On Permitted Hatred: A Latvian Woman on Russophobia 0 12

"On Russophobia. On permitted hatred in the Latvian people. It's sad.

Recently, a woman threw an accusation at me: 'You are Latvian — how can you sing in Russian?'

And it has come to such a stage: 'A Russian remains a Russian.'

I rarely block people, but over time, a clear understanding comes — not everyone is meant to walk the same path in life. Nationality is not a defining factor for me. Attitude — that is what matters.

I can sense quite well when I am not liked as a person. And I am always somewhat amused by people who masochistically continue to follow me. Respect yourself. Leave.

And I see very clearly how for some people, the permitted hatred towards Russians is like a festering sore: painful, yet nourished. And politically permitted. It's sad.

A person does not begin with nationality. In every person, there is the image of God — in everyone, regardless of nationality. Only hatred distorts that image.

As Rudolf Blaumanis said: 'Conscience is the harshest judge.'

And words always reveal where they come from. And I am not ready to sing along to this song.

Intelligence begins where Alexander Pushkin does not need to wear a bag over his head, and where we do not mock our own participants of the Song and Dance Festival.

Where it is possible to simultaneously say that Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is a genius, and Raimonds Pauls is our national treasure, and understand that one does not interfere with the other.

Culture is not war. Language is not a weapon, as long as it is not made so out of fear.

What language I will sing in is my choice. The words matter to me. Because, as it is written in the ancient Book: in the beginning was the Word.

And political games will not change my opinion, nor will faith.

As Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote: 'Freedom is not in restraining oneself, but in mastering oneself.'

(Brīvība nav sevis ierobežošanā, bet sevis pārvaldīšanā.)", - wrote Zane Blumberga.

There are those who supported her in the comments.

"You are right. I am also on your side. All my friends were Russians, and they were responsive and warm-hearted people. We are still friends today. A year ago, I accidentally met Margarita and Sergey because I posted an ad looking for a car to take things to the village. They responded. And you know, now, when they go that way, they never forget to call me and ask if I need anything taken or if I am planning a trip that way. Such sincere people — Russians. At the same time, my neighbor, who has property near mine, can never and does not want to help me with anything. He is Latvian. Although this is a complicated issue. Because we have Latvians in power, but do they help their own people? That is the question. Many acquaintances and even relatives do not like that I speak Russian, but is knowing and being able to speak languages a bad thing? The Russian language and Pushkin. Now in school, they no longer teach who he is, but that does not make him any worse. Learn and speak this language, because otherwise, you will lose a lot. We have already lost so much. What else will happen?", - wrote Anita in the comments.