A Comprehensive Construction of the Subjectivity of Chinese National Culture in the New Era

DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1674-9391.2024.07.001

Abstract：

Subjectivity in the context of a nation can be described as its comprehensive life consciousness， encompassing cultural subjectivity both as a singular dimension and as an organic whole. Cultural subjectivity， moreover， can be viewed as a cultural heart through which broader aspects of subjectivity can be actualized. This study additionally assesses the new era of China as a" historical coordinate" for the comprehensive construction of cultural subjectivity." This construction of" Chinese national cultural subjectivity can be analyzed through three horizontal dimensions： “Thinking”， “doing”， and “speaking”. It is found that these frameworks can fully demonstrate the internal logic of the construction of the subjectivity of the Chinese nation in the new era. "Moreover， the vertical elements—cultural genes， cultural consciousness， and cultural self-confidence—appear to have evolved and integrated into the above three levels." By employing a dual perspective that interweaves vertical and horizontal dimensions， this study aims to present" the comprehensive construction process of Chinese national cultural subjectivity in the new era" in a three-dimensional way.

At the “thinking”" level， this article posits that： 1） Based on local conditions and through the “second combination” （ i.e." combining the basic principles of Marxism with traditional Chinese fine culture）， Marxism should be adapted to the Chinese context， modernizing traditional cultural elements to facilitate a" historical reconstruction of" Chinese cultural genes. 2）" In addition， utilizing an ordered approach of “Chinese reason → Chinese experience → Chinese theory，”" an independent national identity could be achieved， the theoretical foundations" of modern Chinese civilization" could be improved， and" strong theoretical support for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation could be provided. 3） By following a" structural relationship of “Chinese nation → Chinese culture → Chinese civilization，”" and transitioning from the inside out and from ontology to consciousness，" China could be understood through a Chinese lens.

At" the “doing” level，" this paper holds that" the construction of the subjectivity of the Chinese nation should" align with the order of" “Chinese nation → Chinese culture → Chinese civilization”." This should involve： 1） Using historical narratives to comprehensively consolidate" the Chinese national community from the aspects of history and theory，" laying a solid foundation for" national cultural subjectivity;" 2） promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of" traditional Chinese fine culture，" preserving revolutionary heritage， advancing socialist culture， cultivating a shared spiritual home for" the Chinese nation， and shaping" its cultural identity; and" 3） constructing the cultural" framework" of Chinese modernization" alongside an independent knowledge system，" thereby seeking to realize" the cultural mission of the new era， and building" a modern civilization for the Chinese nation to" showcase" cultural consciousness.

At the “speaking” level， this article" advocates for： 1） An accelerated development of a Chinese discourse and a Chinese narrative system，" fostering" a Chinese cultural discourse that resonates with"" local historical" contexts through in-depth exploration，"" combing and refining，" while activating" traditional cultural genes to strengthen" local narrative expression; 2）" promoting" cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and" other nations， enhancing the compatibility of Chinese" narratives， while balancing the subjective consciousness and references to “others” to promote Chinese and foreign narrative interaction ; and 3） employing diverse narrative media to create a" more inclusive and open" discourse， effectively conveying Chinese stories and spread the Chinese voice.

Key Words：

Chinese nation; cultural subjectivity; cultural gene; cultural self-confidence; cultural consciousness