While the war in Eastern Ukraine is old news by 2019, it is relevant to note the effect of the war on the individual members in society. To focus on such a granular level of the individual in society is imperative to maintain one’s empathy and support for those going through struggle across the globe. It is easy to shut off one’s emotions to turmoil happening thousands of miles away, but somehow through the image taken by the author, I find it pertinent to highlight the sweet and comforting relationships that existed before any turmoil started. The author notes that these “quiet” moments captured before the war are the most impactful as images of the frontline in Donetsk dominate the news. The author/photographer note that the effect war has on a region is polarizing in terms of political ideologies as well as friendships and familial relationships. The once mundane daily life is interrupted by the peppering of artillery in the distance, and towns that were previously noted as communities become uninhabitable. The picture emphasizes that “conflict is often presented with the most dramatic imagery, condensed into a story that's part of a news cycle. But as you experience it, it's much more spread out, over long periods in which there is nothing happening - and in which Life goes on”. The peace exemplified in the picture between the two ladies indicates a simpler time to be alive in Eastern Ukraine and the author ends the article wondering if their lives had been directly affected by Russian-occupation. Sometimes beauty exists in the granularity of life and this picture exemplifies the beauty available in those unacknowledged fleeting moments of peace. Article
To no one’s surprise, the patriarchy is still continually projecting systematic discrimination against women worldwide. The focus of the week revolves around the exposure of Japan’s mandatory dress codes for women in the workplace. Apparently, Japanese women are prohibited from wearing glasses in their places of work as it “would appear rude”. This movement garnered momentum through twitter with the hashtag #glassesarefobidden and appears at the heels of the recent #Kutoo movement. The #Kutoo movement highlights workplaces forcing their female employees to work in high heels. Can we just say ow. Over 21,000 women signed an online petition against this forced dress code and indicates an alarming social poignancy regarding the disturbing expectation that women are simply meant to be desirable objects for viewing and subservience. The article also stated that “Japan was ranked 110 out of 149 countries in the World Economic Forum’s latest global gender gap report”. What it really seems like is Japan’s female force is done with the traditional role of women and are utilizing social media to highlight the discrepancy and discrimination in their country and workplaces. Goooooo ladies! Article
Well were back at it again returning to the roots of Ukraine. While Trump has managed to unhinge the entirety of the government through his shenanigans over the phone with President Zelensky, it is relevant to note the shifting ground on the Ukrainian Homefront regarding their occupation to the East. The Russian-backed separatist region of Donbas has been under Russian control for five years. Recently Zelensky and Putin had come to a prisoner swap agreement which initially showed steps towards an easing of tensions between the two nations regarding the occupation of the Donbas region. All went to Hell in a handbasket when Russia reportedly starting filming anti-Ukrainian propaganda, perpetuating a story of a Russian national “who suffered at the hands of Ukrainian troops”. A national Ukrainian newspaper reports that the allegations and stories brought against Ukraine by this Russian national living in the Donetsk region are false and reflects Russia’s attempt to “exploit…as part of another information attack on Ukraine”. Military tensions seemed to be on the mend, but with this latest development of Russian backed anti-Ukrainian propaganda, the conflict between the two countries is seemingly just beginning. Article
