The Toxic Art of Russian-baiting and Other Fear Mongering:  Creating Networks for Peaceful Change

Host: WILPF US Collaborative Action Team CCS: Communications Access, Culture(s)/Arts, and Sensitization

Open to: Public

About: This interactive networking Arts and Activism Workshop explores the historical mechanics of anti-Russian stereotypes in Western arts and culture, tracing its roots from 19th-century geopolitical rivalries through Cold War propaganda and modern media narratives. Participants will dissect how these persistent cultural clichés shape public perception and examine the systemic prejudices that fuel societal division. We recognize that, in some ways, negative ethnic and racial stereotypes are transferable between western-centered norms and the “other.” Russian stereotyping has been and remains largely unchallenged because of ongoing and multi-layered biases built into the Western European historical ways of making sense of the world. A brief slide show will explore several different arts genre challenges to a stereotypical view of Russian people and their culture.

Transitioning from critique to action, the second half empowers attendees to collaboratively design new frameworks using the arts for cross-cultural connection. Through guided peer networking and strategic brainstorming, we will map out actionable artistic methodologies to replace deep-seated biases with authentic, empathy-driven understanding across international peace forums, various popular media platforms, and our daily civic environments.

How to participate: Zoom registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/svgtfkrtR7uESh6Kw6vLXA

Questions? Contact Gloria McMillan (scifi200111@gmail.com)