The Ideological and Political Education Function of Red Literature and Art

Cultural and literary work occupies a very important position in the work of the Party and the state. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “At every major historical juncture in human development, literature and art have been able to sound the vanguard of the times, initiate the vanguard of social customs, and open the vanguard of wisdom, becoming the forerunner of epochal change and social transformation.” [1]1 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Tenth National Congress of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Ninth National Congress of the China Writers Association” (30 November 2016). In the strategic overall situation of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and at the critical moment when changes unseen in a century are accelerating, emphasizing the ideological and political education function of red literature and art is an inevitable requirement for the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

文化文艺工作在党和国家工作中占有十分重要的地位。习近平总书记指出：“在人类发展的每一个重大历史关头，文艺都能发时代之先声、开社会之先风、启智慧之先河，成为时代变迁和社会变革的先导。”在实现中华民族伟大复兴的战略全局中、在世界百年未有之大变局加速演进的关键时刻，强调红色文艺的思想政治教育功能是中国特色社会主义事业发展的必然要求。

Political Guidance Function

政治引领功能

As part of the Party’s and the state’s propaganda and ideological work, red literature and art, in promoting the Party’s political concepts, propagating the Party’s political propositions, enhancing social political identity, and consolidating the Party’s political foundation, have always “consciously undertaken the mission and task of raising the banner, gathering the people’s hearts, educating new people, revitalizing culture, and displaying the image,” [2]2 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the National Conference on Propaganda and Ideological Work” (22 August 2018). and “promoting the close unity of all the people in ideals and beliefs, values and concepts, and moral concepts, so as to make greater contributions to serving the overall cause of the Party and the state.” [3]3 Ibid. With its exquisite artistic forms, moving artistic content, and clear value orientation, red literature and art has become an artistic method commonly recognized by people of all ethnic groups across the country, and also an important vehicle for guiding social trends of thought.

红色文艺作为党和国家宣传思想工作的一部分，在弘扬党的政治理念、宣传党的政治主张、增强社会政治认同、巩固党的政治基础等方面，一直“自觉承担起举旗帜、聚民心、育新人、兴文化、展形象的使命任务”，“促进全体人民在理想信念、价值理念、道德观念上紧紧团结在一起，为服务党和国家事业全局作出更大贡献”。红色文艺以其精湛的艺术形式、感人的艺术内容和鲜明的价值导向成为全国各族人民共同认可的艺术手法，也成为引领社会思潮的重要载体。

Excellent red literary and artistic works always manifest an important political guidance function at critical historical moments, “persisting in consolidating and strengthening the mainstream ideological public opinion, promoting the main theme, spreading positive energy, and stimulating the powerful force of the whole society to unite and strive.” [4]4 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the National Conference on Propaganda and Ideological Work” (19 August 2013). Red literature and art takes the lead in guiding public opinion, using film and television, music, news commentary, and various other means to display the great achievements and strategic resolve of China in the New Era, greatly enhancing the backbone and confidence of the Chinese people. Historical experience proves that the more turbulent the times, the more spiritual guidance is needed. In recent years, whether facing the treacherous international situation or combating major natural disasters, our Party has always remained calm and composed, strategized effectively, and coordinated all parties, precisely because it is guided by the Party’s great spirit. Red literature and art uses its works to reveal the truth of “why the CPC can do it and why socialism with Chinese characteristics is good,” highlighting the political function of red literature and art in gathering the people’s hearts and uniting strength.

优秀的红色文艺作品总是在关键的历史时刻体现出重要的政治引领作用，“坚持巩固壮大主流思想舆论，弘扬主旋律，传播正能量，激发全社会团结奋进的强大力量”。红色文艺率先引导社会舆论，以影视、音乐、新闻评论等各种方式展示了新时代中国的伟大成就与战略定力，极大增强了中国人的骨气与底气。历史经验证明，越是风高浪急，越需要精神引领。这些年无论是面对波谲云诡的国际局势，还是抗击重大自然灾害，我们党始终镇定自若、运筹帷幄、协调各方，都是因为有党的伟大精神引领。红色文艺用作品展现了“中国共产党为什么能，中国特色社会主义为什么好”的真理，凸显了红色文艺聚民心、汇力量的政治功能。

Spiritual Inheritance Function

精神传承功能

Red literature and art is a carrier of red culture and a guardian of the red spirit, playing an irreplaceable and pivotal role in inheriting red culture. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out that the strength of a country or a nation is always supported by cultural prosperity. Without the inheritance and development of civilization, without the promotion and flourishing of culture, there can be no realization of the Chinese Dream. Red literature and art promotes the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture, inherits revolutionary culture, and develops advanced socialist culture; it is an important manifestation of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes: “Red genes must be passed on. From standing up, to becoming prosperous, to becoming strong, the Chinese nation has experienced so many hardships and created so many miracles. Future generations must be made to remember this; we must not forget our original aspiration and founding mission, and must never lose our direction and path.” [5]5 Xi Jinping, “Speech during an Inspection Tour of Shandong” (28 November 2013). “We must encourage the creation of literary and artistic works, especially film and television works, on the theme of Party history, do a good job in the education and learning of young people, and ensure that red genes and the revolutionary torch are passed on from generation to generation.” [6]6 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Party History Study and Education Mobilization Conference” (20 February 2021). It can be said that red literature and art is the key to inheriting red genes.

红色文艺是红色文化的载体，也是红色精神的守护者，在传承红色文化中起着不可替代和举足轻重的作用。习近平总书记指出，一个国家、一个民族的强盛，总是以文化兴盛为支撑的。没有文明的继承和发展，没有文化的弘扬和繁荣，就没有中国梦的实现。红色文艺推动中华优秀传统文化创造性转化、创新性发展，继承革命文化，发展社会主义先进文化，是马克思主义中国化时代化的重要体现。习近平总书记强调：“红色基因就是要传承。中华民族从站起来、富起来到强起来，经历了多少坎坷，创造了多少奇迹，要让后代牢记，我们要不忘初心，永远不可迷失了方向和道路。” “要鼓励创作党史题材的文艺作品特别是影视作品，抓好青少年学习教育，让红色基因、革命薪火代代传承。”可以说，红色文艺是传承红色基因的关键所在。

General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “The classic literary and artistic works of any era are a portrayal of the social life and spirit of that era, and all bear the imprint and characteristics of that era.” [7]7 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Tenth National Congress of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Ninth National Congress of the China Writers Association” (30 November 2016). Red literature and art constructs a resonant relationship between the spiritual lineage of Chinese Communists and the new people of the era. The era of surging revolutionary war has long passed. For people today to understand the breathtaking history of their predecessors and comprehend their great spirit, they must use red literature and art as a medium to intuitively experience those vivid historical moments, earnestly experience the feelings of loving the Party and the country, and seriously comprehend their profound ideological connotations.

习近平总书记指出：“任何一个时代的经典文艺作品，都是那个时代社会生活和精神的写照，都具有那个时代的烙印和特征。”以红色文艺构筑起中国共产党人的精神谱系与时代新人之间的共振关系。风起云涌的革命战争年代已经远去，今天的人们要理解先辈们惊心动魄的历史、领悟他们的伟大精神，就必须以红色文艺为介质，直观感受那些鲜活的历史瞬间、用心体验爱党爱国的情怀、认真体悟他们深刻的思想内涵。

Character-Shaping Function

品格塑造功能

The shaping of moral character is a foundational project for individuals and society. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “Morality has foundational significance for both individuals and society. The first priority in conducting oneself and handling affairs is to cultivate virtue and uphold ethics.” [8]8 Xi Jinping, “Speech at Peking University” (4 May 2014). Shaping the excellent character of socialist builders and successors is an important function of red literature and art. Red literature and art moves people with sincere emotion, touches people with excellent moral character, and influences people with profound truth, having an educational effect like spring breeze and rain, and is an important way to temper the fine moral character of cadres and the masses.

道德品格的塑造是个人和社会的基础性工程。习近平总书记指出：“道德之于个人、之于社会，都具有基础性意义，做人做事第一位的是崇德修身。”塑造社会主义建设者和接班人的优秀品格是红色文艺的重要功能。红色文艺以真挚的情感感染人、以优秀的品德感动人、以深刻的道理感化人，具有春风化雨般的教育效果，是锤炼干部群众优良道德品格的重要途径。

General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes, “A country or a nation cannot be without a soul. As a spiritual undertaking, culture, literature and art, philosophy and social science are of course creations of the soul.” [9]9 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Tenth National Congress of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Ninth National Congress of the China Writers Association” (30 November 2016). Red literature and art has played the role of forging the soul and educating people in every historical period, and many works still shine brightly today. In the early days of the founding of New China, literary and artistic workers created a large number of works reflecting the people’s support for the socialist system and the construction of a socialist country, educating and guiding people from all walks of life to devote themselves to the construction of New China; the novel *The History of Entrepreneurship* [10]10 *The History of Entrepreneurship* (《创业史》) is a novel by Liu Qing, published in 1960, depicting agricultural collectivization in early PRC. eulogized the struggle of the working masses, and the song *Ode to the Motherland* expressed love for the motherland, still inspiring people’s feelings of patriotism and love for labor, and shaping people’s character of arduous struggle. In the early period of reform and opening up, works such as the film *Romance on Lushan Mountain* [11]11 *Romance on Lushan Mountain* (《庐山恋》) is a 1980 film, a landmark of post-Mao romantic cinema. witnessed people’s pursuit of beauty and the revival and prosperity of literature and art at the beginning of reform and opening up; works such as the novel *The Ordinary World* [12]12 *The Ordinary World* (《平凡的世界》) is a novel by Lu Yao, published 1986–1989, about rural life during the reform era. and the film *Blood, Is Always Hot* [13]13 *Blood, Is Always Hot* (《血，总是热的》) is a 1983 film about factory reform. became symbols of the reform spirit; in the early 1990s, the song *The Story of Spring* [14]14 *The Story of Spring* (《春天的故事》) is a 1992 song eulogizing Deng Xiaoping’s reform and opening up. sang the spirit of reform and opening up across the country. Red literature and art, in its own way, drove reform and shaped society.

习近平总书记强调，“一个国家、一个民族不能没有灵魂，作为精神事业，文化文艺、哲学社会科学当然就是一个灵魂的创作”。红色文艺在各个历史时期都起到了铸魂育人的作用，很多作品直到今天依然熠熠生辉。新中国成立初期，文艺工作者创作了大量反映人民群众拥护社会主义制度、建设社会主义国家的文艺作品，教育引导各界人士投身于新中国建设；小说《创业史》歌颂劳动群众的奋斗、歌曲《歌唱祖国》表达对祖国的热爱，至今激发着人们爱国、爱劳动的情感，塑造着人们艰苦奋斗的品格。改革开放初期，电影《庐山恋》等作品见证了改革开放初期人们对美好的追求和文艺的复兴繁荣；小说《平凡的世界》、电影《血，总是热的》等作品成为改革精神的象征；20世纪90年代初，一首《春天的故事》更是把改革开放的精神唱响了大江南北。红色文艺以自己的方式驱动着改革、塑造着社会。

Spiritual Motivation Function

精神激励功能

Spiritual motivation is the internal driving force for each person’s goal-oriented behavior. Red literature and art is the spiritual product of the CPC’s more than one hundred years of struggle, reflecting the positive and enterprising spiritual outlook of the Party and the people, and can stimulate people’s inner positive energy and driving force. The key to red literary and artistic works being able to awaken people and inspire them to forge ahead lies in their inherent characteristics of moving people with emotion, convincing people with reason, and integrating emotion and reason. They “observe real life with the spirit of realism and the sentiment of romanticism, dispel darkness with light, overcome ugliness with beauty and goodness, and let people see beauty, see hope, and see that the dream is ahead.” [15]15 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Tenth National Congress of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Ninth National Congress of the China Writers Association” (30 November 2016).

精神激励是每个人指向目标行为的内在驱动力，红色文艺是中国共产党百余年奋斗历程的精神产物，反映着党和人民积极进取的精神面貌，能激发人们内在的正能量和驱动力。红色文艺作品能够促人清醒、激人奋进，关键在于其能够以情感人、以理服人、情理交融的内在特质，它“用现实主义精神和浪漫主义情怀观照现实生活，用光明驱散黑暗，用美善战胜丑恶，让人们看到美好、看到希望、看到梦想就在前方”。

“Only facts can convince people, only images can move people, only emotions can inspire people, and only truth can influence people.” [16]16 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the National Conference on Propaganda and Ideological Work” (22 August 2018). Red literature and art is good at stating facts, presenting truth, expressing sincerity, and conveying true feelings, always adhering to “going deep into the practice of life, observing the lives of the people, expressing the voices of the people, and writing about, depicting, and singing for the people with heart, feeling, and effort.” [17]17 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Tenth National Congress of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Ninth National Congress of the China Writers Association” (30 November 2016). Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, artists have reinterpreted many classics, generating enormous social repercussions, and people have once again deeply felt the charm of red classics. For example, the red film *The Taking of Tiger Mountain* [18]18 *The Taking of Tiger, released in 2014, comes from the classic novel *Tracks in the Snowy Forest* [19]; the novel was adapted into a Peking opera in 1958, and *The Taking of Tiger Mountain* is a well-known wonderful excerpt from it. After being reinterpreted by artists, the film’s release even saw the spectacle of three generations—old, middle-aged, and young—watching it together in the cinema, highlighting the cross-generational appeal of red classics. Another example is the film *Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea* [20], which pioneered the theme of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, and over more than seventy years evolved into multiple classic films on the same theme, such as *Battle on Shangganling Mountain* [21] and *Heroic Sons and Daughters* [22]. In 2021, this theme was recreated by modern artists as the *The Battle at Lake Changjin* [23] film series, which became an ultra-high box office masterpiece in the history of New Chinese cinema and a red classic of the New Era. Red literature and art forges the sinews of the times, gauges the temperature of the times, uses art to eulogize and shape the era, and inspires the broad masses of the people to strive for the realization of the Chinese Dream.

“讲事实才能说服人，讲形象才能打动人，讲情感才能感染人、讲道理才能影响人。”红色文艺善于讲事实、摆道理、述真心、讲真情，始终坚持“走进实践深处，观照人民生活，表达人民心声，用心用情用功书写人民、描绘人民、歌唱人民”。党的十八大以来，艺术家重新演绎了不少经典，产生巨大社会反响，人们再次深深感受到红色经典的魅力。例如，2014年上映的红色电影《智取威虎山》来自经典小说《林海雪原》，该小说1958年被改编为京剧，《智取威虎山》是其中家喻户晓的精彩片段。经过艺术家重新演绎，电影上映后甚至出现了老中青三代人纷纷同堂观影的奇观，彰显了红色经典跨年龄的吸引力。又如，电影《抗美援朝》开创抗美援朝题材之先河，在七十多年的岁月中演绎为多部同题材经典电影，如《上甘岭》《英雄儿女》等。2021年该题材经现代艺术家重新创作为《长津湖》系列电影，又成为新中国电影史上超高票房力作，成为新时代的红色经典。红色文艺铸就时代筋骨、把脉时代温度，用艺术讴歌和塑造了时代，激励广大人民群众为实现中国梦而奋斗。

(The author is a researcher at the Institute of Ideological and Political Education, Guilin University of Technology)

（作者系桂林理工大学思想政治教育研究所研究员）

Online editor: Tongxin

网络编辑：同心