Chapter 1: The Power of Active Listening

How many comments do you encounter on social media daily? Is it 10, 15, or perhaps even 150? Do you take the time to read and respond to each one, or do you often dismiss them with a thought of, "I don't have time"? Interestingly, comments can be the most enlightening aspect of a blog post or social media entry. They represent a rich source of insights, perspectives, and opinions—a sociological snapshot of your audience. By honing your skills in reading and interpreting these comments, you can transform this section into an endless reservoir of personal growth and improvement for your blog.

Motivated by the resilience and spirit of my Ukrainian family, I've aimed to share my observations and insights with you. I make it a point to read all the comments on my posts and respond whenever possible. This practice has provided me with insights comparable to those gained from a top-tier university course over the past two years. I've learned a great deal about my own writing, the quality of my content, and the methodologies, ideologies, and political contexts involved.

My work has garnered a variety of reactions, from "thought-provoking" and "well-written" to "hilarious" and "full of silly errors." Some have even labeled it "very biased," "anti-scientific," or "gobbledygook." This list is far from exhaustive, yet each of these critiques can be traced back to a single article. A year ago, I published a piece titled "Stalinization as a New Russian Reality," which posits that the current regime under Putin is a direct ideological and political successor to the Soviet system, utilizing Soviet-era totalitarian tactics and militarism to unify society.

Recently, I came across another compelling article not authored by an obscure historian, but published in Foreign Policy Magazine, titled "Russia Is Back to the Stalinist Future." I'd like to share some excerpts and my thoughts on this political commentary.

The article opens by reflecting on the recent Russian presidential election that occurred just a week ago. It references American scholar Jerome M. Gilison’s 1968 description of Soviet elections as "psychological curiosities"—rituals that reaffirmed the regime rather than offering genuine electoral choices.

The article continues, stating that Russia has reverted to these Soviet practices. "Last Sunday, Russia completed the circle and returned to Soviet practice. State election officials reported that 87 percent of Russians had cast their vote for Vladimir Putin in national elections, securing his fifth term in office. Not only were many reported election figures mathematically implausible, but the options were severely limited: prominent opposition figures had either been murdered, imprisoned, or exiled. Like in Soviet times, this election effectively served as a referendum on Putin’s ongoing war against Ukraine, solidifying his transformation of post-Communist Russia into a repressive society reminiscent of Soviet totalitarianism."

I have previously discussed Soviet totalitarianism in two articles on Medium regarding the Russian presidential elections. The irregularities noted by Foreign Policy are merely the surface of a much deeper issue. The last time I participated in a Russian presidential election was in March 2018, where I witnessed irregularities firsthand. Voter lists included individuals from a building that had long been demolished, highlighting the absurdity of "dead souls" voting—a symbolic representation of the Russian electoral process. Since then, I have refrained from engaging with the Russian electoral system.

The article goes on to say, "Russia's return to Soviet practices goes far beyond elections. A recent analysis by exiled Russian journalists from Proekt Media has shown that Russia is now more politically oppressive than during any Soviet era following Stalin. Over the last six years, the Putin regime has charged 5,613 Russians with political offenses, including 'discrediting the army' and 'spreading misinformation.' This figure far exceeds those from any previous six-year span under Soviet leadership, particularly striking considering Russia's population is only half that of the Soviet Union before its collapse."

Now I see why my writing has been dismissed as "anti-scientific." It simply contradicts someone's established beliefs. This reflects a confirmation bias, where we accept information that aligns with our views and dismiss opposing perspectives without consideration.

Nonetheless, I still grapple with the term "gobbledygook." The tactics employed by Putin's regime are reminiscent of those used in Soviet times—suppressing dissent, eliminating political rivals, and orchestrating fraudulent elections. With utmost respect for Bonjardincarolyn Byrne, who critiqued my work, I can only reiterate what I stated a year ago on the 70th anniversary of Stalin's death: history has repeated itself in a new technological context. The modern information age has granted totalitarian states unprecedented control over people's lives. The "Deep Fake" phenomenon that characterizes the contemporary Russian state is rooted both in historical practices and advanced information technologies. In this framework, political history, collective memory, and national symbols have become as malleable as election results and opinion polls. In many respects, Putin's Russia can be seen as the successor to Stalin's USSR.

The 15 comments from random individuals on an article I penned a year ago have imparted crucial lessons. My experiences have shown that active listening can redirect discussions, introduce fresh viewpoints, and encourage deeper contemplation among readers. The emotional and sometimes abrasive reactions indicate that my article resonated with its audience.

I want to reaffirm to my readers: I am always listening to you. After that, I will continue on my path.

Chapter 2: Engaging with Active Listening

In the first video, "Active Listening Skills," viewers can explore essential techniques to enhance listening abilities and foster meaningful connections.

The second video, "The 5 Key Components of Active Listening," breaks down the fundamental elements that contribute to effective listening and communication.