In a comment on my previous post (introducing the new video “Ukraine is a World of Love” by Alicia Kishe), a friend wrote, “It was painful watching the video of Alicia. The beauty and sweetness I saw … and Putin blowing it up.”
By the way, folks, be happy for Alicia Kishe. I happen to know from experience of her elsewhere that she is thrilled to see Views and Likes and Subscribes. Please reward her. It will mean a lot to her. For a little extra fun, here is Alicia’s latest self-made 19-second home video, posted April 26, 2022, titled, “I Just Dance.” Stop by and give her a Like and good wishes:
Cracks me up.
My reply to my friend’s comment got out of hand, so I moved it to this new post instead of a comment.
Friend, I believe that you speak for many people who get struck by the video that way, but most would not say so out loud as you have, for fear that they would be admitting that they did not “get it” in the expected or “appropriately” sentimental way. That kind of expectation just adds to the pain. The only “appropriate” way is to try, as one is able, to keep an open mind. That can be hard to do in pain.
You got me thinking more about the ways Alicia’s video can affect people, and about the overall situation in Ukraine and my relationship with it.
The Balsamean 