Episode 32

The kids on tonight’s panel felt personally and emotionally touched by the war in Ukraine. Their conversation went deep, as they talked about Putin’s disregard for people vs his need for power, the role of NATO, and the admirable leadership of Zelensky.

Sofia’s parents immigrated to the United States, leaving behind her grandfather, aunts, uncles and cousins. As the war is raging in Ukraine, it is harder and harder for Sofia to be able to speak to her Ukrainian relatives. Sofia says she feels guilty that she is living in America, as her relatives are living with sirens blaring hourly. She is concerned about how the war is affecting her parents’ mental health. Her father is devastated as he sees his country being destroyed and her mother worries that Russia will take over Ukraine.

Lexi felt honored to be a Panelist and to be able to speak out against the war in Ukraine. She attends Taft, a private boarding school in Connecticut, where 20% of the students are international. The school has been supportive of the war and the students from Ukraine. They have held vigils. Lexi said she has 5 close friends who are from Ukraine. It is difficult to watch her friends from the sidelines as they worry about their families’ safety. She said nothing in the world has impacted her this way, acknowledging that she wasn’t alive during 9/11. Lexi felt she had to do something personally, which is why she asked to be on Kids Are Talking. She said that when watching the war and hearing about what is happening, things like sports try outs become insignificant.

Ben said that the war has affected his stress and fears. He said that before COVID, he was worried about a nuclear attack. He noted that we live in a globalized world, so the war is already affecting the world, even though the NATO countries are not actively fighting. Ben is trying to understand what is happening and why. He knows that everyone needs to do what they can; we can’t isolate ourselves.

In response to a chat room comment about Russia being Goliath, Ben talked about the Malcom Gladwell book, Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants. He said David was small, and that was his advantage; and being on your home turf gives you a 10-1 advantage. He believes Ukraine wants to win much more than Russia. He thinks many Russian soldiers don’t even know why they are fighting in Ukraine.

Ben voiced great admiration for President Zelensky, who he sees as a leader who all of the country supports because he fights with and for his people. He compared him to Putin who has others fight for his power and makes people fear him. Ben made the connection between Zelensky, who he felt has been thrust into a leadership role and is a great leader to the character in the Netflix series, Designated Survivor. He said that leaders don’t always want to be leaders, it gets thrust upon them.



All of the panelists discussed how the war has put their lives and concerns into perspective. ‘We take life for granted.’ The kids were shown a photo of a teen, with a rifle and a lollipop in her mouth. They agreed it is difficult living their normal lives, worried about a grade on a test, when there are people in Ukraine losing their homes and their lives. These people are trying to survive with ‘bombs crashing down on their heads.’ It is time to stop worrying about the little things and see the bigger picture. The war has brought out the best in people. Ben said he saw an 80-year-old returning to Ukraine to fight. Lexi said people are coming together to help each other, first COVID and now Ukraine. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can have a voice and help others. It’s about trying to make a difference.

• Sofia, who said she is usually quiet, ‘feels she has to speak up. The war has made her value love.’
• Ben, ‘Situations like this let you see the worst and best in people. He is trying to look at the positive stories.’
• Lexi ‘It doesn’t matter your age, if you can help others, do it! Make a difference!”
  
• We are in it together and must stay together.