Yesterday, on 7th of September, Russia announced that Germany's Consulate in St. Petersburg would be closed, and staff is ordered to leave by 13th of September. Few days back, Germany did this thing of closing Russia's consulate in Bonn. So, it is just Newton's Third Law - every action has a reaction. However, the direction is same this time. It means another small bandage is gone missing.
Funny enough at the same moment, Germany's political landscape has given another remarkable headline. The far-right AfD, won with a good percentage in Saxony-Anhalt state election. It may not have won an outright majority, or has taken over Germany. But one thing is sure: the undeniable history. From my personaly readings, I have seen that far-right is seeing a surge in European regions. It may not be factually or phyrsically correct, but my this change seems inevitable.
Anyways, this left-right thing is another day topic.
Back to the previous news. Now put those two stories together and think of it with historical perspective. Because, Petersburg is not another European city. It was once called Leningrad.
During the horrific episodes ot World War 2, German forces surrounded Leningrad. More than a million civilians died during the siege, most from starvation, disease, and of course, bombardment.
Now, let us connect this news forcasting with social media.
I came across a post, during my scrolling that said: Russia and Germany getting ready for another round, with a rocking music in the background. By the way, another round is the reference to World War 2 scenario. And, first comment was: World War 3 is loading with 10k+ likes. Post had above 100k.
One thing is for sure - this GenZ loves to fantacise war.
This is my personal observation, and obviously my friend circle too fantacises this thing. Because why not? Life seem pretty easy this way, especially cinema made us think that way. There is a hero, he can outrun tens of hundreds of men single-handedly, and all in-between. And, for the most part, I am talking about those people who seem to take war as something of non-chalant nature. Not just this, there is this excitement thing for them in this.
It reminds me of Doflamingo, One Piece character, quote: "Kids who have never seen peace and kids who have never seen war have different values."
And this line from a fictional character is the reality for all of us. Isn't it? This GenZ, not everyone, but mostly has seen the peace. There problems are bit different, and I think those are pitty things. But, I will not deny that every individual has its own wars - literal and contextual - to fight. However, one thing is confirm that there is no smell of smoke, no sleepless night waiting for someone to return or return to (Dark is the Night song), no shallow hearts. There are screens with dramatic soundtrack, and a war that belongs to none.
For the cinema part, unfortunately, real life does not provide protagonists or background music. A bullet does not care about the courage or dedication. And a bomb - epitome of equality - is not biased at all; it simply does justice for all. And this is the difference between those who have seen war and those who have not: one sees the aura, wile the other knows the cost.
So, we really need to learn something from our mistakes. And sorry, let us not hope for another World War. Because, at least, I am already done with these on-going wars. The world is a lot different since Russia-Ukraine incident, and then there is economical impact which we cannot deny. Because, war is not a single incident. It has far devastating impacts on everything, and death counts are the worst. Yes, war may look exciting on screens. But, I doubt, it feels the same when it is happening outside your window.
And remember: Winter is coming.
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Peace 🕊️
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The picture was taken by me using Infinix Note 50 Pro, and has been used previously as well. Moreover, the written content is more like my freedom of expression i.e. opinion stated with facts. No GenZ was hurt in the making :)
