The US Folklore Society condemns Russia for distorting cultural history and misinformation

The American Folklore Society (AFS) has condemned Russia’s invasion and called to stop the war in Ukraine. This was written on the official website of the organization.

In a document, signed by all members of the society, AFS expressed support for Ukrainian colleagues and cultural heritage institutions affected by the war, and condemned the distortion of history.

The statement said: «Ukraine is an independent and sovereign state. The American Folklore Society condemns military aggression against Ukraine and supports all people who oppose this war. AFS supports its members, colleagues, students and heritage institutions that are currently under siege in Ukraine. We condemn the distortion of cultural history and the spread of misinformation used to incite violence».

In addition, the American Folklore Society called for respect for human rights and Ukraine’s sovereignty.

«We encourage to stop the war in Ukraine and to resumption of working relations between Ukraine and its neighbours with respect for the principles of human rights, tolerance and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty», – the statement added.

Currently, AFS allows Ukrainian folklorists and cultural heritage researchers to back up their research and upload it to a separate Google Drive. To access it, you need to fill out a form.

The American Folklore Society is a member organization that supports individuals and organizations, studying and promoting folklore and expressive cultural traditions around the world. AFS serves its members and the general public by providing programmes, publications, policies and resources, exploring and validating the diversity of human creativity at different times, heritage and locations.

We would also like to remind you that the Kharkiv Art Museum suffered due to the attack of the Russian Federation’s troops.

Read also: Cultural catastrophe: what monuments were destroyed by the Russian occupiers.