Posted by Ihor Solovey on March 22, 2000 at 22:03:22:
In Reply to: What are we afraid of? posted by Yaroslav on March 22, 2000 at 14:39:03:
: We have our culture and language that are older than those of Russia. Even Russians will agree with that. Therefore as intelligent people we should continue developing our own traditions and try to expend the influence of our culture. This has nothing to do with Russian language. Let us be honest. Quite a few people in Ukraine speak Russian. So what? Are we afraid that our culture may not withstand competition?
: Moreover if Ukrainian speaking newspapers and TV-channel suck more than those of Russians (sorry for the choice of word but I know what I am talking about)
Quite frankly, I don't think you do, at least that doesn't apply to new Ukrainian media ventures. I miss 1+1 and STB a lot more, than I miss ORT or NTV. You know why? Because it was as good as the Russian channels and in my native language. As for newspapers, I personally find Russian-language newspapers published solely in Ukraine, such as Zerkalo Nedeli, Fakty or Kievskie Vedomosti much more interesting than some Ukrainian-language newspapers, but some (if not most) of the ones printed in Russia I find very unprofessional. They, for once, are being paid to deliver anti-Ukrainian chauvinistic propaganda. I especially dislike smaller ones. They'll publish anything to gain government's support.
> it is our problem and not theirs. Let us accept this competition and win. It will only make us stronger.
: P.S. The problem of eliminating "blat'-system in Ukraine is more urgent and important than language problems.