

31 - Love in the Time of Propaganda w/Sergey Katsuba
Dec 12, 2024
In this engaging conversation, Sergey Katsuba, a PhD student specializing in anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Russia, shares his poignant journey of reconciling his relationship with his mother against the backdrop of escalating propaganda. He discusses how societal pressures shape familial ties, revealing the emotional toll of communication breakdowns. Sergey also sheds light on the resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia, emphasizing the transformative power of empathy and storytelling in challenging discrimination and fostering understanding.
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Personal Story of Love and Propaganda
- Sergey shares how his relationship with his mother evolved amid Russia's growing anti-LGBT laws and propaganda.
- He recounts personal attempts to change her views and the impact of state propaganda on their bond.
Propaganda's Emotional Appeal
- People accept propaganda because it appeals to their anxieties and prejudices.
- Love and personal connection can overcome the divisions propaganda creates in families.
Roots of Political Loyalty
- Loyalty to leaders can grow from associating their rule with past prosperity.
- Nostalgia and anxiety about decline also sustain political allegiance despite disagreeable policies.