31st March 2022

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 31st March 2022


Musings…….


Russians and the letter Z 


The letter Z has now become a graphic rallying point of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

It is interesting to note that the letter Z was initially painted in white on Thanks and military vehicles headed to Ukraine from Russia. 


Anyone supporting Russia in its invasion of Ukraine have been seen wearing the letter on clothes as badges including influencers and politicians. 


The letter Z has often appeared on social media with the hashtag #СвоихНеБросаем

meaning " we dont abandon our own " .  This symbol has become so much popular that, a picture of terminally ill children from a cancer ward joined to create the letter Z within the hospital compound, and the picture went viral on the internet. 


The Russian Ministry of defense has since explained on Instagram that the letter Z represents a number of slogans that begin with the Russian word "for" (Za). " For Victory", "For Peace". 


Symbols are powerful identifiers, especially true in war zones as we have seen many times in US invasion of Iraq, and with Red Cross and their symbol. 


In Russia, the word has now become a style statement with people wearing the symbol proudly along with their national flag and also on social media. 


Most recently news came out that the usage of the symbol Z has been banned in some parts of Germany, lest it may be identified as support for Russia ! 


We do live in strange times ! Only thing left to see, on a lighter note, is countries banning Zebra crossings and the animal for that matter !! 


Food for Thought .......


RC

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