Czas zdekolonizować stereotypy dotyczące Donbasu
It’s Time to Decolonize “Donbas” Stereotypes

Summary/Abstract: The article explores the nature of stereotypes surrounding Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions, framing them as colonial legacy later instrumentalized by the Ukrainian political, cultural, and intellectual elite. In addition, it highlights the historical context, enrooted in Soviet propaganda, which shaped the region’s negative and distorted image. The author argues that the prevailing image of Donbas as the Ukrainian Other has led to the marginalization of its population, contributing to the discrimination faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) since 2014. The article calls for a shift in discourse, deviating from discussing separate “cultural identity” and focusing on the local and communal aspects of the region. It also advocates a nuanced and empathetic exchange about East Ukraine, acknowledging the impact of historical and structural factors on the region’s challenges.

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