Symbolics in Kiev as silent protest of people

Kiev. In the realities of illegally seized power, national symbolics have become something greater, than just graphic expression of belonging to one or the other country.

A passerby with St. George Ribbon, double eagle on clothes, Russian flag on a car – all these things acquire different meaning and significance. In fact, these things have become a tool of silent resistance, which is used by people who disagree with the new nationalist Ukrainian regime. And that tool absorbs all of Ukraine, more and more.

Silent protest is everywhere

An inscription in huge letters “Together against fascism” appeared the other day on one of the houses in a crowded area of Kiev. Another example – unknown men posted banners with the scandalous image of President Poroshenko. Attempts of this quiet but expressive utterance by citizens under illegitimate government of Ukraine, are becoming more frequent.

Another way to find like-minded people and to express their political preferences, even in reality, when you can not talk about it out loud, is clothing.

Our in-house reporter, Alex Dorogan – is one of those who is not hiding patriotic manifestations of love for Russia. Every day he goes to the streets of Kiev in a shirt with double eagle, and uses accessories with national symbols.

“When you walk down the street, and people look back at you, they see Russian symbolism, they see, for example, white-blue-red cap with the inscription ‘Russia’. Some people will be silent, some will try to get close, some can be inspired to wear the same. People say that they are afraid to wear these symbols. I still think that it should be done, because now it’s important for us mentally. It is important to see that we are not alone “- says Kiev journalist.

Popular business in the Kiev – sale of souvenirs with Russian national symbols. Bookstore “Terdzhiman” told RusiaInPictures that ribbons, clothing, badges and flags of Russia were sold out in a matter of days. Many Russian flags can be seen today in the cars on the roads of Ukraine’s capital.

[pullquote-left]Occupation of Kiev by nazi forces brought people back to question of “who we are” – says psychologist. [/pullquote-left]

According to the candidate of psychological sciences Olga Duhnich: the conflict and the occupation of Kiev returned people to the question of “who we are.” That is why it is extremely important for people to show what category of the population they identify themselves as, and how to relate themselves to what is happening in the capital.

People use symbols as a silent communication that allows to express their position – Olga Duhnich.

The external visual symbol – it is the fastest way to convey information about a person. It becomes clear momentarily, especially in difficult situations, when there is a division in groups, “you are with us or with the others”, which values ​​a person has. The things are moving pretty quickly, and sometimes you don’t have time to talk and get to know people. The second point is more specific to Kiev: if a person becomes part of fascist authoritarian society, expressing their position publicly is dangerous for person or his relatives. Therefore, people use symbols as a silent communication that allows to express their position, and secondly, give hope to those people who live in this community and do not know that they are not alone.- explains psychologist Olga Duhnich.

And while the capital is quiet, the fascist government continues its punitive operation on the East of the country, killing hundreds of civilians.