Myths about the EU and NATO are disproved with cartoons / Article

The digital euro will give the European Union complete control over people and their private lives, NATO’s aid to Ukraine only prolongs the war and small European Union member states cannot influence decision-making in the union – creativity and humor can also be used to dispel such myths.

Gatis Šlūkas created cartoons for several months and encourages people to think with them.

“The most popular myths that circulate in society were selected. There were about ten myths, and from them I chose about 10 that I thought were more suitable to draw. The process of coming up with it was perhaps a bit more complicated than for everyday cartoons,” Šłukas admitted.

For example, what exactly do the 12 gold stars on the flag of the European Union mean? It turns out that this is also a subject shrouded in myths.

“12 is a symbol of perfection and harmony! And it has nothing to do with member states or anything else!” explained Liene Valdmane, general secretary of the association “European Movement in Latvia”.

“European movement in Latvia” has been visiting schools for more than 10 years to educate children and young people about the European Union. And the result is visible.

“We started with the fact that in schools, in the 1st-3rd grades, when I asked children who has been to the European Union or who has been to Europe, no one raised their hand to me! The children looked and said – well, maybe my mother has been there once, maybe there was a brother. They didn’t have this answer that we live here! Currently, such children are becoming rarer,” said Valdmane.

The society still makes up various assumptions about national guards and soldiers. The responsibility towards one’s country must be there, said the commander of the National Guard, Brigadier General Kaspars Pudans:

“Not only with the fact that you can physically participate, join the National Guard and be a part of us, of national defense, but also prepare yourself individually. And one of the areas of preparation is the ability to think critically and evaluate the available information. To be able to dispel myths yourself, finding the right one information.”

The caricature exhibition in linden alley in front of the government building will be on view until May 28.

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