There’s this cultural exchange program going on at my university where I’m supposed to do a zoom call with people living in Kiev, Ukraine. The war will be mentioned as part of the meeting. Should I bs them or should I tell them that I don’t support their Nazi military and government?
Edit: I know someone from Donetsk who’s now fighting for the Donetsk People’s Republic. Should I mention him?
It is not and I was told that the war will be mentioned by them.
Will they be asking your opinion?
Edit: it seems like you’re considering putting yourself in a tough position for little to no benefit, and with potential risk.
I don’t know. I was just told that they will want to talk about the war.
I’m not sure what level of university you’re in exactly, but the number one skill you learn in most schooling is bullshitting. Whatever the teachers say, nobody involved in this actually wants some kind of deep intellectual discussion. Liberal education isn’t about that. Like the overwhelming majority of your education, this is a test of your bullshitting skills. Ask the obvious questions, give the uncontroversial and expected answers, write your 10 page essay about how brave these people are and how much you learned and grew as a person by talking to them, collect your grade, and move on.
Source: I graduated with honors. The secret is understanding that nobody actually gives a shit about you or what you have to say, they just want you to follow the guidelines and complete your tasks.