When combined, 反抗 (fǎnkàng) literally means “to oppositely resist” or “to anti-fight.” The characters reinforce each other to create an unambiguous and forceful term for active, defiant resistance.
In Chinese culture, the concept of “反抗” (fǎnkàng) is a double-edged sword, deeply tied to the “Mandate of Heaven” (天命, tiānmìng). Historically, a dynasty had the right to rule as long as it was just and effective. When a ruler became tyrannical or incompetent, peasant rebellions and uprisings were often seen as a legitimate form of “反抗” to overthrow the corrupt dynasty and allow a new, more righteous one to take its place. Therefore, historical “反抗” against past injustices is often glorified as heroic and necessary for progress. However, in modern China, stability and social harmony (和谐, héxié) are paramount values. “反抗” against the current ruling authority is viewed not as a righteous act but as a dangerous threat to social order and national stability. Comparison to Western “Protest”: While “protest” in many Western cultures is a legally protected form of expression and a way to demand change *within* the existing system, “反抗” carries much heavier implications in a Chinese context. It suggests a fundamental challenge to the legitimacy of the authority itself. A peaceful march in the West is a “protest,” but an act perceived as trying to subvert state power in China would be labeled as “反抗,” a far more serious charge. This makes open “反抗” a much rarer and riskier endeavor.