CHARACTER FLAWS - HISTORY's BAGGAGE

[NORRYM]

This thread is initiated to surface, air and analyze many of the uncomplimentary characteristics plaguing Ukrainians as individuals and as a nation. One might consider the inherent negative characteristics found among us, as idividuals and as groups of many, to be an outgrowth of the HISTORICAL PAST and of the POLITICAL PRESENT. This THREAD SUBJECT MATTER should turn into a lively, comprehensive discussion, if we first overcome one of the most critical flaws, and that is the RELUCTANCE TO ENGAGE IN SELF-CRITICISM.

It is paradoxical, that we, a free people, tend to consider a voice of intellectually honest and rational rebuke, directed toward ourselves, as a voice of treason and betrayal of our inerests. This is the very voice that, if heard properly and with an open mind, could turn our course for the better, in many instances. It is the mania of SELF-PRAISE and SELF-ADULATION which leads us to a disastrous future. Even the Communist Party practiced special sessions, dedicated to self-criticism, despite the inherent fear by its members of the potentially disastrous repercussions. The members found themselves on the horns of a dilemma - Siberia if one failed to contribute to the session, and Siberia if one did. But the party needed this introspection to stay vibrant and to advance its cause. Present, free Ukrainian GROUPS AND INSTITUTIONS could emulate such practice to some good end, instead of STAGNATING IN SELF-PRAISE, WHILE SURRONDED BY A BLIND LOYALTY OF THE FOLLOWERS.
emkay/02/23/01

[Edited by NORRYM on 24th February 2001 at 21:41]

[NORRYM]

It was, in a way, expected, there would be a dead silence at first. Some are not sure where to start, and some are affraid to step near this issue. They are terrorized by the thought, that by joining in they might be ostrasized by the rest. This is the sign of a SELF-IMPOSED INACTION as regards the use of one's right to excersize the freedom of the speech. The effect is not unlike that under the totalitarian regime, where the STATE-IMPOSED INACTION prevails, because of the denial of the right for free expression. The self-imposed inaction, in a free society, is grounded in fear of 'what will the rest think or how will the rest react?' - the state-imposed inaction, in a totalitarian society, is grounded in fear of the punishment the state might exact.

The, above stated, reasoning leads one to conclude that the CHARACTER FLAW OF SELF-IMPOSED INACTION is part of the HISTORICAL BAGGAGE of our past. A GROUP SOCIAL PRESSURE REPLACED THE STATE PRESSURE, TO CAUSE ONE TO INDULGE IN INACTION BY WORD OR DEED.
emkay/02/24/01

[Edited by NORRYM on 25th February 2001 at 04:20]

[The_Last_Word]

So, the witch trial executioner speaks:

if we first overcome one of the most critical flaws, and that is the RELUCTANCE TO ENGAGE IN SELF-CRITICISM.

I hope you at least heed your own words.

It is paradoxical, that we, a free people, tend to consider a voice of intellectually honest and rational rebuke, directed toward ourselves, as a voice of treason and betrayal of our inerests.

Yes. Sounds like you have a dual personality, judging from your other posts.

It is the mania of SELF-PRAISE and SELF-ADULATION which leads us to a disastrous future.

BINGO!

This is the sign of a SELF-IMPOSED INACTION as regards the use of one's right for the freedom of the speech. The effect is not unlike that under the totalitarian regime, where the STATE-IMPOSED INACTION prevails, because of the denial of the right for free expression.

I hope you realize that these words describe exactly your beloved Ukraine (the totalitarian regime).

The, above stated, reasoning leads one to conclude that the CHARACTER FLAW OF SELF-IMPOSED INACTION is part of the HISTORICAL BAGGAGE of our past. A GROUP SOCIAL PRESSURE REPLACED THE STATE PRESSURE, TO CAUSE ONE TO INDULGE IN INACTION BY WORD OR DEED.

This should actually read: "The above stated reasoning by Norrym, leads Norrym to conclude... "

Character flaw on a massive scale is a national flaw, however, while group pressure exists in the Ukraine (Galicia, UNSO, Ruh, "Patriarch" Filaret with his church organization, the Uniate Church, etc.), state pressure has not disappeared. It just took on a new semi-nationalist, neo-fascist form.

The historical baggage of your past leads not to inaction but to extreme measures of stamping out everything and everyone who is different. These state measures are trying to forge the society into the same totalitarian Ukrainian-speaking mass against their will. These measures are actively supported by the Ukrainians of certain geographical regions and political preferences. Millions of people living in the UKraine have already realized that when their "free" and "democratic" government imposed a forceful Ukrainian-language policy and a Bolshevik-like system of governing with the old nomenclature, that there is no way for them (the people) to voice their criticism in the present regime. Every time a newspaper, TV program or other group directs any criticism toward the gov't or other goups acting against the interests of the Ukrainian people, they get shut down or financially squeezed out of their existence. If that doesn't work, they get killed, like Gongadze. Kuchma is very well known for not keeping his electoral promises and the corruption in his gov't, but today he is also suspected of murder. When millions who demand to speak and teach their children the Russian or Rusyn language are refused this basic democratic rights, they realize that they are not living in a free society and are not a "free people", and there is not much they can do about it. In a political sence, the times haven't changed for many in the Ukraine since the fall of the Soviet Union .

[NORRYM]

THE SNAKE lives up to his image, and meddles in the matters, he knows the least about. Instant experts, bred on Russian propaganda {a la THE SNAKE}, unfortunately are not in short supply. Realizing one's flaws is not tantamount to cozying up to the RUSSIAN BEAR. On the contrary, by purging ourselves from our character weaknesses, we will lessen the energy spent on repairing the self-inflicted damages to our cause. Some of the energy spared could be turned to sharpen our vigilance in thwarting off the evil designs of the likes of SNAKE.

emkay/02'24/01

[Edited by NORRYM on 25th February 2001 at 19:32]

[The_Last_Word]

It seems that you, Norrym, have absolutely no capacity at all to carry on even a somewhat intelligent conversation or debate.

Along with your buddies, Stasua and Steve vlasenko, you've taken upon yourself the role of a local forum clown with a mania for oratory demagoguery.

[NORRYM]

But THE SNAKE's strike is even weaker than his hiss. Slithering onto the scene, with nothing of consequence to contribute, is his empty role. Strutting or slithering is not an end in itself. Becoming an irritant and a nuisance, apparently is his sole mission.

emkay/02/25/01

[NORRYM]

All are frozen in fear or else, all think everything is kosher, in their corner of the world. MOYA KKHATA SCRAYU, NYICHOHO NEH ZNAYU - this will bring ruin to us. We had a century-long period, called RUYINA, in our past history. This may be the beginning of a repeat performance. We need to shake off our lethargy, before it is too late.

The place to begin is to re-examine ourselves - WHAT do we believe and WHOM are we following? In any sphere, on any level, anyplace, we tend to follow blindly and keep our mouth shut, or parrot the lies. That is a BIG FLAW. Why can't we sense it and do something about it? We are being fed half-truths from the top, and then instructed to rubberstamp them as dogmas to be followed. This cultivates a MASS MENTALITY on the scale not envisioned by Stalin himself. Can we consider ourselves FREE?

What grew out of this situation? Well, for one, the fear to stand up and be counted. So far, not a beep on this FORUM. No flaws to bring up - a big silence. Not even a comment or two. There is no NKVD to knock on our door at midnight. What are we afraid of? The answer is, the MASS MENTALITY is so deeply set in, that if anyone dares to say something different, he/she risks being ostrasized by the rest.

If the picture is still not clear, I will provide some vivid examples the next time around. Hopefully, there will be some feedback before then.

emkay/02/26/01

[Edited by NORRYM on 26th February 2001 at 17:25]