JOUR 311 Assignment 5

JOUR311 Karadjov

Cienna Acevedo

UKRAINE CRISIS

While many anticipated for the winning picks at the Oscars this past weekend, tension rose on the eastern side of the world as Russia’s military activity in Ukraine grew. Based on chain of events such as corruption within the Ukrainian government and public protests among the streets, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, responded with a deployment of 16,000 troops into Crimea. The escalading crisis in Ukraine doesn’t go unheard among California State University Long Beach students.

“Any country not willing to recognize another country’s autonomy is wrong,” says Roque Renteria, a Philosophy and English double major. In his initial reaction to the recent events in Ukraine, Roque disagrees with “Putinism” and supports Ukraine’s power to “oust who they think is worthy in running their country”. Roque expresses that Putin should be dealt with diplomatically and “applied with economic pressure”.

In agreement with sanctions and embargoes aimed towards Russia, Evan Dixon, a senior in Communication Studies, feels this method of action is “a little soft.” “We put so much money into the military,” says Evan. “Why have so much military technology if we’re not going to use it as a scare tactic in this situation?” He describes the United States as having influential persuasion in future actions with Russia. “If the U.S. doesn’t really take a strong stance on something and not enough enforcement power for people to get behind them, it falls apart.”

Rene Fernando, a Film major in his senior year, disagrees with the United States’ involvement between Russia and Ukraine. “For the U.S., we have bigger problems here at home then us trying to be ‘big brother’ when big brother has its own problems.” However, he mentions “America as a double-edge sword” in people opposing our country’s interference with other nations, yet relying us in time of need for help. “I’d wait to see if they maintain the area or leave, then we step in,” says Rene in response to Russia’s future actions.

Another senior student in Film, Tim Kranyak, expresses Russia’s actions as being opportunistic. “They [Russia] are using westernization debate to hold onto strategic locations in Crimea,” he says. “It’s an excuse to control more in the end then they did before.” Tim approves the leverage tactic by the United States and other nations to stop Russia from infringing on Ukraine’s sovereignty.

As an initial reaction, English major, Abraham Alapisco, was surprised with Russia after their successful running of the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi. “It really seemed like they were back stepping as far as their identity in the international scene,” says Abraham. “They seem to go back in forth between wanting to have major influences over other countries, but trying to be friendly at the same time.” He states the United States should follow the United Nation’s lead and “refrain from doing anything too brash”. “There needs to be clarification on where people stand in the involvement of this situation,” he states.

As a word to other student peers, it is valuable to take an interest in current events like the Ukraine crisis. “People should be just more aware politically and globally in general, “says Tim Kranyak. “With technology, students can repost and keep everything transparent and not encourage bias reporting,” adds Abraham Alapisco. “Why not take an interest?” says Roque Renteria. “This is possibly history in the making. Even if you don’t take an interest in politics, it’ll take an interest in you.” ♦