Analysis of Anti-Communism in 4·3 and 5·18 through the theory of Ideology

This study analyzes anti-communism in the 4·3 and 5·18 incidents according to the theory of ideology. Marx analyzed ideology as false consciousness, and Althusser as a mechanism of interpellation. Zizek went further and raised the possibility of a general theory of ideology and the possibility of generating a resistance ideology. According to him, ideology is cracked and ruptured by the invasion of the real world, and in this process, subjects trapped in ideological illusions can become subjects of choice for generating counter-ideologies. The results of the study are as follows. First, anti-communism functioned as false consciousness and an interpellation mechanism during 4·3 and 5·18 incidents. Second, after the June Struggle in 1987, Korean society was able to cross the ideological illusion of anti-communism that had denounced 4·3 and 5·18 incidents and begin a transition to a post-anti-communist, post-ideological society. The implications of the results of the study for unification education are as follows. First, unification education in the past was unification education for anti-communism as an ideological state apparatus. This uniform anti-communist education could not help but be weakened due to the cracks and gaps in the real world. Now, unification education should change from unification education for this single ideology to an open ideology that can contain diversity. Second, 4·3 and 5·18 remind us of the importance of democracy and peace. In this respect, the pain of 4·3 and 5·18 can be established as complete and legitimate education only when unification education is combined with pacifism and democracy. Third, unification education that is free from ideology is necessary, and this should include objective education on the history of division and modern history. Fourth, 4·3 and 5·18 should be reevaluated from the perspective of unification and integration. In addition, unification education that remembers the deaths and sacrifices of all Koreans in the process of division and in the history of division is necessary.