Pro-Russian Figures in Ukraine Fear Losing Cultural Relevance
Ukraine's ongoing debates over monuments and street names reveal resistance from pro-Russian intellectuals who fear their culture's diminishing importance as Ukrainian identity gains prominence.
Recent discussions in Ukraine about monuments, street names, and the cultural canon have exposed deeper anxieties among pro-Russian segments of society. Conversations with several such individuals reveal that their primary concern is the growing significance of Ukrainian culture at the expense of the Russian culture they are accustomed to. They are reluctant to become irrelevant.
In their arguments, they often present themselves as defenders of culture, emphasizing high spiritual values and community wealth. To avoid accusations of supporting the aggressor state, they shift the conversation to a universal cultural level. They claim that certain Russian authors are globally important and that Ukraine would lose by abandoning them. Despite outwardly expressing concern for Ukrainians, they are unfamiliar with Ukrainian culture and show no desire to learn about it. They have no interest in the legacy of the "Executed Renaissance" or dissident literature, the new Ukrainian literary canon, or non-Russian monuments being erected in Ukrainian cities.
This stance reveals a lack of genuine concern for Ukrainian culture. They are comfortable with the status quo, where they have already acquired what they consider the most important knowledge, thus feeling authoritative. Imperial thinking has taught them they are significant and know everything necessary, while everything else is exotic or trivial. Now they face the need to reconsider these views, rediscover suppressed Ukrainian culture, and engage with other cultural traditions. This demand comes not only from laws but from the times and society itself, reinforced by Russian missiles and genocidal acts.
The pro-Russian minority is disturbed that Ukrainian society can make its own decisions about its symbolic space and say, "We do not want this." They are used to being influential and fear losing control. They resent that Ukrainian culture gains importance without their consent. The process involves mistakes and discussions, but it is a necessary path toward self-determination and responsibility. Consequently, the symbolic foundations of many educated in the 1970s, 1980s, and even 1990s are being challenged. They must acknowledge that in Russia their idols are only important there, but globally they are just among many. This is the last bastion of Russian expansion – a poisoned cultural heritage that insists on being first and foremost at any cost. When denied this status, it reacts with hatred and accusations. This reflects a fear of losing significance and relevance.
These debates are valuable as they help Ukrainian society regain subjectivity and understand what it is dealing with. (This column reflects the author's opinion and not necessarily the editorial stance.)
