Youth-oriented Reinterpretation and Contemporary Transmission of Revolutionary Heritage: Cognitive Differences and Cultural Identity among Generation Z in Creative Adaptations of Revolutionary Songs

Abstract

As the spiritual lineage shaped under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party in the process of revolution, construction, and reform, red culture is endowed with a unique original aspiration and mission, a rich national spirit, and profound historical memories. Red songs, using melody as a bridge, turn abstract spiritual concepts into perceptible artistic representations, and exert an important role of uniting people and inspiring morale in various historical periods. Generation Z has been accustomed to expressing culture and constructing identity through the deconstruction and reconstruction of symbols, and therefore they engage in red songs through creative adaptation as a form of dialogue with red culture. On the basis of the characteristics of Generation Z and the essence of creative adaptation of red songs, this paper makes an in-depth analysis of the role of “creative adaptation” of red songs for Generation Z, and explores the cognitive differences of Generation Z's perception of such adaptations, proposes how to enhance the cultural identity through “creative adaptation” of red songs for Generation Z, aiming to drive the innovative development and transformative evolution of red culture in the new era.