and you questioned nothing . They decreased average salaries , and you questioned NOTHING . It ’ s time to rise up , and TOGETHER , as a FAMILY , we need to cast our eyes beyond British deception . They have deceived US , and this revolution is an act of the people , and it is my number one priority to represent you .
Our children and grandchildren will look back at this moment , at the decisions we are about to make , and we have to make sure that we set our nation down the best path possible . We have to make sure that they can be proud of us and , and if you aren ’ t going to do it for yourself , at least do it for them — so that they can have what we didn ’ t , and that is a caring , just and understanding government .
Now , although many of us are viewed by previous authoritative figures , particularly the British , as evil or mischievous , in spite of the fact that many thought of us as a criminal organisation , we are here FOR OUR people , we are a family , and we have to continue the path that Weng , Qian Jian and Pan Qing set us on .
And I know , there have been rumors that we have been involved in illegal trade and specifically with opium . However , I assure you that those accusations are nonsense ! We need to take action ! TOGETHER ! Before matters begin to intensify . I am certain that you , being the most talented people in the world , are the only nation who have the appropriate skills and qualities to properly cooperate with us to conduct a successful and balanced government . This decision will spark into one of the greatest political revolutions in human history , and all I need is your trust and faith .”
The crowd burst into a deafening applause . This speech shocked the British authorities , and despite accusations of it being complete nonsense , people believed it , and there was nothing the British could do . They were no longer in power , and this game-changing speech was about to morph Shanghai ’ s history forever . Shanghai was about to spring into chaos , but little did the people of Shanghai know . And so , the word hit the street , and The Green Gang were the so called “ heroes ” of Shanghai .
Previously , while the British ruled , they constantly spoke of ending tyranny and to once and for all live in peace . However , as Ming ’ s gang increasingly gained power , the words of the British didn ’ t inspire them , but rather pushed the gang to seize the opportunity and gradually establish themselves as the oligarchic leaders of Shanghai . They understood that to successfully reach a point of complete control over the people , they had to win over the people through means of propaganda and persuasion . The key to the gang ’ s approach to persuading the citizens of Shanghai was their ability to manipulate language to suit the demands of the situation and the audience . Whilst hiding the truth , they ’ d use overly complex words and ideas that make the people feel as though they are unable to join the discussion on an intellectual level ( since education in Shanghai at the time wasn ’ t the best ). When necessary , The Gang also oversimplified language , and put signs up on the street stating that “ the gang is always right ” and “ follow Ming ”. Additionally , The Gang ’ s ability to manipulate the truth and convince the people that the decisions they are making are for the people ’ s benefit acted as one of their major persuasive tools . When they increased taxes just so that they could have more for themselves , for example , they stated that it was going into improving the economic state of Shanghai , thus convincing the people to support their selfish judgement .
Over the course of their rule , they constantly brought the people ’ s attention to the massacres at the time of the British , repeatedly stating that no one would ever want to go back to such a time , and if one would complain , he would be silenced by the thought of going back to such a period of despair . There were posters covering all corners of the street stating that “ Ming is watching you ”, and through sparking the fear of both going back to the time of the massacres and the idea that someone is watching over you at all times , the Gang managed to gain increasing control over the people and their actions . Crime decreased dramatically , but the ones who fought against this injustice had to face dreadful repercussions , and were caged on the street as displays of the consequences which come with disobedience .