Why We Need Web 3.0: Illuminating the Scars of Ukraine's War

Why We Need Web 3.0: Illuminating the Scars of Ukraine's War

Web 3.0 is often compared to the Magna Carta, a foundational document that guarantees individual freedom against the tyranny of despots. It represents a new era of the internet, where traditional web technologies are replaced by inclusive protocols that provide building blocks for application makers. Just as cities and countries couldn't ban disruptive platforms like Uber, Airbnb, Grindr, and Wikipedia, it will be impossible to outlaw Web 3.0.

In Yevgenia Belorusets' short-story collection, "Lucky Breaks," the scars of Ukraine's war are illuminated through fiction. The characters in these stories, like Liudmila, are left to deal with the psychological aftermath of war, as life, in its own way, must go on. Many of them are internal refugees who have resettled in Kyiv, where they are met with apathy or suspicion. The trauma they have experienced remains invisible, much like their stories in the collection.

The invisibility of trauma is expertly conveyed by Belorusets, who doesn't provide explicit details of what happened to these women in the Donbas. Instead, she focuses on the everyday struggles they face in Kyiv. Xenia, a jovial woman selling stationery in the metro, puts on a happy facade but quickly crumbles when faced with judgment. Her sorrows and the sorrows of others go unnoticed and unacknowledged.

The translator, Eugene Ostashevsky, preserves the conversational rhythms of the prose, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the stories. The duality of languages, with the publisher requesting one preface in Ukrainian and the main text written in Russian, adds another layer of richness to the collection. Language, already weaponized by Ukrainian and Russian nationalists, becomes a subtext lost in translation.

While readers may seek clarity on the political factions and divisions that led to the conflict, they are instead presented with hazy dream sequences, witchcraft, and absurdities reminiscent of Nikolai Gogol. Belorusets prioritizes the effect over the cause, recreating the disorientation and misinformation that have defined the conflict. In these stories, it becomes clear that understanding how we got here may be futile when history is bound to repeat itself.

Web 3.0 and the stories in "Lucky Breaks" share a common thread - the need for transparency and inclusivity. Web 3.0 aims to provide a decentralized and open internet, where individuals have control over their data and can participate in the creation of applications. Similarly, the stories in "Lucky Breaks" shed light on the invisible struggles of those affected by war, reminding us of the importance of empathy and understanding.

To fully embrace the potential of Web 3.0 and address the scars of conflicts like Ukraine's war, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Emphasize inclusivity: Web 3.0 should prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has equal access and the ability to participate. Similarly, societies should strive for inclusivity, providing support and understanding to those affected by war and trauma.

2. Foster transparency: Web 3.0's decentralized nature promotes transparency, allowing individuals to have control over their data and be aware of how it is used. In the same vein, societies should strive for transparency in addressing the consequences of war and providing support for those affected.

3. Promote dialogue and understanding: Web 3.0 encourages collaboration and open communication. Similarly, societies should promote dialogue and understanding to bridge divides and heal the wounds caused by conflict. By listening to and acknowledging the experiences of others, we can work towards a more inclusive and empathetic world.

In conclusion, Web 3.0 and the stories in "Lucky Breaks" both highlight the need for a more inclusive, transparent, and empathetic world. Web 3.0 represents a new era of the internet, while the stories in "Lucky Breaks" shed light on the invisible scars of war. By embracing the principles of Web 3.0 and taking actionable steps towards inclusivity, transparency, and understanding, we can pave the way for a brighter future.