Ukrainian young people see two paths available to them in the pursuit of democracy and human rights, according to Anna Fournier, Ph.D. recipient, Department of Anthropology, Johns Hopkins University. Speaking at a recent Kennan Institute talk, Fournier described the path of the "Ukrainian patriot," for whom human rights, social justice, and the wider conception of "freedom" are intertwined with patriotism. The other path available to youth is the "violent outlaw," who finds freedom and happiness outside of the law or traditional authority structures. She argued that these two understandings of democracy and human rights epitomize divergent conceptions of what democracy and freedom actually are.

During her fieldwork in Ukrainian high schools, Fournier said she encountered the "outlaw" character acted out by young people, and found that it was often compatible with a very specific understanding of democracy. She described it as an identity that was "performed," meaning that students could move in and out of this role, depending on the circumstances. It was associated with money, cars, being "cool," and "being somebody." Those who aspire to be the "bandit" character often view the system of authority in Ukraine and in Ukrainian schools to be corrupt and oppressive. To these students, true freedom and happiness can only be found outside of these systems.

Fournier noted that the "bandit" is a recurrent character in Russian pop culture, which is popular in Ukraine. Movies such as the Brat (Brother) series and television shows such as Brigada (Brigade) depict a world in which social order has collapsed and only those who are outside the law are truly free.

To a certain extent, the "bandit" is common to teenagers everywhere, Fournier acknowledged. In Ukraine and other countries of the former Soviet Union, however, it is a character easily identifiable in wider society as well. Successful businessmen or the "nouveau riche," who have often made their money by operating both within and outside the law, are a conspicuous presence in impoverished countries. It is also evident that those with great wealth in Ukrainian society are often treated differently (i.e. they have "more rights") than everyone else, she said. For this reason, Fournier sees the "bandit" as emblematic of Ukraine's encounter with capitalism. In this cultural configuration, those who "survived" the chaotic transition are admired.

Fournier underscored that studying youth culture is not strictly an academic pursuit, because adolescence is a crucial time during which democratic concepts and values are instilled. The Ukrainian electorate's understanding of democracy will have a great impact on its future political behavior. For this reason, she argued, Ukrainian youth need more exposure to European media so that they understand that they have a choice about the kind of democracy in which they want to live.