this post was submitted on 26 Apr 2026
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Memes

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[–] TankieTanuki@hexbear.net 28 points 1 month ago (2 children)

I don't think the CPC nor anyone ever knew his identity. 1989 was an era before mass surveillance. The only evidence that exists is this grainy analog footage shot from a mile away, and it includes no facial features. Do you know how many ~5'6" men with black hair there were in Beijing?

[–] Tabitha@hexbear.net 9 points 1 month ago

my pet theory is that he's alive today and doesn't even know the US has a cool photo of him

[–] bountygiver@lemmy.ml -1 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Even if they did lose the person after escorting him out, not making the person a big deal certainly helps in not encouraging copycats

[–] Wakmrow@hexbear.net 7 points 1 month ago

Here's from Wikipedia in the aftermath of the 1989 protests:

The 21 most-wanted student leaders' faces and descriptions were often broadcast on television.[262][263] Photographs with biographies of the leaders followed in this order: Wang Dan, Wuer Kaixi, Liu Gang, Chai Ling, Zhou Fengsuo, Zhai Weimin, Liang Qingdun, Wang Zhengyun, Zheng Xuguang, Ma Shaofang, Yang Tao, Wang Zhixing, Feng Congde, Wang Chaohua, Wang Youcai, Zhang Zhiqing, Zhang Boli, Li Lu, Zhang Ming, Xiong Wei, and Xiong Yan.

[–] RiverRock@lemmy.ml 5 points 1 month ago

Copycats...for the next Tiennamen square clash?