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What Should Ordinary People Do When There’s War In Ukraine?
Figure out the truth and take a stand.
It’s both a complicated and easy question to answer. On the one hand, there are few things we can do. Most of us are not soldiers or politicians. We’re not on the battlefield. There’s a vast difference between scrolling the newsfeed in your comfortable apartment and falling asleep in the basement because you’re afraid you might get hit by a bomb. But we’re not in charge. We’re not responsible. We’re not to blame.
On the other hand, there’s a lot each of us can do. We can go to protests. We can send humanitarian aid. We can spread awareness.
But most importantly, it seems — especially for ordinary Russians living under Putin’s regime — is figuring out what the truth is. That’s what every one of us is capable of doing.
You don’t even have to be a journalist. You simply have to be curious enough to ask, “Why is this happening?” And then use the available content online to figure it out. Understanding the truth is something we owe to ourselves. No matter what people say about TV propaganda in Russia, ignorance is a conscious choice.
Once you’ve figured out what the truth is—speak up. Say what you think out loud. Post something on Twitter to state your position on the issue. Take a stand.
Indifference is the biggest evil of all.
