|
Tatyana Bogushevich |
Is a critic of government policies a sign of disloyalty? Are totalitarian ideas �one state - one ideology - one truth� welcome in the 21st century? Can democratic values be compatible with ethnic exclusionism? Are xenophobic feelings to be praised in a civil society, which claims to be open?
My answer has always been �no�. For me, this newsletter is the way to bring word about the recent developments in the area of minority protection in Latvia, to share my views with broader audience and to raise awareness of minority problems.
I hope that those interested in improvement of quality of the Latvian democracy as well as in alternative outlook will find the newsletter useful.
The truth is out here. As we see it :-)
|
|
Alyona Babitch |
Studying the political science, I have always been interested in ethnic relations.
My own ethnic background is mixed, so this question means a lot to me. I think that
the political analysis can offer solution to many controversial problems. Media
takes a great part in this process. Participation in this project is very important
as it offers an alternative point of view.
CV
|
|
Juris Dubrovskis
|
Being a student of political science, interested in ethnic relations, and having mixed ethnic background in Eastern Europe can move a person in two opposite directions: actively engage yourself in ethnic politics in any form or analyze it, making yourself used to the existence of more than one correct opinion-your�s or your ethnic/linguistic group. All showed, that the second option is mine only, that�s why I joined the group on invitation of my colleague Tanya Bogushevitch. I�m not an �easy� collaborator to the Issues, gaining most for himself, and contributing a bit too much for development of our editor�s professional skills, still being glad to participate in the creation of alternative media.
CV
|
|
Aleksandre Kiselov
|
People tend to be afraid of things they don�t know. They dislike or even hate things that frighten them. Looking at the world today with its tensions and wars, I must say that it is not the beauty that will save the world, but tolerance.
I had luck to grow up in a society with two cultures and languages, therefore learning to like, understand and accept cultural diversity. I have spent the last 7 years of my life abroad, traveling and living in different countries, thus broadening up my horizons. I came to the conclusion that intolerance and xenophobia are not products of economic or political system, it is rather result of misinformation and lack of curiosity among �homos economicus�. The xenophobic myths spread by extremists seem to anchor hard in society, and the seeds of hatred always grow faster than the ones of understanding.
Working for this newsletter, I hope to make my modest contribution to fighting xenophobia and promotion of tolerance in the Latvian society, and maybe some other part of the world. I must confess, I still believe in peace in the whole world :-)
CV
|
|
Yuliya Baranovska
|
There are few monoethnic states in the world in the era of globalization. It means that
multiculturalism became the distinctive point of many societies, also Latvia.
Multiculturalism often is the source of many domestic problems and ethnic tensions.
Each state chooses its own problem solution. Nevertheless there are some common points
between democratic states as well: tolerance and respectful attitude to ethnic minorities,
aspiration to preserve their cultucal identity and so on. To my mind this approch is the only
one compatible with the idea of democracy. Latvia has also declared itself a free and
democratic state, but the �minority issue� is still topical. This project is to identify
problems and to propose alternative solutions. It is a possibility to express free opinion
and to pave the way to dialogue - these are the main reasons why I decided to join the team.
CV
|
|
The first editor of the newsletter (1999-2002)
|
|
Alexei Dimitrov
|
After a year of legal studies I started to realize that there are some contradictions between my understanding of equity and minority-related policy in Latvia. In the meantime, the state claimed everything to be perfect in this field. That�s why I participated in creation of this project aimed at providing alternative information on minority issues in Latvia and establishing a field for discussion - at least virtual. I believe that the project will develop, and its team will become a full-fledged partner for the state.
I hope that someday the project will be terminated, as no �minority issues in Latvia� will remain :-)
CV
|
