Re: Labeled Russian on About.com web site(Myron)

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: : : : : To all, here’s an email I sent to Linda Lelaine : : : (Russianculture@guide@About.com). I suggest you view the web site, About.com, and send her (and other pertinent names you may find) your own letter or email (in words you see fit). You can use my letter as a starting point. : : : Good writing and Slava Ukraini. : : : Myron : : : : : : ______________________________ Forward Header __________________________________ : : : Subject: Ukrainian : : : Author: Myron Krywulych at IBI-Cor3 : : : Date: 2/17/00 12:47 PM : : : Linda DeLaine, : : : When I accessed About.com, I searched for ‘Ukrainian’ related information, I was shocked at the results. A large portion of what I viewed was classified under the main heading ‘Russian culture’. To give just a few examples, headings such as ‘1000 Years of Ukrainian Culture’, or ‘Pysanky Ukrainian Eggs’, or ‘Pysanky - Russian Culture’ (?) are all classified under ‘Russian culture’. : : : There were many other inconsistencies (down right errors) in terminology and description. In fact, in reading your section on ‘Frequently Asked Question’, you had personally responded to one of the questions by describing Kiev Rus’ as the cradle of Russian history and culture. As a result of this explanation, you seem to justify grouping both Ukrainian and Russian history, culture, events, and general information as if they were one. : : : Although a lengthy rebuttal on these historical inaccuracies would not be appropriate, I would like to quickly (and hopefully to the point) explain why all topics involving Ukrainian issues should be separate and distinct from those of Russian in nature. To begin with, from a historical perspective, the term Kievan Rus’ is not the cradle of Russian culture. In fact it is the cradle of Ukrainian culture. The confusion lies with the term ‘Rus’. This name was the predecessor of the current Ukrainian name. The term Rus’ was not in any way used by the Russia until Peter the Great. As Ukraine continued to become occupied by imperialist Russia, Peter the Great changed the name of the Muscovite state to Russia in order to attempt to equate it with the great history of Kievan Rus’. Therein lies the problem. : : : Even without looking at the historical aspects, Ukraine is not a ‘region’ as described in one of the Pysanky articles. Its been an independent country since 1991. The so called Commonwealth of Independent States, that you refer too, is for all practical purposes meaningless. The CIS is a loose economic agreement with absolutely no influence over nationality and statehood. The point being, that Ukraine has a separate history, language, and nation—and should be treated as such. The imperialistic tendencies of larger and stronger countries certainly had a methodical, or planned, effect on confusing these issues, but corrections to history are being made. : : : Last but not least, although you may not be aware, I would like to briefly mention that to refer to someone who by nationality is Ukrainian, or of Ukrainian decent, as Russian is offensive. Just consider the reverse scenario, would a Russian liked to be called Ukrainian? Or a Ukrainian a Pole? Or possibly an Irishman English? Ukrainians do consider Russians foreigners in the same manner as they would treat French, Chinese, or Germans (inversely, these nationalities understandably consider Ukrainians as foreign as well). : : : : : : As you can see, I tried to discuss several examples as to why everything Ukrainian cannot be grouped under the headlines Russian culture. Your web site does contain many good articles with good links to other sites. However, please fix your web site to reflect a distinct section for Ukrainian and separate from Russian. It would not only be more accurate, but it would be great service to those (including many of the organizations in your web site with referenced links) who use your site and services. : : : Thank You, : : : Myron Krywulych : : Mr.M.Krywulych If more people took interest,like you did, and expressed their intelligent opinions. I am sure we could educate and enlighten the Internet,Papers and Magazines about the difference between the two countries.It will take time to do that.As I see,there are not that many interested Ukrainians on the Internet or maybe they don't have computers webtvs to get involved or care about it.I don't know why?And another thing that bothers me,that its almost 9yrs.of independed Ukraine the News and Media still saying the former ex-Soviet state.I wish I could say something more intelligent but did my best.Thank you for posting.Slava,"Ukraine" : Slawko : To your point, please look at the Brama Community bulletin, there some exchage of ideas going on there. Also, see and join the discussion on the about.com, Russian Culture Forum. We need participation on that site. We have an opportunity to possibly start our own Ukrainian Culture Forum and not be in someone elses view of history.

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