Staying Grey in times of conflict
February 25, 2022 — JORDY NIJENHUIS
Something that seemed unimaginable for decades became a reality; interstate war broke out on the European continent. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Europe became center stage for global politics again. In these scary days there is a lot of uncertainty about the situation on the ground and the impact in the long run. We hope that these tips can help you to stay grey in challenging times.
Look for factual information
As Hiram W. Johnson once said, "The first casualty when war comes is truth". During conflicts propaganda is shared widely, especially on social media. It’s important to look for trusted sources with high ethical journalistic standards.
On social media you can check Bellingcat’s twitter account. They are on top of things when it comes to debunking disinformation and sharing open source intelligence. CNET dug up some reliable sources on twitter.
You can also help by debunking mis- and disinformation online. Here are some fact checking tips.
Don’t blame groups for the actions of individuals
A conflict like this is only possible when you take away freedom of expression, when you crush down on any opposition, and when your media landscape is under strict censorship. We cannot blame the Russian population for this. It is clear that the blame lies with one person and the system that he built. We should applaud and support those who dare to stand up for peace, especially in the face of a heartless regime.
Practice self-care
The world looks very grim right now and this might have an impact on how you’re feeling. It is important to focus on some self-care. Here are the basics:
Disconnect: Of course it’s good to be informed, but only hearing about the conflict can be upsetting. Take some breaks from the news and social media.
Focus on yourself: Try to get plenty of rest, eat and drink healthy, and exercise.
Try to relax: focus on your hobbies or other activities you enjoy.
Stay human: talk with other people about your concerns and your feelings.
Help wherever you can
If you find yourself in a position to help people who are affected by the conflict, please do so. Check in with your friends, send them a message, support peace movements, join anti-war demonstrations, donate money to organisations like the red cross, or provide shelter.
Look for constructive solutions
Conflicts are messy and there is a lot of heated rhetoric. It is important to focus on constructive solutions, whilst considering the perspectives of different sides involved. We’ll leave you with the inspiring words from Kenya's envoy to UN, Martin Kimani, who managed to do just that.
"Kenya and almost every African country was birthed by the ending of empire. Our borders were not of our own drawing. They were drawn in the distant colonial metropoles of London, Paris, and Lisbon with no regard for the ancient nations that they cleaved apart.
Today, across the border of every single African country live our countrymen, with whom we share deep historical, cultural, and linguistic bonds.
At independence, had we chosen to pursue states on the basis of ethnic, racial, or religious homogeneity, we would still be waging bloody wars these many decades later. Instead, we agreed that we would settle for the borders that we inherited, but we would still pursue continental political, economic, and legal integration. Rather than form nations that looked ever backwards into history with a dangerous nostalgia, we chose to look forward to a greatness none of our many nations and peoples had ever known.
We chose to follow the rules of the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations Charter, not because our borders satisfied us, but because we wanted something greater, forged in peace.
We believe that all states formed from empires that have collapsed or retreated have many peoples in them yearning for integration with peoples in neighboring states. This is normal and understandable. After all, who does not want to be joined to their brethren and to make common purpose with them?
However, Kenya rejects such a yearning from being pursued by force. We must complete our recovery from the embers of dead empires in a way that does not plunge us back into new forms of domination and oppression. We rejected irredentism and expansionism on any basis, including racial, ethnic, religious, or cultural factors. We reject it again today.”
Do you have additional tips on staying grey in times of conflict? Please put them in the comments on our social media channels, or send them to info@dtbg.nl
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