Questions about Ukraine’s culture during war? Ask them for our next episode of ‘This Week in Ukraine’
Dear Kyiv Independent community members,
We need your questions for the next episode of “This Week in Ukraine.” The topic this week is the role of Ukrainian culture during war, how Russia has weaponized culture in its aggression, and why culture cannot be and shouldn’t be outside of politics.
To send in your questions, you can leave them in the comments below, message us on Patreon, or email community manager Brooke at brooke@kyivindependent.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Episode 13, “Wagner’s mutiny attempt in Russia, and its consequences” is linked above. The episode is available on YouTube and on listening platforms, with your questions starting at 36:40.
Wagner’s mutiny attempt in Russia, and its consequences (YouTube)
Comments (4)
I intend this as a starting point for thought rather than a specific question. In English, there are two overlapping definitions of culture: 1. The arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. 2. The customs, arts, social institutions, beliefs, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group. The first definition is much narrower and focuses on arts, literature, and historical achievements. These are significant components of how a group or society sees and defines themselves. The second definition is broader as it includes institutions and beliefs. Politics and political institutions (The Government) represent how a nation or group organizes itself and its decision-making process. In addition to politics/Government, two other equally important topics of cultural significance to foreign readers are: 1. Language. It isn't possible to express how important it is to migrate from Russian (the Language of the oppressor) to Ukrainian (the Language of the people.) I also agree with the need for a language of international communication to reduce friction when interacting with the international community. 2. Religion. As with Language, it is impossible to overstate the importance of transitioning "back" to a structurally independent religion. A challenge with these three aspects of culture is that they tend to be sticky. Once beliefs and habits are formed, it can take significant shocks to cause people to rethink them. Often progress happens in fits and starts. Time frames are often measured in generations as young people who have adopted the changes grow into positions of authority and older people with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo retire or are replaced.
Thank you for this analysis. I suggest considering the situation in North America, formerly Turtle Island, and all the many original peoples which were simply swept off the map... Except ...we are still here, reviving almost dead languages, bringing back traditional culture. All indigenous peoples can relate to invasion, having their culture attacked as primitive, having children removed "to civilize them." The invasion by England and Europe of many parts of the world foreshadows the invasion. It's just Russia failed to get the memo that the world has moved on. I wish those in the US would start using this comparison, and take responsibility for past injustices. We would be stronger in admitting past errors. 😞🙏🏽
Thank you, Clear, concise, interesting and very relevant.! Very helpful in correctly processing what happened, what this means, and the potential impact going forward. So many players are involved... it is truly a murky confusing Gordian Knot that you have carefully examined and untied. And slashed through it. Terrific episode.
Maybe it’s politics that shouldn’t be outside culture.