LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (06/08/03)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Do not speak on my behalf

Dear Editor:

As a member of the Ukrainian community in the United States, I was shocked and offended by Yuriy Tarnawsky's and Zenon Mazurkevich's statements in The Ukrainian Weekly in which they equate their personal frustrations in Ukraine with the experiences and attitudes of "many of us," to quote Mr. Tarnawsky - meaning the Ukrainians of the diaspora. On the basis of their limited experience, which may be the result of their own individualism and not the flaws of "the mother country," the authors divide the Ukrainians into "us" and "them."

Mr. Tarnawsky complains that there are only a few individuals with whom he "managed to strike up a friendship," but he says that the "fact is that the difference between [him] and Ukraine is enormous." Furthermore, he says that he has "a hard time having a close relationship with many people [he] met in Ukraine." So Mr. Tarnawsky has a personal problem, but why elevate it to the national level?

After reading this long conversation, I am quite aware that the problem is not "the mother country," or the division into "us" and "them," but the problem of Mr. Tarnawsky as a writer who sees only his way of writing as the only way to the future. He makes his position clear when he says: "I've no doubt that, in a generation or two, assuming that Ukrainian culture survives that long, the contribution of the émigré Ukrainians [obviously referring to the New York Group of which Mr. Tarnawsky was one of the founding members, although I doubt that other members of that group share Mr. Tarnawsky's views] will be recognized as being key, such that it changed fundamentally the face of Ukrainian culture and has made it the way it'll be at that time. Because if this weren't true, then what would be called Ukrainian culture then wouldn't be worthy of that name." His message, bordering on messianism, tells the reader that this is the only correct way for the Ukrainian culture to develop. Obviously it would be unfair to accuse the author of modesty.

While one can discuss and disagree with Mr. Tarnawsky about the genre of modernism and its influence on society, his statement on the alleged "illiteracy" of the current Ukrainian literary 'elite' " is shocking, leaving one speechless. His speaking in such harsh language about individuals with whom he should be debating various literary issues tells me that he is restricted to his imaginary creative world. There are other pearls of wisdom about the Ukrainian culture and society which leave one profoundly disappointed.

Mr. Tarnawsky's message was very clear to Mr. Mazurkevich who, in his letter to the Editor, wrote: "So there is a great fragility in the current cultural elite. As Mr. Tarnawsky points out, in many cases they are merely 'poseurs' mimicking culture." After this rude and insensitive statement, the author would have us "better educated, more cultured, more productive,..." separate ourselves from "them," the people of Ukraine, until they catch up with us. What utter nonsense!

As somebody who spent a lot of time in Ukraine, I would like to conclude by saying that I know quite a few individuals who contributed to the Ukrainian social and cultural life and found a lot of friends with whom they continue to cooperate on various projects. Only yesterday, for example, Bohdan Boychuk, one of the founders of the New York Group, who lives mostly in Kyiv, told me that he found many friends there with whom he can cooperate in various literary projects. Please note that, unlike you, I do not claim to speak on behalf of the entire Ukrainian community. Therefore, gentlemen, do not speak on my and our behalf.

Taras Hunczak
Chatham, N.J.

A viewpoint from one of "us"

Dear Editor:

In response to the letter from Zenon Mazurkevich (May 11), I'd like to express my opinion.

Regarding the concept of "us" and "them" - this affects each reader. I consider myself an "us," as I have been experiencing the growth and tribulation of the turn-of-the-century emigrants. They came because of the oppressive life in Austro-Hungary or Poland. Very few were authorized to leave the Soviet Union. They couldn't better themselves at home, so they emigrated. Here in America they were recognized as "Polacks," Russians or "greenhorns." Although many were illiterate, they understood unity. So they got together, organized their religious way of life, then their fraternal organizations, which brought them Ukrainianization. With their lasting commitment to maintain their heritage, they taught their children so that today the "us" group has gained prestige.

After World War II, the new arrivals became "them." They brought their youth organizations, their educational societies, their charitable organizations and their self-identity. Their children knew Ukrainian life only at home. Verkhovyna was a reawakening center, once a year.

In the meantime, the hromadas (communities) were falling apart. Local interest was defeated, and nationally the attitude was "let someone else do it!"

With the demise of the "us" group, the "them" group has become the new "us," and with the arrival of the new immigrants since August 1991 the new "us" don't know how to defend their assimilation.

I'm happy that I'm still one of the old "us."

Wasyll Gina
New Haven, Conn.

Ukraine must elect patriotic people

Dear Editor:

When will Ukrainians be masters of their own country? Are we destined to forever be puppets of Russia? Our current Russian lackeys who control Ukraine will completely destroy the country. Are they unaware of the millions of victims who were murdered by the Russians? The answer is that, of course, they know! They are merely continuing Russia's plan to destroy Ukraine's independence. Ukraine must purge itself of these traitors and elect patriotic people who love Ukraine.

The Communist Party and the other political parties that support Russia's policy should be made illegal.

In memory of the millions of Ukrainians who gave their lives for their beloved Ukraine, we must cleanse our country and regain our freedom. It is time the Ukrainians united and followed the example of our Kozaks who formed a strong, proud and glorious nation.

Markian Solonynka
Matawan, N.J.

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