#FAKE DON'T ACCEPT PRETTY
Lens Magazine|May 2022
Pretty photos of flowers from my garden or recycled gift-wrapping carefully arranged on my office scanner? Look again. One scene, two narratives. A constructed reality. A small act of deceit.
MIEKE DOUGLAS
#FAKE DON'T ACCEPT PRETTY

'Special military operation to protect victims of genocide and abuse' or full-scale invasion and occupation of Ukraine? Another constructed reality. This one is more sinister.

"Since Russia invaded Ukraine on the morning of 24 February 2022, the Sunflower has become a global symbol of resistance, unity, and hope. Around the world, people are posting, wearing, planting, painting, and buying Sunflowers.

These paper flowers symbolize the constructed reality of the invasion of Ukraine and the propaganda of deception used by dictators and despots throughout the world and history to achieve the support acquiescence of or a population.

Bucolic scenes of brutal acts of despots? Two narratives. Which do you choose to believe? Sometimes it's easier to acquiesce than call it out; accept pretty. World events unfolding. Fact and fantasy intertwining. 'Take these seeds and put them in your pocket...'

MIEKE DOUGLAS

This story is from the May 2022 edition of Lens Magazine.

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This story is from the May 2022 edition of Lens Magazine.

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