Posted by webmaster on May 25, 2000 at 14:09:35:
In Reply to: re alcohol survey posted by G. G. Grabowicz on May 25, 2000 at 09:10:50:
: To the administrators of Brama:
: You folks should try to be a little more sensitive to the way your choice of survey topics may reflect on the Ukrainian collective image. Since Brama, for better or worse, is a "gateway" for Ukraine, and Ukrainians, and Ukrainian topics on the Internet, a survey like the present one on "Ukrainian drinks" or the recent one on "nalesnyky fillings" may well tend to confirm some people's stereotypes of Ukrainians--not of being drinkards or gluttons, no, but of simply being unsophisticated, of not knowing what goes where. While culinary preferences and drinking habits are a legitimate subject of interest, they seem out of place on the page in question--which is obviously devoted to other, more "serious" topics. At the very least, questions about whether you prefer samohonka to beer create an awkward counterpoint to the--arguably--more serious questions about the role of the Ukrainian language, the Ukrainian church situation, and so on that also appear on the same spot. In short, some tact and self-respect is called for.
: Do give it some thought.
: G.G. Grabowicz
We appreciate your points, and thank you for sharing your thoughts. However, Ukrainian life-style runs the span from the prosaic to the sublime, the serious to the light-hearted, and our readers can be both "serious" and at the same time participate in the lighter side of life. Topics for survey questions reflect those varied characteristics, and don't attempt to box Ukrainians into any narrow stereotypical attributes.
In particular, your concerns about labeling Ukrainians as unsophisticated is unfounded with respect to this particular survey. Some of the most sophisticated people I know drink "horilka", beer, and yes, even samohonka when they go to Ukraine. There is nothing shameful about having a traditional home-brew, and should be regarded as a source of pride. It is as much a part of Ukrainian culture as pysanky - not that I'm comparing the two. Vasyl, who posted a recipe below for his favorite samohonka, happens to be a PhD economist. He is very comfortable in the role of respected academic and at the same time a down-to-earth Ukrainian who enjoys life to the fullest.
It is also important to note that those who are participating in the survey can be interpreted only as people in general, not limited to Ukrainian people, who like a particular type of Ukrainian alcoholic beverage. We recognize that a large number of Brama users are of Ukrainian ancestry, but there is no evidence to suggest that an overwhelming number of the survey participants are in fact Ukrainian. To assume that is to assume that only Ukrainians have an interest in Ukrainian affairs. We know that this is not the case.
So, sit back, put up your feet, and enjoy a cool glass of whatever your preferred drink might be, even if plain old water - which, incidentally, is another great beverage (albeit non-alcoholic) in Ukraine. For those who are interested, you can now purchase mountain spring water ("ne-hazovanu vodu") in 3-liter (or was it 5-liter?) bottles in Ukraine, and it's excellent. Look for it at your local bazaar or corner "kramnytsia."
And while you're sipping away, think of a few "serious" survey topics that you would prefer to see on Brama. The topic question must be phrased in a short sentence (about 5-10 words preferably), and the optimum format is a a yes/no/maybe response. We always welcome suggestions from our readers and look forward to hearing yours.