It's been incredibly difficult to wrap my brain around what's going on in Ukraine right now. For the last couple of weeks hearing about the impending invasion by Russia, I've sort of been holding my breath and hoping the worst won't happen. But it did. And now there are thousands of people being displaced, fleeing their homes, living in fear. It seems like every day I see some video or another of a Ukrainian person cleaning the shattered glass from their windows off of their kitchen table or maneuvering an actual missile that's taken up residence in their living rooms.
In these moments it can be really hard for me to think about anything positive. I find I can get really sucked into the empathy I feel for everyone. Sometimes it makes it downright fucking hard to get out of bed or get things done. But then I see videos of Russian people protesting in the streets of Yekaterinburg, St Petersburg, Moscow and I have this little burning flame of hope. I see people doing the right thing and standing up against tyranny. I see Russians condemning the actions of their government even at the risk of being tried for treason at best, at worst they're tortured and killed. The Russian police are arresting pregnant people, the elderly, men, women, and children of all ages and abilities and locking them away for simply protesting what's going on. They arrested a WWII veteran. Nearly 2,000 people have been detained so far.
I know a lot of people all over are feeling like they want to help but don't know where to begin. The lovely people over at Lost Girls Vintage in Chicago have compiled a list of Ukrainian-owned businesses to buy from. I know this doesn't directly help anyone overseas, but by supporting local Ukrainian-owned businesses you're helping them help their families, many of which are trying to seek asylum elsewhere. Chicago is home to a huge Ukrainian population and is in fact a sister city to Kyiv. For those of you not from Chicago, I would urge you to see if there are businesses in your area that are Ukrainian-owned. I am trying to find reputable, ethical relief funds to donate to. As I gather more information I will compile a list to share with you all.
Love the Stripping History family
https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2022/02/photos-anti-war-protests-russia/622914/
Greg Smith
2022-02-28 13:21:26 +0000 UTCDanielle Colby Striptease Historian
2022-02-28 13:08:48 +0000 UTCDanielle Colby Striptease Historian
2022-02-28 13:06:15 +0000 UTCGreg Smith
2022-02-27 21:42:32 +0000 UTCKim Rice
2022-02-27 21:38:04 +0000 UTC