3 ms·

What should Russia do with Ukraine?

2 points by antfarm 5y ago

antfarm 5y ago
DISCLAIMER: Translation of a propaganda article by a Russian publication.
goatsneez 5y ago
*I agree with antfam's comment (it's not objective, nuanced or scholarly at all ... "quatch"), nevertheless: This is a war time (mood) ...propaganda is the name of the game on either side, there is no point of contest. A trivial observation can be made from comments here or on any other forum, and talking to people about this conflict, that people once set on a position on this issue (over the many angles it can be approached) will not change their mind simply by a piece of (propaganda) article or other information. [So I would not worry about that]. However, as Katsumoto eloquently expressed when meeting N. Algren (T. Cruise) "... I want to learn about my enemy.." [The Last Samurai movie]. Despite my "pun" way of introducing the point, I do think it is valid one. One has to resolve to fully suspend one's (natural) emotions that are always invested into our model of the world in order to read the opposite side (not only to study its capabilities, but more importantly motives, goals, perception management, etc). I submit it is mighty difficult and the benefit to one-self is debatable, however, that might be said about lot of things over which we have no control in any case. On the other hand, having a reasonably well formed epistemological understanding of the other side gives one ability to engage (one-on-one type of conversation) with a willing individual on the other side. ( in no way it means accepting stated/implied premises or conclusions; but to refute or to point out fatal flaw, one has to have it understood in a degree (not in a pure category). I think it was Lincoln who attributed to have said: "Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?” (*Im addressing this opinion in the context of a debate "space" among/between non-combatants/civilians, not the military aspect. That would be a different topic).

2 points by antfarm 5y ago

DISCLAIMER: Translation of a propaganda article by a Russian publication.

*I agree with antfam's comment (it's not objective, nuanced or scholarly at all ... "quatch"), nevertheless: This is a war time (mood) ...propaganda is the name of the game on either side, there is no point of contest. A trivial observation can be made from comments here or on any other forum, and talking to people about this conflict, that people once set on a position on this issue (over the many angles it can be approached) will not change their mind simply by a piece of (propaganda) article or other information. [So I would not worry about that]. However, as Katsumoto eloquently expressed when meeting N. Algren (T. Cruise) "... I want to learn about my enemy.." [The Last Samurai movie]. Despite my "pun" way of introducing the point, I do think it is valid one. One has to resolve to fully suspend one's (natural) emotions that are always invested into our model of the world in order to read the opposite side (not only to study its capabilities, but more importantly motives, goals, perception management, etc). I submit it is mighty difficult and the benefit to one-self is debatable, however, that might be said about lot of things over which we have no control in any case. On the other hand, having a reasonably well formed epistemological understanding of the other side gives one ability to engage (one-on-one type of conversation) with a willing individual on the other side. ( in no way it means accepting stated/implied premises or conclusions; but to refute or to point out fatal flaw, one has to have it understood in a degree (not in a pure category). I think it was Lincoln who attributed to have said: "Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?” (*Im addressing this opinion in the context of a debate "space" among/between non-combatants/civilians, not the military aspect. That would be a different topic).