There is history known to everyone, history known by some, and then there is history that was almost lost. When your own history has been invisible to most, shedding light on it is the least you can do, hoping people will take interest and listen to you. In a world where some histories remain hidden, Mukhamet Shayakhmetov’s “The Silent Steppe: The Memoir of a Kazakh Nomad Under Stalin” emerges as a beacon of revelation. Shayakhmetov’s memoir offers a touching journey through the author’s life as a Kazakh nomad amidst the sweeping changes of Soviet rule.
Category: The Euroculturer
Delving into past elections in Poland, Bangladesh, India, and Venezuela, this article explores the crucial significance of social media for electoral campaigns. Unsurprisingly, social media is evolving into an essential tool for political parties to reach specific groups of voters, and to counter campaigns of the opposition. Yet, in countries like Bangladesh, they have also turned into a dangerous weapon employed by the ruling party to silence their opposition. Despite the discrepancies of the countries mentioned, social media features like artificial intelligence paired with fake news have the potential to become a universal threat to democracy.
The European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, on 2 August, was the occasion to commemorate the suffering of the Roma people in Europe during World War II. A ceremony took place at the Council of Europe, allowing for a short time to reflect on what happened – and what should never happen again. Most importantly, the central question is: “How can we prevent the repetition of atrocities?” In most places in Europe, discrimination, violence and segregation are still well in place and directed at minorities, migrants or “unadaptable” communities, reflecting nativist and nationalist attitudes. Roma people fit the target group of these growing xenophobic trends in Europe, with substantial growth in Central and Eastern Europe. This article tries to connect disinformation, misrepresentation and lack of recognition of the Roma minority’s past suffering with the lack of effective measures against their present persecution all around Europe, accepted by some while ignored by most.
In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Ukrainian government has adopted proxy strategies to gain leverage over Russian troops by providing technical support to rebel and terrorist groups attacking Russian military and mercenaries abroad. This tactic is especially evident in regions where Russia is exploiting resources to fund the war with Ukraine. In our latest article, Elidad shares his insights on the impact of Ukraine's proxy strategy, particularly in the Sahel region of Africa, where Wagner troops are stationed. He explores the potential benefits for Ukraine in undermining Russia's financial resources but raises concerns about the escalating conflict in the Sahel, which may become a victim of the Kyiv-Moscow rivalry. For anyone interested in the geopolitical dynamics of the gold and uranium-rich Sahel region and the broader implications of proxy warfare, this article is a must-read.
What is it like to be a Genderqueer Filipino International Student in the Netherlands? Gee Paglinawan explores their journey and experiences as a genderqueer Filipino student navigating the academic, as well as social and cultural spaces in the Netherlands. Gee reflects on the challenges they faced growing up in a devout Catholic family in a predominantly Christian postcolonial Philippines, where the lack of legal protections for LGBTIQ+ individuals posed significant obstacles. Contrastingly, the Netherlands, is portrayed as a beacon of inclusivity and acceptance, offering a safe and supportive academic and living environment for diverse gender identities and expressions. Through their anecdotes about life in Groningen, interactions within the Euroculture program, and engagement with the local Queer community, the essay highlights the profound impact of cultural and social acceptance on personal well-being and identity affirmation. The author calls for continued advocacy for LGBTIQ+ rights in the Philippines and globally, emphasizing the importance of fostering inclusive spaces for all.
Have you ever encountered a situation that starkly contrasted with your personal values and upbringing, shaping your judgment of that event? Imagine living outside your home country, where your rights and freedoms are shaped by the prevailing social and cultural norms of the majority. In this article, I explore how cultural perspectives influence laws and rights in Ghana, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ rights. As more African countries proceed to ban LGBTQ+ activities, I examine Ghana's Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, showcasing the profound impact of cultural and social factors on its development. I discuss the bill's background, its current status, and its potential future, using this case to highlight how deeply cultural norms shape the perception and protection of citizens' rights and freedoms.
Forced Migration is an involuntary movement of a person, or people, from their home region due to persecution, conflict, violence, and human rights violations. Period poverty means inaccessibility to safe and hygienic menstrual products, basic sanitation services or facilities for personal hygiene, and menstrual education (how to use menstrual products in a hygienic manner and methods of waste management for menstrual products). How does forced migration lead to period poverty? What are the relations between these two factors?
In May 2024, the European Council adopted a directive aiming at fighting gender violence, the first of its kind. This directive is a positive milestone regarding women's rights and show real change. The article will however addresse its shortcomings and discuss the power structures contributing to gender-violence.
Berlin is Europe's buzzing party capital but also a fabulous place to complete your internship. We have asked four Euroculture students about their recent experiences as interns in the German capital. Get ready for some personal Berlin insights!
Climate terrorism is a term increasingly used by the media to describe the non-violent protests of climate activists around the world. Is it appropriate? I argue that no, it’s neither accurate nor appropriate. Using this kind of discourse is harmful, as it can be used to justify violence against activists and it shifts the focus away from the real urgency – the climate crisis. Whether one agrees or disagrees with non-violent civil disobedience, criminalising climate activism and framing activists as terrorists is not the answer.
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