Ukrainians’ national awareness on the rise

Sociologists claim that, in spite of the economic crisis and political troubles, Ukrainian society can still see the growth of national awareness that began in 2004.

The proof of this is the results of a poll that the Institute of Social and Political Psychology of Ukraine’s Academy of Psychological Sciences conducted and made public at an Intefax-Ukraine press conference last Thursday. The June 26–July 3, 2009, poll involved 2,010 respondents aged 18 and over in all the regions of Ukraine, with the sampling error being 2.2 percent.

The survey showed that the share of individuals who identified Ukraine’s official state symbols as such has grown in comparison with the year 2003, when a similar poll was conducted. In particular, the number of those for whom the blue-yellow flag, the trident, and the National Anthem are Ukraine’s symbols has gone up by 8.2 percent.

The total percentage of those who responded like this was is 46 percent. Ranking second and third on the list of Ukraine’s symbols are embroidered towels (43.6 percent, up 9 percent from 2003) and ethnic dishes and beverages (41.2 percent, up 6 points).

At the same time, the survey showed a sharp fall in the number of those who associate Ukraine with the Chornobyl disaster—from 15.5 to 11.5 percent. Also fewer are the respondents who think that Ukraine has no symbols (from 4.3 percent in 2003 to 2.5 this year) and those unable to name any symbols at all (from 6.6 to 2.5 percent). Experts conclude that this is evidence of positive changes regarding the perception of Ukraine’s symbols by the poulace. Of historical figures symbolize Ukraine 49.6 percent of the respondents named Taras Shevchenko, 33.6 percent Lesia Ukrainka, 30.5 percent Bohdan Khmelnytsky, 27.1 percent Yaroslav the Wise, 24.7 percent Volodymyr the Great, and 21.2 percent Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko.

It may seem strange to somebody that among the historical figures whose merits are common knowledge and arouse no doubt are our contemporaries, the Klitschko brothers, the well-known Ukrainian boxers. But it is all too easy to explain. Ukrainians see them as not only a symbol of our country in the world but also as the embodiment of Ukrainian self-assertion and outright positive. The Klitschko brothers also personify a clear-cut civic position.

This survey shows that the successes of Ukraine’s representatives are much more important for voters than tons of demagogical mud slung from TV screens.

The respondents are reluctant to name the current national leaders and presidential candidates as outstanding modern-day figures who symbolize Ukraine. For example, 7 percent of those polled named Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, 3.4 percent the Party of Regions leader Viktor Yanukovych, 2.3 percent President Victor Yushchenko, and 1.8 percent Arsenii Yatseniuk. The poll data show that, like in 2003, every tenth Ukrainian is inclined to think that none of the present-day figures can be personally considered a symbol of Ukraine.

It is clear from the survey that Ukrainians are far more interested in history than in current politics. Naturally, the poor-quality political process has played a certain role here. But, first of all, changes in the philosophy of life have occurred thanks to the hard work of those few who understood well back in the 1990s what history means for independent Ukraine.

Also, owing to The Day Library’s Ukraine Incognita series, the initiatives of the rock musician Oleh Skrypka, the efforts of such Ukrainian men of art as kobza-player Taras Kompanychenko, graphic artist Serhii Yakutovych, and many others, Ukrainians are gradually becoming aware that the low quality of politics cannot downgrade the quality of the country—its essence, historical experience, and civic potential.

COMMENTARY

Pavlo FROLOV, laboratory chief, Institute of Social and Political Psychology, Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine:

“As the institutes of socialization, such as schools and television, are functioning, they are making gradual changes in knowledge and vision. Soviet symbols are going, together with older-generation people, into the past. Instead, the younger generation is embracing the symbols of modern-day Ukraine.

“We cannot say, naturally, that this new knowledge is taking root by itself. What had a positive effect here were historical projects, especially those of high quality. Suffice it to recall the Great Ukrainians TV show which triggered a powerful informational and propagandistic campaign, a societal debate, and political battles. All this undoubtedly had an impact on public opinion.

“Our polls have been recording enmity towards politics and politicians for a long time now. People see no moral authorities, let alone national leaders, among politicians. But, as the demand for authoritative personalities still remains, society begins to seek them among the other professional groups. No wonder, therefore, that the Klitschkos have become heroes.”