EXPLAINING My sister's crown by Vesna: What is it about? - Czechia Eurovision 2023
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- čas přidán 6. 02. 2023
- I talk about my interpretation of the potential Czech Eurovision entry "My sister's crown" by Vesna and about the controversy surrounding it.
Video: • Vesna - My sister's cr... - Zábava
Hi, I would like to clarify some things. I personally spoke with members od Vesna and we talked aboud symbolism of this song. The main message is to unity of Slavic women and sisterhood they represent as the bend. They wanted to write a song about how they connected even though they're from different countries. It wasn't supposed to be primaraly about war but it has some back motives in reaction of Russian invasion. They also stated that it's up to everyone to interprate the song in their own way. Because that's what art and music is about. Thank you for your objective analysis and letting us discuss about it. CHOOSE LOVE OVER POWER is a important message for all of us and I think it beatifuly represents ESC goal.
As a person born and raised in Ukraine, i was touched and and moved by this song.
Some themes and interpritations of this song may be controversial, but controversy belongs to good art. Good piece of art is always open for different interpretation angles, for its publicum to be able to find different meanings, ideas and metaphors in it. I personaly found support in it, for which i am gratefuil to Vesna band.
Also i admire russian girl from this group for her courage, what she is doing is very brave and deserves respect.
As a Ukrainian, I will explain. The topic of sisterhood has crippled us.
For 100 years, Russia imposed propaganda about the "Trinitarian People" (Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus) and called us sisters. In reality, however, it was simply absorbing and crushing our nations under its control. The result was that people who had never even been to Russia forgot their origins on their own land and considered themselves Russians.
And this is exactly what Russia played on at the beginning of the war in 2014.
We thank the Czech Republic for its support!
Please understand us, we are all traumatized by this war...
Please stay safe and thank you for explaining so eloquently
For real, like look at Belarus. They’re literally banning Belarusians from speaking Belarusian! I hope Belarus 🤍❤️🤍 and Ukraine 🇺🇦 find peace soon without Putin’s aggression.
@@eurovisionhistories Thank you. For me, leaving my country means dying in my heart.
Therefore, I will be safe only when the occupier leaves our land.
Дякую Вам. Слава Україні!
@@eurovisionhistories as a belarusian girl I confirm this comment
I m Ukrainian, and I liked this song and massage. And its interesting for me that other country sing i our language on Eurovision. I see why some people have problem with massage but its art, it open for interpretation, and people have opinions. So be it.
I think 'you can't steal our souls' must be a reference to Jamala's 1944, it's the same lyric.
My POV as a Pole is that I feel a natural kinship towards other Slavic women as our experiences in our cultures tend to be similar. At the same time I wholly understand the Ukrainian point of view as sisterhood and brotherhood has been exploited by Russia and others to dominate and vassalize us other Slavic nations for centuries and at present. Just like with family in life there are good and bad family members and Russia is the psychotic abusive one that has targeted Ukraine because they cannot control her and absolutely should not be able to control her. I think in a way this song captures that feeling of strong kinship and admiration of Ukraine for me and of wanting the crown of victory to be placed on her head so she can be free from suffering and oppression. Ukraine are fighting for all of us and breaking all of our historical shackles. Дякую Українці ❤️🇺🇦
beautifully said
Vesna had that name long ago and if you listened to their older songs, you would find out that they are very based in folklore. Music wise and lyrics wise. They also have songs about Vesna, Morana, Mokosh, Zhiva (major Slavic goddesses), but also some scary folklore creatures klekanice (who takes naughty children at dusk), bludicka (who makes people get lost in the forest), or Lucifer (Svetlonos).
Their lyrics are quite intense in general just like any folk song. The English version is usually just watered down. For example Love Me in English is a girl version. The Czech version has her guarding her den, taking off her armour to lay it at his feet and she explicitly tells him to court and pamper her even if he doesn’t want to get married that she’ll put fire back into his eyes.
If I remember correctly the Ukrainian part of this song was a cooperation with Ukrainian artist.
Best song at Eurovision this year!
Hi, just want to share with you the POV of some people from Ukraine. We are grateful about the raising awareness of the whole world about the russia's war in Ukraine.
So to the point: In Ukraine, the sovereignty doesn't have the explicit symbol as a crown like in Czech Republic or other European countries that were ruled by monarchs. But russia has it 😥. Ukrainian symbol of freedom as a nation is a Trident as it is on the national coat of arms. So yeah, it was a little bit controversial for Ukrainians. And of course the "brotherhood"/"sisterhood" of nations is what russia's propaganda was always about. That's why people are getting mad about it. Also, no Slavic countries are fighting russia/moscovia as long as Ukrainians are doing it. It has been ongoing for centuries if you go back to history.
To sum up, the story of Ukraine and russia is about oppression by the imperialists and the opposition to it by free people, but obviously not the sisterhood.
Anyway, we wish the best success to Vesna in Liverpool. Hopefully, ESC will be in CZ next year.
Píseň je česká, takže je třeba ji chápat v našem významovém kontextu: daný příběh právě o útlaku je /ze strany imperialistů = fialová - muži - ovládnutí/! A korunu nehledat doslovně kdesi na erbu či někde jinde - jde opět o symbol a jistě už chápete čeho. Je to tak jasné, žádná kontroverze! Česko stojí za Ukrajinou a holky jí vzdaly hold (pocta - i Vašimi slovy: svobodným lidem ad. Ukrajiny, kterým patří jejich moc či síla, identita, suverenita země = koruna - ...je jednoznačná).
@@Ka-lm4vr trident, který by chtěli použit místo koruny, by v ceskem kontextu odkazoval na Poseidona a more, nebo sedláka, nebo dokonce i čerta, s vidlema, ale rozhodne ne na svobodu a pro většinu lidi ani na Ukrajinu.
A spojovat jakoukoli zmínku o sesterstvu/ bratrstvu od nynejska pouze s Ruskem a utlakem, nebo byt proti zabíjení, make love not war, spojovat automaticky s podporou Ruska, je stejný nesmysl jako treba zakazovat slovo národ protože mimo jiných toto slovo svého casu používali v propagandě nacisti nebo červenou barvu protože si ji oblíbili i komunisti.
nevím, ale zda se mi jako by někteří Ukrajinci, místo trochy normálního vděku nebo základní slušnosti za všechnu pomoc a podporu kterou jim Cesi bez vyzváni a rádi poskytují a prave toho sesterstvi/ bratrství které s nimi citi spousty Čechu a Ukrajincum projevuji, pouze hledali a vymysleli důvody proc naopak na Česko nasazovat a kritizovat ho.
Je to píseň reprezentující Česko, a v kapele jsou všechny možné národnosti, ne jen Ukrajinka, a chtít aby v ni bylo všechno tak jak chce a tradičně chape Ukrajina, a pouze Ukrajina, je stejna zhuverilost jako naopak kritizovat nějakou ukrajinskou píseň proto ze se v ni nezpiva cesky ale ukrajinsky a brat to jako schvalování okupace v 68, kterou naridil na Ukrajině narozeny Brežněv.
@@Ka-lm4vr korunu, myslim, Cesi a vseobecne Evropane a jak je videna v evropské tradici a historii a myslím tím diadem nebo symbolickou pokrývky hlavy a nikoli korunu u stromu, berou jako symbol svrchovanosti, zákonnou moci a pravomoci vládnou a i s tradiční mocenskou hierarchii- vévodové používala treba v erbu jinou korunu nebo stali jinde v dvorske hierarchii než knížata a ti zas než králové a ti zas byli formálně podřízeni císaři.
v kontextu písně bych řekl ze je i symbolem sebeurčení, samostatnosti a rovnosti s ostatními( národy, panovníky, přenesené i lidmi).
chapu ze na Ukrajine, kde mistni elity ztratily svoji svrchovanost a většinou i život historicky uz poměrně brzo v důsledku mongolskeho vpádu, se koruna pak pro ne z těchto důvodu mohla spojit spise než s vlastní vladou a národem symbolicky s bojem o moc vládnout jim( stridave dlouhodobě rozdělene mezi Turky a Rusy a Litevce, později vystřídanymi Polaky a nakonec i Rakušany) ale takový pohled, pokud vůbec existuje protože opravdu jen spekuluji co by kdyby, se mi zda úzce limitovány na Ukrajinu, nebo nějaké její části, a určitě výjimečný v rámci celoevropské tradice a zkušenosti.
V ceskem kontextu je take koruna uz nejméně od Rakouska spojena s naši měnou, s vyobrazením vladařske koruny a pojmenovanim po ni, a tím pádem i našim hospodářstvím- stejně jako treba ve Skandinávii v korunách platíme a počítame v nich jak jsem bohati nebo chudí, takže to je pro Cechy jen další symbolické spojeni koruny s vlastním státem a s vlastni práci a přenesene i nezávislosti a sebeurčením.
A Poseidon mel trojzubec, trident, to je byl jeho hlavni symbol a rozpoznávací znak, ne koruna, ta je ve forme slunecnich paprsku spis spojena s Apollem, ale v dobe antického Recka vůbec koruna byla jen spise symbolicky diadem maximálně jako stylizovaný vavřínový věnec jako pro olympijskeho viteze a koruna v dnesnim smyslu slova a tak jak my si ji dnes představujeme se objevila az v pozdním Rime a ve středověku.
I liked your interpretation, and they way you talked about it. I am Greek but having done Erasmus in Prague, I saw an influence from the feminist Czech film Daisies that I could add. And that only cause it is part of the visual storytelling strengthening the message against patriarchy. Also, call me naïve, I haven't seen a message about Pan-Slavism, probably because of the phrase addressed to all the sisters out there. Also thank you for clarifying the absurd argument about having a Russian there cause I have friends from there and it is the worst thing having to leave their country, their loved ones there and risk their lives by speaking up. We all need allies and sisterhood cannot exist without all. Her move is brave. We think speaking up is simple but you never know how shadows get bigger for them after that. Loved the clip and all that you have said. Lastly if it is a bait, while the fear of Putin's army expanding is real, while femicides and assaults are on going in horrifyingly tremendous numbers, it's not what we should focus on. Sold here. And I bow down to Vesna. Thank you again lovely person.
I have listened to this song the most this year. To me, it has two interpretations. The first one is a call for women to support each other and be kind to one another, rather than side with men and criticise certain behaviors, aspirations or fashion choices.
The second interpretation is obviously in reference to the current war and supporting Ukraine. I understand the controversy and unease some Ukrainian people may have with the lyrics. I have recently watched a reaction by a Ukrainian CZcams musician and he talked about why he was not entirely happy with the idea of sisterhood. It is true that this rethoric has been used by USSR and Russia in an oppressive manner, but the idea of sisterhood is present in most Slavic countries, as the very names of these countries are feminine and in some of them this idea of sisterhood is one of closeness and support. I believe that was Vesna's intention.
Which is not to say that the feelings and concerns that Ukrainian people have are without merit. I absolutely understand why they feel the way they do, especially in view of the violence and threat they experience every day.
My heart goes to you.
This whole video was so beautifully and eloquently put, and I've learned a lot! On your point to do with the song being blocked in Russia and Belarus - as a Eurovision content creator channel, any of our videos that contained songs/clips from any Slavic nations were routinely blocked in Russia and Belarus too, and even some videos that contained no content from those nations either. It's odd. Thank you for your insights on this delicate topic though, a great video!
Thank you for your nice comment!
I think "Choose love over power" is an important message for all Slavic countries. It's not like we were always friends or "sisters", we used to fight each other a lot when there were tribes and also during the last centuries. Slovakia attacked Poland during IIWW, Poland attacked Czechia just before IIWW started, there was a war in 1992 in Yugoslavia in which more than 100 000 people died and South Slavs still have some conflicts with each others.
Also about the "panslavic" interpretation - I am 90% sure that in Czechia and other West Slavic countries a lot of people don't know that Putin wants to unite all Slavic countries. Like I, Polish, had no idea, my husband, Czech, didn't know as well. We maybe heard about it years ago but we don't care what Putin says, we even can't understand him. We, young generations, don't really know Russia and don't feel much of connection with them so I believe that noone in West Slavic countries would interpret the song the way that some Ukrainians did.
Thank you for the spot on analysis, I understand the song in the exact same way.
Just a little precision to make - the band's name has been Vesna since its inception pre-2022, so any symbolics drawn from that part is just a (albeit nice) coincidence.
Thank you for the nice comment and the clarification!
I think It also tries to inspire Russian women to rise against male oppression, just as Ukraine rises against Putin's oppression.
When the war started Ukrainians also were so naive. We were trying to speak with russians to explain that it is awful war; that there are no nazi; we don't need to be "saved"; that russian army was destroying civil buildings. We thought that russians are indifferent because their TV didn't show what was happening. But they know everything. A lot of russians support it, other don't care. When my father told to his best friend (who lives in russia) that our town was bombed, he just answered: "let's talk not about politics".
Also I work in an international company. When the war started I received a lot of messages from people from different countries. But no supportive messages from russians (even that one who is not in Russia). Instead one russian guy (who lives in the US) only posted that "russians have nothing to do with this war. It is putin's fault and not russians".
That is why it is better not to expect opposition from them.
hmm I dont agree. In Russia women can get abortions and in Poland they cant. There is much more opression in Poland towards women than in Russia. Russian women are the strongest that I have ever met.
I saw this video for like twentieth time. Just love it. Greetings from Czechia, central Bohemia.
Absolutely perfect and correct analysis! I have only the one correction: the name of the group is not related to the spring of 2022, when the invasion of Ukraine began, and therefore there is no connection with Ukraine as the granary of Europe - the group was founded in 2016 - a long time before the war. the name refers to the group's musical style, where we find many inspirations from traditional folk (i.e. Slavic) music. thank you very much, greetings from Prague. T.
Thank you so much for the comment and letting me know! I guess I overinterpreted slightly (sounds like what my teachers always told me haha)
Thank God for a guy like you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hehe thanks
thanks man, very interesting!
If Ukraine sent this it would probably the favourite to win - but because it’s Czechia people are doubting it will even qualify despite everything being top quality…
My opinion - I understand the message of the song, I support Ukraine, but as a Czech I do not agree with the pan-Slavic ethos that the song carries. Our language only belongs to the Slavic family of languages, but culturally we don't have much in common. As Central Europeans, we historically have roots with the whole of Europe, already during the Czech Kingdom and later the Habsburg Empire. Our regional folklore is also completely different. Russia colonized us for 44. years and no one misses it. I keep my fingers crossed for the band, but I think that the song is not representative of contemporary Czechia, or czech music at all.
I can see your point. I guess culturally Czechia is really Central. Europe
Almost everyone in europe has the roots with the whole Europe plus being central european means even less than slavic imo. The homeland of slavic tribes was central and eastern europe (poland, slovakia, parts of austria, belarus, western ukraine) so that again doesn’t say anything since many tribes lived there and intermixed, including nomadic steppe-herders. We are all a mix and each country is a bit unique
Slavic does not mean Russian or pro-russian.
BTW, Ukraine also has her great pan-European history. We had our King Danylo from Halych. We had our knights (Kossaks). Our Anna from Kyiv was the Queen of France. We had and still have universities with great European history. We always were a part of great old Europe as you Czechs are too.
Děkuji moc. To je fakt
@@atavi7322 The homeland of Slavic tribes was the north. Our oldest temples are on the Rügen island.
wow very well said . you explained it so greatly thank you very much for this
Thank you for the nice comment! Really appreciated and I am happy the hours recording this were worth it haha
Hi, your comments about points that Ukrainians dislike are totally correct: pan-slavism, chose love over power. But it is important to mention that the song initially didn't cause such negativity. Mostly it happened because of the messy video where Russia described as another victim and not evil. It would be interesting to see you interpretation of the symbolism in that video.
P.S. The message "chose love over power" would be perfect before the war (or after) but not now.
Thank you for the comment. Are you Ukrainian and if so is this song a topic over there?
@@eurovisionhistories Yes, I'm Ukrainian. I wouldn't say that it's widely discussed in social medias. Ukrainians are more interested in news from the Ramstein (Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine) and the delivery of tanks now :) Still I saw several articles and videos about this song
Understood. Of course Ukraine has other things to worry about. Stay safe!!
As a Czech I understand it from our point of view as reframing the sisterhood back into mutual support and keeping sovereignty. Sort of reclaiming the original meaning before it got raped and twisted into manipulation. When our “brothers Slovaks” came and said that they wanted separation in August 1992, the parliament voted for the proposal and the separation happened within 5 months (1.1.1993). Because we respect our “brothers Slovaks” and their wishes. Even though the Czechs were generally against the idea. And we see the brotherhood/sisterhood that way.
As for the crown, I wouldn’t even go that far. We’ve all seen the quotes type “the true queen helps straighten other woman’s crown”. That’s a woman thing.
@@PresleZmatena Your interpretation of the sisterhood would be fine if it didn't include Russia. But Vesna commented that they sang about all Slavic nations including Russia. Also from the video it looks like Olesia represents Russians as one of the sisters. This sister is described as another victim deceived by men in purple (who represent imperialism). And all the sisters happily sing together.
It is a trigger for Ukrainians because we hear a lot of messages like "It is Putin's war. It is not Russian's war. Russians are not guilty. Russians are suffering also". Putin started this war. But it is Russians who are killing Ukrainians, bombing our cities, working on Russian factories to create new bombs, paying taxes to support their government, adopting kidnapped Ukrainian children.
I think it's also interesting that before they say that kinda naive line "choose love over power", that there is also line "come together with a prayer". That part is sung in slow otherworldly intermezzo very different from all of the other parts. So I honestly think that in your personal praying or religious inner space, it okay to be idealistic or loving even if you face war and violence. Because where else you can do that (beside art, ofc)? The rest of the song is really energetic, motivating for fight and power.
And also, I don't know how it is with Southern Slavs (probably not very well :D) but in West Slavic countries we call each other "brother nations" or "brothers" in a familiar fashion, you know. And I know that East Slavic countries do something similar, but with "sisters nations" but thanks to propaganda from Stalin to Putin it soaked with horrible connotations of submission and even genocide of ones own culture/nation, and I think that the intention to shift those connotations from something bad to something good, productive and constructive is good. Art is also place where this can happen, so maybe Ukrainians will not flinch when hearing the words "sisterhood of Slavic nations" and think about subjugation to Putin's Russia, but it can change and they will think about Czechs, Slovaks or Poles helping their refugees or sending them weapons and support etc.
Thats a good point. Thanks Eterista!
In my opinion, this song might be also interpreted as a message towards Putin, then the sister might be Russia. Then it kinda can mean that Putin has stolen rights and freedoms from Russian people who can be combined in just Russia. And this song then kinda reminds Russians that they are strong enough, they deserve their rights and freedoms, and they should make the dictator stop doing what he does to Russia (and, of course, what he does to Ukraine).
I doubt that my interpretation is the real idea beside this song, but, as a Russian, I really like to think of the song this way sometimes
The message "choose love over power" from the russia-Ukraine war perspective is very dangerous. It could be perfect after war, but not during it. Because it makes it look, as if Ukraine has this option right now. When in reality - it doesn't. Ukraine fights for its life. An giving up means death as a country.
You do not tell terrorists to choose love over power do you?
As a Czech citizen, I perceive this sentence more as a message to Russia (or to all aggressors in general). I was also thinking about it when I heard it for the first time.
@@sannara.p I would hope so but in the song it's directed at all sisters of the world
You are completely right!! These lyrics are adressed to Russia
I very much agree with everything you say. I see why Ukrainians can be upset - everything russian just hurts to much there... But not all Ukrainians are. I love the song! I loved it even before trying to figure out the lyrics and meaning. I see this getting A LOT of Ukrainian votes (if not most) from all over Europe. I hope Vesna wins this year!
It’s actually “all the sisters of the world, COME together with a PRAYER,”. And THEN “choose love over power
Thanks for your interesting analysis.
Are the girls dressed to represent the different Slavic nations? Are the guys in purple the Russian invaders?
Surely “all the sisters of the world” means just that. The world grieves over this war - we all care and want peace, no matter where we are from. (I’m from U.K.)
A brilliant song, mesmerising video and let’s hope Vesna recreate the drama and spectacle In Liverpool!
The song is critisized for its visuals. It seems that one of the girls is russia. Hard to say but it's probably the one with a crown and watching TV at some moment.
And the message "sisters from slavic nations (incl. russia), unite" is offensive to Ukrainian sisters, maybe others too. This message is dubbed by russian feminists as well. Telling that the sisterhood is priority and Ukraine is not, refusing to support Ukrainian army.
And while Ukrainian women and men fight, volunteer, support through the art, russian women complain the war is caused and supported by men (both Ukrainian and russian) and not by russian society (incl. both men and women)
Girl in the blue scarf is Russia, girl in red dress Ukraine, Rap singer Bulgaria and other singers/dolls I do not know (Czech, Slovak, Polish, Belarus...)
Russia didn't invade other Slavic nations, so I have no idea why would you believe the guys in purple are Russians.
Russia is represented by a woman with a blue scarf on her head. She was fed blood by a man, as well as the Ukraine woman's face was painted in red, as blood, again because of a man.
Men are playing the games of war. Some women do too, though.
Hope this proxy war will end soon. So many innocent people died because men with great military power wanted to play war games.
@@benvra I thought the woman in red was Ukraine. I could be wrong, but the headband that she's wearing reminded me a little bit of the hairstyle that Yulia Tymoshenko used to have: it seems to be called the crown braid.
I from Russia and VESNA's song isn't blocked)
Oh thanks for letting us know. Hope people see it then
Great analysis! You're the first comentator who is interpreting it fully correctly.. Btw., there is also a Slovak member of the group, though she is not singing, so it consists of Czechs, Slovak, Ukrainian, Bulgarian and Russian ladies...
Thank you Viktor! I really appreciate the comment and feedback. I mention the Slovak member in the reaction video to the song as someone already told me. A really cool selection of strong, young women ;)
It's the wrong interpretation, don't be fooled. The song is about 12 sisters rooting for the 13th sister (ruzzia) to stand against their government.
@@mishynaofficial I am not fooled, I have read the interviews with the singers, therefore....
I loved that you were brave and confident enough to post this video. Honestly, I think the majority of us in the fandom sense the song in the same way you do, but You|Tube is sometimes very toxic and I hope that the haters are not too hard on you.
One line you perhaps misunderstood as a non-native English speaker is. "We are not your dolls" That's not just a female empowerment thing. Dolls are toys, playthings, and I sense that the sentiment is that Putin is treating Ukraine as a plaything or a toy.
Thank you haha ;) on Vesna the comments have been positive. My Rating of Eaea has been ripped apart but I have a thick skin ;)
On the dolls I may have been a bit ineloquent. I see both female empowerment and the Putin/Ukraine reference.
Some people may just see the female empowerment (I did on first listen) but even then its an impactful message
a doll is a thing and could also be understood as "property".
In this context, I understand the lyrics that Putin is a child and is thinking slavic countries are its property/toys.
One thing as non-czech native speakers you might not know - in the czech languages a country/"zeme" is feminine, uses pronoun "she/ her" and is "livable". The same goes with nature/"priroda". The name Ukraine is called "Ukrajina" and has "A- ending" refering to a women's name (typical A ending of almost all czech women's name such as Alena, Veronika, Marketa, Anna, Maria..)..so Ukraine is also understood as a women, a person in czech language.
Lyrics "sister" is this song refer to a country (Ukraine) but is treated like a live person - she is breathing, suffering, seeking for help. So when Czechs are singing about Ukraine, they are singing about a living person ( a sister/ family member and a women).
Isnt this beautiful? 🤗
@@ambicicek Thank you for your great comment Ondrej. Although the English language does not have genders in the way that many other languages do, we still refer to "sister countries" and "motherlands" Interestingly, ships and churches are also always referred to as "she"
@@ambicicek Hi Ondrej. Thank you so much for letting us know. It is really beautiful and makes me appreciate the song even more! How are the reactions in the Czech Republic? Is there a controversy or are people happy with the entry?
Perhaps it also refers to the Russian dolls where the bigger one imprisons the smaller one as Russia has done with Ukraine? Just a thought!
Hi! I absolutely love this analysis and all the reactions this provoked. I think there's just one detail that might not be hugely important on the big scale, but it's worth mentioning for your trivia. There's a good reason why the girls chose their hair style with super long plaits. It is related to the second part of the first verse sung in czech. This has been loosely translated as "she will not be tied down". The literal meaning of the line "copy zaplést nikdy si nenechá" is that she will never allow to have her hair plaited.
This relates to the old custom of a young and free maiden, who kept her hair free and flowing before she got married, and from thereafter, she would have to plait her hair, put it in a bun and cover it with a bonnet. This then signalled to the world that she was no longer free and she belonged to a man. In Slovakia, there's still a traditional folklore ceremony on the wedding day at midnight, where the bride is stripped of her beautiful decorative crown by her bridesmaids and then covered ceremoniously by a bonnet. It's accompanied by a beautiful but mournful singing about bidding farewell to her freedom. This day and age it's all for the purpose of entertainment, and also for keeping the beautiful slavic folklore preserved, but in the old days, this ceremony was quite often a very sad occasion as women more often than not didn't have any say in whom they were going to marry. In allegorical sense it of course, represents sacrificing one's freedom.
I agree with everything you said and I am happy you explained it so well. The Ukrainians unhappy with the song seem to me somehow blinded, maybe by hatred or whatever, and don't see the bigger circumstances - e.g. that the russian member is long living in Czechia and against the war, and as you said, these people are terribly wanted, te ones that see the reality and can think by themselves. Or that Czechia was also invaded by Russian army and occupied, and than was locked under communism and oppressed for so long - how could we support the war with our history? Logically speaking. But all arguments are somehow useless.
The message about slavs is something special for slavs. Or for Czechs especially. It is due to our close relationship with Slovakia (almost same language and shared history) and with Poland. Slovakia also has close relationship with Poland and Ukrainia. Czechs are travelling on holiday the most to Croatia, because we, as slavs, somehow can comunicate together, better than in romanian countries. And how Czechs helped Ukrainian refugees - because they felt the slavic connection. So Vesna wanted interpret this connection, together with the simple thought of pure sisterhood.
Thank you for your comment! The help Czechs are giving and their own history with Russian/communism is another good aspect that speaks to the song NOT being pro Russian. It is a bit baffeling to me, people would think Czechs would be anything but supporting Ukraine...
As a Ukrainian, I need to say that we are grateful to Czechia and your support. But seeing Russians and their symbols (in any interpretation) is a quite trigger signal for the majority of our people during this time. I had to watch a video clip several times to understand the whole symbolism shown in it and, I made my own conclusions that this piece of art was made with all respect to our country and the current situation. But, I also want to mention that any kind of criticism from our side was directed ONLY to the video clip and its meaning which for some people was quite unclear. Nothing against the Czech Republic and the Czech people. Thank you for understanding! P.S. the main idea of sisterhood is an absolutely positive and peaceful thing, but, unfortunately, it is also a trigger because it was widely used for multiple years by Russian propaganda (especially on occupied territories), that's why it may sound rough for some Ukrainian people. It is necessary to emphasize Slavic unity as a sign of our similarities and relativeness as a population of this region, but not as a sign of the imperialistic impact that it has (I didn't notice it nether in the lyrics nor in the video). Plus, the symbol with the crown can also have several interpretations - one for sovereignty shown in this video, or a monarchy (imperialism). Fortunately, girls from this band clarified these moments.
I was blown away by the video, the images really touched my soul. The atmosphere of the video is moving and disturbing for me in a positive way. This song will make an impact for all the themes touched. This act makes me cry as the war in Ukraine is shocking and women in both Russia and Ukraine even if the latter is more affected. They are all suffering for their losses, there is death and grief and loss for everyone 😢I hope this song reaches top 3 the least
I my opinion, it isn't the either-or situation! The song is *both* about female empowerment and Ukrainian sovereignty.
Everyone who can remember the infamous comparison of Ukraine to a bride/wife and Russia to her husband (in the most patriarchal sense, so also like a lord or owner) by Russian politicians will get that immediately! I remember thinking to myself: if they are an engaged/married couple, this is clearly an abusive relationship.
And if you realize that Russia would never ever like to call itself the Ukraine's wife, you know that women are sub-human in their reasoning. So those meanings are interconnected on a very deep level and it's the best aspect of the song, IMO.
Wow! That's by far the best reading on this song I 've seen. You made perfect sense of it! IF the creator of this song could own up to that and admit that it was her intention to express that exact concept you just explained, I 'd go: yass girl, great work, you made a masterpice! And IF I wasn't so passionate against bringing so specific politics into Eurovision, I would support this entry. Only IF though.
So, even if it is a so smart creation (and the sound of it is good anyway), I still think Eurovision is not the right platform for such messages. Chechia 2023 should be banned by EBU for the same reason Georgia 2009 was.
I agree with your point of view and that the song shows support of Ukraine, for me it’s actually very powerful support song and I doubt the girls would want to get extra votes just because they’re singing in Ukrainian. Also I think you didn’t mention there’s one Slovak member in the band, so another slavic influence 😊
Oops ;) Thanks for letting me know. Maybe I mushed the Slovak member in with the Czech members... Faux pas ;)
❤❤❤
Una visión de la canción que no había logrado captar, acerca de esa "hermandad" de los países eslavos; sí me pareció que la canción presenta un mensaje pro Ucrania, al conocer los países y lenguajes que incluye la canción, pero esos detalles son los que enriquecen la cultura de alguien que ve el concurso desde tan lejos. Salud y saludos desde Venezuela!!!!
A vision of the song that he had not been able to capture, about that "sisterhood" of the Slavic countries; It did seem to me that the song presents a pro-Ukrainian message, knowing the countries and languages that the song includes, but those details are what enrich the culture of someone who sees the contest from so far away. Blessings and greetings from Venezuela!!!!
I don't care about the controversies Vesna is my number one
It was, now my Number 2
My first language is English so I had to translate through vibes but I definitely didn’t feel the anti-war vibes
Best Song of all ESC 23 Songs, should have been first place.
For me the Song has a different meaning, but this is personal.
I like the fact that it has facettes like a diamonte..I am German.
It kind of annoys me when people refer to unity as a bad thing..I am not even Slavic, but it is good to have all Slavic united including Russia.. But in a good way under a democratic and peaceful way where everyone is respected.. The mainstream message should not be anti unity, but anti tyranny..
I'm sorry but united with russia? What do we have to do with russia of all places?
Hell I've of got more historic connections with Venice and Austria than we ever had with Russia. We should unite with russia in about the same time france does..
Slavic world is not Russia plus some leftovers orbiting it; we all have our own histories. As the song clearly says, "we're not your dolls"
No thank you. Uniting "with Russia" has always meant one thing: forcefully united UNDER Russia. This country is not interested in equality, in partnership, in democracy, in peace. Maybe some individuals are, but not the state and not the elites. Heck, not the majority.
So, let us Slavs decide for ourselves who we want to unite with. Russia is not invited, due to all the past and current harm it did. Maybe if they withdraw, apologise, pay reparations, atone and improve long-term, we can reconsider. For now you are asking a victim to "unite" with a rapist.
@@berlineczka вы называете "насильником" страну, которая дала суверенитет половине Европы? Серьёзно?) Например, Болгария неоднократно находила защиту у России от османских разбойников, в благодарность Болгария дважды входила в военный союз против России. Украина, накормленная и получившая огромное количество русских земель стала этих русских убивать. Я могу продолжить, например, Югославия, которая никогда не хотела объединения с Россией прибежала проситься к ней лишь когда её стали бомбить. Про "спасибо" за спасение от фашистов в виде баз НАТО у границ России я промолчу.Я могу продолжать демонстрировать благодарность славян злым русским, но я думаю достаточно.
@@lucinerudneva7229 ахахахахахахахаха
@@lucinerudneva7229 you have obviously been spoonfed that boršč from the video!! Completely drunk by your russian glory!! You'll need some hangover cure very soon!!!
The Panslavic world is kinda angry at Russians (head of state, mostly), and they have the right, even the Croatians have their message picked. I agree with your analysis knowing some things about the Rus and Slavic history. I love the song, I must say too. Slava Ukraini!
What do you mean "even the Croats"? Croats were always on the opposite side of Russia - even during the WW2, nothing new there.
Panslavic includes all slavs, otherwise it's not panslavic.
I listened to your explanation and I think it is mostly one-sided and largely ignores most obvious aspects. You can't just link the entire text to Ukraine and Putin solely. The song has a multi-layered message and is much more than just a protest anti-war song. First of all, I find myself in it as a woman, then as a Slav, and then as a defender of peace. Mostly, the song is directed against patriarchy and male oppression towards women. Why? Because this is very clearly illustrated by both the text and the video. The song very clearly addresses ALL women in the world. Clearly, it does support the Ukrainian struggle, but it also supports female empowerment. For starters, the band is named Vesna, the Slavic pagan goddess of fertility, beauty and spring.
The video without the lyrics is already a story per se. The men in the video are very uniformed in their clothes and actions likewise, to show they are pretty much after the same thing: domination and power. First, they snap their teeth as if to bite, then they use their sticks to corner a woman and suffocate her, till she breaks free. The Tv screens on their heads suggest men being both creators and victims of the social media, while the women merely try to get the message. Then there's the part where a man is trying to force-feed the Russian girl with borsch (blood-colored soup), but she opens the mouth and swallows just to show him that she is capable of absorbing much more than he thinks.
On the other hand, the girls are dressed very differently from one another, to show each one of them is unique. And yet, they allow each other to be who they are, and still reach harmony in their message. I was mostly striked by the expression of curly -haired dicer with a ring in her nose. She throws red dices to show she is willing to take her chances, and is clearly the Amazon of the entire group. She has that stern glare on her face that says "I dare you to fight me". The fun part is where another girl applies her lipstick, till a man screams to her from the mirror to intimidate her about her looks. After that, she applies her lipstick abundantly and over the edge, forcing him to disappear into the mirror again. The best part is towards the end where the girls hold their ground by sitting against the wall and singing the chorus, forcing the men in purple suits ( color of imperialist and opressors) to row their sticks backwards. At the very end of the video, men are standing frozen still.
Now to the lyrics. The woman who brings life, not destruction.
"My sister won't stand in the corner
Nor will she listen to you
My sister, wild at heart
Will never let you tie her down": this is just about any woman, not just about Ukraine. After all, we all remember Manizha's song Russian woman from 2021. She shares the same message. This is not just a rebellion against Putin, but against all Putins throughout history, who also made sure to keep women aside, as it is clearly represented by the male dancers in the video.
"Life's not a moneybag, blood's on your God's head, you can't steal our souls": after the collapse of the Soviet Union, most of the Slavic countries have been going through the re-conservatization of society, which primarily means pushing women out of public space and denying women all the rights, hard won throughout recent history. This is most obvious in Poland, where women have lost the right to freely decide about their own bodies. In the name of a God whose image was created by men, women die also because they do not have the opportunity to freely decide on an abortion, but are victims of the crazy Catholic patriarchy.
"You can take your hands back
No one wants more boys dead
We're not your dolls": while this can surely be understood as a message to Putin, since he's clearly sending his boys to certain death, it can also be understood as a warning to men in general, especially the line "we are not your dolls". Women have been treated like a merchandise and war prize throigh most of human history. In every war, soldiers capture and rape women from the enemy's side as a collateral damage, merely to humiliate the enemy. Women are treated in every conflict like objects who don't have a say, thus the warning: we are not your dolls.
"Give me your hand don't be afraid
Come swim with your sisters
There's no place for hate in our sea": this text includes all women, not just Ukrainians. The choice of languages clearly shows unity of ALL Slavic women (and Russian women are NOT excluded, as we should not hate anyone).
And the final message: choose love OVER power. Something all those Putins in purple suits are not capable of.
To sum up, a proud Slavic woman wrote that. :)
Mixing female empowerment messages and Ukrainian struggle in one song was a mess.
Ukrainian women are not treated like dolls during war. At least not by Ukrainian society. They are either fighting alongside men or working and volunteering or supporting family while praying for their husbands in the army. Regarding rape cases by Russian soldiers, Ukrainian women are angry about it the response should be fighting the Russians away not "peace and love".
Faithfully, a Ukrainian woman
@@TheChmilyk I was referring to the gender roles in society on a global scale, not just in Ukraine. Right now, Ukrainian women are a part of national liberation struggle where century-old norms just had to collapse like a house of cards because your very physical existence of Ukrainian nation is being threatened. Sadly, by another Slavic country whose leaders are addressing excessive nationalism to the point of denying you the right to existence. I do know that Ukrainian women in occupied areas are subject to rapes and abuse by Russian forces though. It angers me beyond explaining. After having served in the army to my own country, getting a permanent leg injury was the only thing that kept me from joining the International Legion in Ukraine last year. Now I do what I can to assist Ukrainian refugees over here. And by the way, female empowerment and support to Ukraine targets a much larger audience, and is therefor a good combination. Stay safe and resilient. Faithfully, a Slavic sister.
@@spartiataeos , thanks. Stay safe and healthy too. I understand but I wish they made separate songs.
Hi, I'm Czech and I have to add something.
Firstly, thank you so much for the translation, great to hear everything I feel the same.
But..
panslavism was invented by non-slavic peoples. it's not fair to think of us all as some kind of slavic movement yearning to connect. we already are from the history, blood and suffering we have gone through for centuries we do not matter, its a fact its with us already the whole time.
We know who we are and we love our countries. What the song seeks is the renewal of our inner voice that says let us continue to stand together, in unity we are strong. Ukraine, we are with you, even if we have borders. in the same way that Americans are proud Americans, we are proud Slavic peoples. with this, we are giving back to ourselves the strength, wisdom and ancient knowledge that our enemies have continually stolen from us, doing everything to keep us from recognizing it. This song is very personal to me, and I hear an ancient voice within me calling out for renewed bonds of mutual support and belonging, and recognition as a proud Slavic people.
We Ukrainians love it 😍
we Czechs are pleasured
no, no hate is needed towards Russian people who escape(d) or criticise their government !
I am from Russia and very happy to see Russians with the same attitude as me. Those who are not afraid to speak. It is a pity that such people have to leave Russia. But I can understand them. It can really be scary. My mother was arrested at a rally. And I got scared when she didn't come home.
But I want to see more Russians like this, it helps to understand that you are not alone and there is still a chance to end the war and get rid of Putin.
And I understand that Ukraine is worse now. And I understand that given the backstory, there are a lot of things they might not like. But I also consider the statement of the singers important. That is why your analysis is very important. The girls wanted to support Ukraine.
The explaining of the video is generally good. I just want to add that the image of "sister" is borrowed from the Soviet propaganda that presented all 15 soviet socialist republics as "sisters". Of course, Russia was the biggest and strongest "sister" with GULAG build on its territory for those who disagree this this "sistership". All European slavic countries feel a great pain because of the war of Russia against Ukraine. Another slavic country, Croatia, also presented on Eurovision a song with anti-war message
the only way to achieve peace is if both sides choose love over power. the clear example of this, are the ukranians attacking the russian member because she is russian. She didn´t choose where she was born, and she is actively supporting you, putting her life at risk against "her" country...
Very true!
Even though she is not at risk like Ukrainians are but I get your poimt
That is a completely utopian and unrealistic "way". There are no both sides. There is one side attacking another, killing its people and destroying its land, repressing its culture and language FOR CENTURIES. Ukraine wants no power it wants to be a free country. And sadly as it is, there is not even a slightest chance of russia "choosing love over power". So for us, Ukrainians it is not an option. Giving up = being destroyed.
Such statements are deeply childish and undermine Ukraines fight for its freedom.
We Ukrainians don't attack the russian member just because she was born in Russia. We just don't want to hear messages "choose love over power" addressed to both sides, an agressor and his victim. We can't choose love to the agressor over fighting him. For us, the message of this song looks like a victim blaming. And yes, many Ukrainians don't want to hear such kind of messages from the Russian.
And what risk for the russian member do you talk about? She lives in a peaceful NATO-country, without missiles and bombs from the sky, she sings about love between all Slavic sisters (and that is beloved topic of Russia, which ''loves'' us Ukrainians very much and because of this fierly love doesn't want to set us free from herself).
i dont care it sound good
1080p? Looks more like 1p. 🤣
Hey, as a Ukrainian, it's hard to accept that there are truly good Russians, because all who were considered "good" by many turned out to be imperialistic pigs. Navalny, Nemtsov, Kats, basically the whole "opposition" when asked about Crimea, they support the occupation, while also saying that "we are brothers". Dozhd channel even gathered money to support Russian army! Many people left Russia, but we don't see any Russian anti-war meetings in free countries. So hearing about "good Russians" just triggers us, Ukrainians.
At the same time, I do believe there are a few good folks with Russian passport in the world, but they are not a part of its rotten political system. And I hope that one of those good people is in Vesna band.
Please, forgive us for the witch hunting, we are traumatized by all the pain and lies from russians, and for now we hate ALL of them.
I totally agree with your interpretation! It's a strong message of support for Ukraine! I voted for the song multiple times and I think it deserves a higher place.
the more sophisticated methods of russian propaganda are "love makes world better, we should love each other." love love love ...etc
choose love over power is also a very anti-patriarchy move. men are brought up to hate and to aim for power (over women, other men and the planet).
as far as i can understand the criticism from people from Ukraine. it’s not against them, the reason we still have wars is because of men’s ego
This should have represent Ukraine instead of tvorchi
Actually, the interpretation of the song by some Ukrainians is so twisted and objectively wrong itd make Putin proud that I personally feel its borderline disgusting. Instead of looking at the song for what it obviously is those ppl feel the need to actually reverse the clear meaning of the words and often literal symbolism as the singers intended to use it against them.
As I said I do think it's wicked thing to do both cos Czechia is helping Ukrainians, sending huge amount of money and supplies and accepting number of Ukrainians seeking refuge and cos they attacking member of the group simply for being born as Russian, she left Russia, maybe cos she'd be persecuted there due her clear and vocal anti Putin stance and support of Ukraine but this kind of Ukrainians, its tiny minority but still, doesn't care and just like what Putin is doing to and treating Ukrainians they are trying to persecute her just cos she was born in the wrong country.
Sorry, I do still condemn Russian actions and i do still support Ukrainians but I wouldn't lie that certain amount of my respect for Ukrainians havent been lost and my pro- Ukrainian stance didnt drop a bit after watching some Ukrainian vids and reading those comments.
Agreed. However, the most important part is that it is a small minority on social media.
I wouldn't be surprised if some part of the "it's Russian propaganda!" sentiment wasn't actually at least partially fuelled by... Russian propaganda, in the true divide and conquer spirit ;)
Please try to remember that the people misinterpretation in have been at war for nearly a year now, you think they are going to take a song like this and analyse it carefully in that situation? Or are they just going to emotionally gut react and I'm sorry to say that if a song can be misinterpreted then it is not a crystal clear song.
@user-iz7ss5en7r if you wanna misinterpret this song you really need to carefully comb thru both the video and lyrics and then employ your olympic level mental gymnastics to find something to be outraged about.
Funny like every commentator and viewer independently of their nationality immediately got the message of the song with one notable exception- tiny but vocal minority of Ukrainians.
Even Russians immediately got it, and immediately banned the song, so no, I don't think the problem here is the song or the performers or their easy to misunderstand message.
@@rehurekj no you don't- you really don't- all you need to do is to try and climb into the mindset of someone who's been at war for a year now to easily see how they could jump to the wrong conclusion. Imagine it's the 1990s instead of a Russian member there's a Serbian member, instead of a Ukrainian chorus there's a Bosnian chorus. And the song is still about slavic sisterhood.... you think the Bosnian audience would be happy with this? Or a japanese during ww2 with the chorus in chinese and the song is about east asian kinship. The chinese would hate it. Please get real and put yourself in someone else's shoes.
The first reason why Ukranians didn't like the song is title and main theme about Crown. Sovereignty for us does nothing to crowns and royalty. We had just one King for our history, and noble nation hadn't such influence to associate with modern Ukraine, our national symbols like flag and coat of arms don't have crowns, our historical symbols are different from standard Kings as most of Europeans have. But we're associating crown with fake and kings with pretenders. We even have such folk sayings. From that perspective Crowned Ukraine sound abusive and all lyrics start sounding negative.
Hi! I understand that the symbolism of the crown is different. But it is still a song from (mainly) Czechs perspective and crown is a symbol of independence there. It's a song supporting Ukraine, from Czechia and other countries. It's purpose clearly isn't to hurt, so if we find some kind of those misunderstandings, in my opinion it's better to try to clear them up, as politely and rationally as possible (for both "sides" ofc. Have a nice day!
@@janearny D’akuju for your comment! I understood that context is always matters, some words and phrases different nations took different, just paying attention to own scars, what Isn’t objective point of view, I repent.
Historic, mental and political context matters. From Ukrainian side, our own nobles haven’t that influence to protect us from neighbours because people was relying on Cossacks, which had limited legitimacy back in the day. That’s too different compared with Czech history of governance, that started from I guess 7-8 century and your ancestors was responsible for creating first Slavic state. Observing last events brotherhood/sisterhood sound threating for us because Russia. Many of them have position that we’re brothers, so they can do whatever they want to us, believing that we’re should be together in that violent love. And this has nothing to do with you. You’re have great neighbours, like Poles you often called bros.
Now It’s clearly to me, after I watch this vid, that song and the artist didn’t mean to blame Ukraine, I just wanted to add some possible reasons, why we’re that unfriendly took lyrics.
Anyway thank you a lot for supporting us, we’re ready to work hard to be a part of friendly European community, where Czechia is the best of the best.❤️❤️❤️
@@tvojaprababa Woah, Serbian national headwear are really interesting, some female ones has a hat’s like Winterqueen crown.
Maybe you’re also have this old tradition, that men should wear off their hats when they enter or going by church. Maybe hats have this ruling meaning.
@@TvorecPzdc You know what's funny,when I read "Winterqueen crown" I immediately thought of a Ukrainian bridal(?) wreath I saw recently,entirely made of white feathers 🙂
Our men have to take off their hats when entering church as well,women may or may not cover theirs,it's entirely their choice.That's an interesting parallel you made.I wonder if whoever wrote the lyrics actually had any of this stuff in mind,probably not,haha
Controversia??? Who thinks that is idiot and didn’t get the message of support to Ucrania ❤
So,you just called many Ukrainian EV-fans ''idiots''.
Thanks, but NO. The message of this song and especially of the official music video is really unclear and can blame Ukrainians.
@@ukrnika the message is clear but there are people who does not want to understand it
@@mirindapom or there are people who still believes in russian fake tales about ''Slavic brotherhood and angry westerns who want to destroy it" and do not want to understand us Ukrainians.
@@ukrnika my goodness, I think most of the post Soviet countries has already stopped to believe that in the 90’s, and who still believe it should not then opine 😛
VESNA♥️👸👸🏼👸🏻👸👸🏽👸❤AИƧƎV
I assume that they consider Russians as one more Slavic sister. At the start they are talking about some fictional "Slavic kingdom" which lived in peace and it the peace "was forgotten". "Peace was forgotten" is quite a funny explanation for the war, as is a statement that there was sometime a peace between Ukrainians and Russians. I wonder what "kingdom" it was. If it was Kyiv Rus which was a monarchy - not all Slavic nations ancestors were inside it. Chech and Polish weren't, for example. But there was one entity (authoritarian though not technically a monarchy) which included almost all Slavic nations, with Poland only under influence: USSR...
Hi! For me, the "Slavic kingdom" is a memory of the Slavic tribes coming to our lands. They were able to not fight as much as the other tribes/nations. Although it wasn't technically a kingdom, it's (in my experience) greatly admired in the Czech Republic school system for example . SSSR was horrible to Czechoslovakia and almost no one there wants it back, so that can't be the kingdom for sure...
@@janearny Hi. Thanks for your interpretation.
What about the "Life's not a money bag" part ? Sure it isn't a bit about Zelensky and the corrupt gvt ?
well, it’s kinda mean tho, cuz not all Russian people support Russia, and I think they are really sad and annoyed.
Are you sure?
No ;) but pretty certain
"Life's not a moneybag
Blood's on your God's head
You can't steal our souls
You can't steal our souls"
And who is it about? :-)
@@vasjavasja5290 the author has already explained it - it's about Putin/Russia who have caused the war, who have blood on their hands and who claim to have God on their side, only to gain even more profit from their war schemes.
@@vasjavasja5290 Russia - all lyrics in English in this song are addressed to Russia. Though I think God here is Putin as opposed to the Christian god.
@@han-oq6bo Really? This war is a big deal and Putin doesnt make money on this....
Choose love over power is such a stupid hastag to be used in times like this.
Who should "chose love"?
Ukrainiane by surrendering?
Or Russia which already invaded from "a place of love and concern for their sister-nation going in the wrong direction"?
There's no love to choose here, and advocating for it is very offensive to the victims.
Dont play stupid, if whole song is about Russia must stop and accept Ukraine indepence so how you could even ask? This is also messege to Russians to stand up against Putin.
"Choose love over power" is indeed a silly suggestion. It makes no sense cause there's no such dilemma. Nobody ever, not in any situation has to pick between love or power. Power is not the opposite of love. Hatred is. Or indifference could be a contender. Power is irrelevant whatsoever and the silliness of this hashtag can be very problematic politically. Or socially even.
In this composition, the Russian Federation is represented as relatives of the Slavs. And this is a lie. Also, in this composition, the population of the Russian Federation is shown as a victim. And this is a lie. This group deceived the Czech Republic with its false composition. Get them in the neck. Get them in the neck.
But this group will not spoil the attitude of Ukrainians towards Czechs. We love you and we are very grateful for your invaluable support.
I am Ukrainian and was so hurt by this song that kept looking for an explanation online, you are the only foreigner trying to analyze our point of view too. Russian member is not a problem for me personally as foreigners can work with whoever they want, though many Ukrainians are angry about it. The problem is that the singers try to speak to us by appropriating alien symbols on us or think that symbols are universal, using "sisterhood" which is also Russian propaganda, and they didn't even care how we interpret and react to it. Without an explanation at first I thought that they are singing to Russia not to take down her crown and couldn't understand why is it in Ukrainian. In Ukraine a crown is not a positive symbol typically. Foreigners try to say that we have a crown at our big emblem but the big emblem was only established in 2021 forcefully by Zelenskyi, not without debate and controversy. Kyiv Rus was a monarchy, some kniazs indeed were wearing a crown and Lviv lion is sometimes wearing a crown but it didn't make it a positive symbol in our culture. Also when looking at the girls with their costumes and makeup I couldn't guess where the Ukrainian character was because no costume resembles Ukrainian costumes while many elements resemble Russian. Makeup style with red cheeks is Russian. Still do not understand why they feed one girl Ukrainian borshch with letters. They didn't even care to ask about our symbols and costumes before saying they included a Ukrainian "sister" in this. I can't find her. The body language and gestures are ridiculous and hard to watch without disgust. Also as someone mentioned, they have separate roles for male and female characters to make it look like there is a war between men and women. But feminism problems are not in the scope of our war. There are many women in our army and in Russian army and propaganda machine too.
He feeds the russian girl borshch with letters - thats a clear parallel to feeding her propaganda and all the lies about the war in Ukraine Russia feeds its people. That's not that hard to understand. Crown has always been a universal symbol of sovereignty there's no need to forcefully change it to ukrainian sovereignty symbol that would be just pointlesss as barely anyone except ukrainians would even understand that. Crown is simple universaly understandable symbol of sovereignty as we all believe ukraine is sovereign state and deserve to "keep its crown" and not be oppressed. Why overcomplicate it. If you really don't understand that I'm affraid the propaganda already got into your head if you see "enemies everywhere" even in the offered support.
There's no 'good' ruzzians.
I will always support Ukraine's right to sovereignty and I condemn Russia's genocidal invasion and its effort to brainwash its own people into believing that Ukrainian nationhood is a western construct. But when people wilfully misinterpret a message that has been made clear by the band, by the symbolism, by the fact that the chorus was written by a Ukrainian, and in particular the activist work done by the Russian member of the band in support of Ukraine. I have seen many people say she should not speak Ukrainian and it is cultural appropriation for her to do so. That is simply not true. We cannot control who speaks our languages, but we should feel good when anyone takes the time to learn it. A Russian seen mouthing Ukrainian words about Ukraine's sovereignty (and feminist solidarity) is incredibly brave and she has sacrificed a lot to stand up for what is right. I understand the trauma of war and the defensiveness of some people about the sisterhood concept. But people should not apply a Russian lens to people from other nations' words. The crown is the symbol of nationhood for Czechs; it's the name of their currency. So when they say "the crown is yours" to Ukraine, it's a VERY clear message: your country is your own and we support you because we know what it is like to have our nationhood threatened by Russia. It requires bad faith to interpret this message any other way.
And also thank you for such a thoughtful and thorough video.