Forgotten War

Blog by Pat Cunningham  

Figure one November 19th 2023

In the tapestry of human experience, few threads are as dark and complex as those of war. Yet, it's the cultural realm that often brings us closest to understanding the multifaceted nature of war and how it came to be. Drawing on insights from PBS's detailed analysis of the Ukraine conflict two years into Russia's invasion, this blog post explores how war is lived, interpreted, and defined in different perspectives, delving into what cultural texts can teach us about these real armed conflicts. We get to see true sides to each story being displayed in this forgotten war.  At the heart of this exploration is the question: How is war experienced through the cultural lens? They do not merely reflect armed conflict but interpret it, embedding it within the human condition and voice. The PBS article serves as a pivotal source, analyzing the state of the Ukraine war with insights from experts and frontline reports. This analysis, while rooted in the specifics of the Ukraine conflict, shows a broader narrative of resilience, suffering, and the quest for identity in the face of external aggression. Is Ukraine truly winning this forgotten war or is that what is perceived? Is the real war the displacement of its own people? It's a narrative that resonates across cultural texts, offering glimpses into how war is lived by those directly affected. The stories of displaced families, the resilience of communities under siege, and the unwavering spirit of national defense are not just news items; they are lived experiences that cultural texts seek to capture and interpret. It shows me just how much the world has come down to relevancy. 

Figure 2  December 5th 2021

In examining cultural responses to war, one can't help but ponder the role these texts play in shaping our understanding and response to conflict. Do they foster a consensus around the notion of war, or do they encourage resistance? Reflecting on what this cultural study means on a personal level, Stuart Hall's invitation to speak autobiographically resonates deeply. Engaging with the cultural interpretations of the Ukraine conflict, from heart-wrenching photographs to eloquent journalistic accounts, we see just how confused both sides of the war truly are. We hear that Russia has numbers but is in need of recruiting. Ukraine is winning but in need of assistance.  This introspection reveals a dual awareness: the fragility of the human condition and the resilience that emerges in response to conflict. Its ever-shifting context as a global citizen, witnessing the unfolding of history through the prism of culture, reaffirms my relationship to the world. Its almost a quest for understanding beyond the headlines.

In this digital age, where the lines between information and interpretation blur, bias in every headline, violence displayed as memes online, cultural texts offer a grounding perspective on war. They remind us that behind every statistic and geopolitical analysis lies a human story waiting to be told. Most of the time I believed Ukraine was winning the war as the underdog or hero. But even with the advantages of gaining back the “20%” it's a very real possibility they cannot win.  We see“...what does victory look like? Ukraine is able to achieve an end to the war on terms favorable to itself that does not involve it sacrificing any significant amount of sovereignty or compromising its economic viability as a state” Whether through a blog post, a documentary, or a photograph, this cultural realm continues to offer insights into how we live, interpret, and define the profound experience of war. Such as simply ignoring ongoing wars from relevance? I invite the reader to engage with cultural texts and perspectives on war not just as passive observers but as active participants in a shared human journey. Try to live in the present while also fighting for the ongoing. 

Source: PBS. "Experts Analyze State of Ukraine War 2 Years Into Russia's Invasion." PBS