In the US, people flaunt their poverty (real or fake) to show kinship with the common man. This began as a revolution from European aristocracy, but it has melded with a general scorn for the imaginary group: “the 1%.” The absurdity and inaccuracy of the term matters little. The masses need a simple, understandable enemy for their fear to coalesce into action. To be rich and successful is to be suspect.

In Ukraine, people flaunt their wealth (real or fake). They’ve had enough equality under the Soviet Union. It is cool to rise above the masses. I love it here. I feel like I’m supposed to do great things. I’m trying.