Yesterday reminded me of Hoffmann’s fairy tale “Little Zaches.” Fairy tales, especially those that are literarily adapted, are meant to teach modern society to draw conclusions and become better.
The dwarf, who through magic – magical hairs – from a fairy who took pity on the poor creature, could attribute to himself all the good being done around him and blame others for the harm he did himself, never became better. He ruined, oppressed, and broke destinies until he was exposed, stripped of the magical hairs, and eventually drowned in a night vase while fleeing from an angry crowd.
In the fairy tale, everything comes down to a simple quest: find and destroy the source of evil/injustice – and fix what is broken. In life, it often does not boil down to some artifact but involves a whole complex of subjects, actions, and relationships.
For example, about media monopoly and the exclusion of unwanted ones from digital broadcasting.
About the unleashing of anonymous Telegram channels and even non-anonymous Ivanovs-Petrovs, who rave with impunity and carry the language of Russian-style hate with humiliation, devaluation, and dirty sexual fabrications (likely sucked from the complexes of those who invent and voice them).
About co-opting law enforcement agencies, turning them into a collective “state bureau of repression.”
About the ignorance, sycophancy, and thievery of those in power, which have become conditions for climbing the ladder and a guarantee of institutional degradation.
This is all against the backdrop of the (un)conscious reluctance of many to acknowledge the mistake of 2019 – whether it happened due to suggestion, deception, lies, or idealism, instead of choosing the imperfect yet working option, a catastrophe was chosen.
And during the war, these factors undermine the main thing – the ability to resist. When resistance happens not thanks to, but in spite of, and is supported by the authorities at a “C grade” level (and often not from 5, but from 12 points).
How can this be fought?
Appealing to the past often summons subconscious monsters that defend the wrong but chosen path.
Ultimately, the past cannot be changed in the past. One can only improve the future through actions in the present.
And for this, the future must first be seen. Imagined. Understood who can create it.
Discard stereotypes and prejudices and evaluate actions. “Two bucks to Moscow” or 7 billion of own funds for the army. Paper “flamingo” or active “Ai-Petri.” Talks of the deaf with the blind at summits or convincing yesterday’s skeptics of the need to help Ukraine…
We need an honest discussion about the future. One where magical pictures don’t obscure vision. This is what the authorities fear. This is why they pin blame on Biden, Trump, Poroshenko, Zaluzhny, and all virtues on Zelensky.
On one hand, awareness of corruption scandals, failure to prepare for invasion, and economic problems shows that people’s ability to see is not lost. Conclusions need to be drawn. For later, after the cessation of fire. But necessarily.
Because too high a price has been paid for the desire to be enchanted. We must look through the mask and not only see but also draw conclusions. And then formulate and present concrete demands. For a start – a government of national salvation from professionals, not “servants.”
Illustration: Vladislav Yerko
