Dissent and conformism: individual posture and search for universal criteria - possibilities of choice
LTReikšminiai žodžiai: SSRS; Pasipriešinimas; Partizaninis karas; Disidentas; Konformizmas. Keywords: USSR; Resistance; Partisan war; Dissident; Conformism.Reikšminiai žodžiai: Nesusitaikymas; Konformizmas; Pasirinkimas; Pasipriešinimas; Dissent; Conformism; Choice; Resistance.
ENThe aim of the report is to introduce the author‘s point of view concerning the dilemma between dissent and conformism based on Lithuanian investigations and archival documents. The prevailing chronological frames are defined by the fifth decade of the twentieth century up to second decade of the twenty-first century. The report seeks to answer the following questions: 1) is it possible to define universal criteria for dissent and conformism investigation? Is it possible to draw a clear line between such converging meanings as resistance and dissent, dissent and conformism, conformism and obedience, conformism and surrender, conformism and betrayal, conformism and self-sacrifice? Do such dividing lines exist at all? 2) what kind of category dissent and conformism are – legal or moral? In case their nature is legal – then first of all we should talk about (dis)obedience to certain legislative norms and qualify certain activities or stand in the light of law. In case their nature is moral – then we have the case of individual or collective choice in between human values. Though in Lithuania like in a number of other occupied countries dissent and conformism are directly related both: to individual freedom as well to nation and state independence aspirations, the nature of these phenomena lies in the person and his or her personal relationship with the values. Such a choice should be treated like an inevitable existential exam to every human generation, to each of us. [From the publication]
