In a course of the last year, Ukraine has gained a huge influence on the modern world. This power can be used to change perception of the main countries on somewhat unimportant issues. Ukraine is not considered a part of Russia any more, we successfully fought this stereotype, but there are more to come. By acknowledging stereotypes and resisting them, we can help not only ourselves, but others.
In the era of the Internet, access to information is available to everyone. Yet very few users would double-check facts and debunk lies. We can spread truth with social media, more shares and more likes will lead to more people seeing a specific post. It is our duty to share as much as possible. As well as that we can teach online communities keys on how to spot misinformation or propaganda. Impart truth and advertise critical thinking — that is our way to success.
Travelling outside of one’s own city always comes in hand with visitations of the most popular museums. Exhibitions are a great way to place stereotypes on one’s cultures. Texts that surround paintings tell a specific message on how to perceive them, even names of works can shape our thought.
If a Ukrainian painter is called Russian in the Metropolitan museum, no one would question this fact. In order to change that we need to provide undoubtful facts that support that an artist is considered Ukrainian, like quotes about one’s nationality from diaries or more. Unfortunately, even the best research can be ignored by the administration of the museum. In that case there is no other way, but to knock on the door till it will be opened. With great work of concerned citizens, Metropolitan museum actually acknowledged Ukrainian nationality of the painter Kuindzhi. This is just a first step in a complete separation of Ukrainian heritage from Russian.
To conclude, Ukraine is fighting physically for their Independence and verbally for their culture. We spread truth, awareness, and importance of critical thinking. We fight for owning our past, present, and future. By doing this together, we will undeniably win.
by Kseniia Bovkun
