Opinion: pragmatism as a compromise between European and Ukrainian positions
In a commentary for LSM's Russian-language service, author Aleksei Zaritchanski calls for patiently listening to opposing views, framing it around the tension between the European stance of "go to work" and the Ukrainian stance of "I want to live on my own means".
LSM's Russian-language service has published an opinion piece by Aleksei Zaritchanski titled "Pragmatism as compromise — the European 'go to work' and the Ukrainian 'I want to live at my own expense'". The author reflects on how difficult it often is to accept a viewpoint that differs from one's own when a person is firmly convinced they are right about a given issue.
Zaritchanski admits that he himself has had to painfully overcome an inner conviction — the feeling that an opponent simply cannot understand why things cannot be otherwise, because the opposing view seems wrong or even unjust. The author notes that such a first reaction is, in fact, only a subjective perception of the situation, and calls on himself, and readers, to correct for it by giving differing opinions a chance to be heard.
Condition: arguments without emotion
According to the author, the main criterion for taking a differing position seriously is that it be well-reasoned and carry as little emotional charge as possible. The article's title points to a broader context — the tension between the position, common in European countries, that Ukrainian refugees should join the labour market, and the wish among part of Ukrainian society to remain independent and live on their own income rather than rely on support from other countries.
The author offers pragmatism as a possible way to reconcile these two seemingly opposing positions, stressing the need for patient, rational discussion rather than emotional confrontation.
