, with the reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s, there has been a significant dismantling of the bamboo curtain. China has opened up to economic globalization, established diplomatic relations with various countries, and seen a greater exchange of goods, ideas, and people. Despite this, the term "bamboo curtain" remains significant in delineating a particular era in Chinese history, characterized by isolation and limited foreign interactions.
Common Misspellings for BAMBOO CURTAIN
- vamboo curtain
- namboo curtain
- hamboo curtain
- gamboo curtain
- bzmboo curtain
- bsmboo curtain
- bwmboo curtain
- bqmboo curtain
- banboo curtain
- bakboo curtain
- bajboo curtain
- bamvoo curtain
- bamnoo curtain
- bamhoo curtain
- bamgoo curtain
- bambio curtain
- bambko curtain
- bamblo curtain
- bambpo curtain
Etymology of BAMBOO CURTAIN
The term "bamboo curtain" is a metaphorical expression that gained popularity during the Cold War era. It was used to describe the barrier created by the People's Republic of China to separate itself from the rest of the world, particularly from the West. Here is the breakdown of the etymology:
1. Bamboo: Bamboo is a tall, flexible, and fast-growing plant found in certain parts of Asia. It is commonly associated with East Asia, including China. Bamboo is known for its strength and versatility, with a long history of use in various cultural and industrial applications.
2. Curtain: In this context, "curtain" is used metaphorically to denote a barrier or dividing line. Historically, curtains have been used to separate spaces or block visibility based on cultural, political, or personal reasons, such as the Iron Curtain that symbolized the divide between Eastern and Western Europe during the Cold War.
Idioms with the word BAMBOO CURTAIN
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the bamboo curtain
The idiom "the bamboo curtain" refers to a phrase commonly used during the Cold War era to describe the political and social isolation of communist countries in East Asia, particularly China. It signifies the strict control and limited access that these countries had over information, communication, and interaction with the outside world. The term "bamboo" symbolizes the impenetrable barrier created by these countries, similar to a curtain, which separated them from the rest of the world.
Similar spelling word for BAMBOO CURTAIN
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