AmerUke: A Ukrainian American Story

AmerUke is a story about today's Ukrainian American experience. This book title derives from combining the words "American" and "Ukrainian" into an informal one-word description. Also, Ukrainians in America casually refer to themselves as "Ukes" or "Ukies," allowing this definition to incorporate such terminology.

For the AmerUke, Ukraine's existence remains a focal point of pride and patriotism, blending in with American culture to form a unique identity. Even though this nation gained its independence in 1991 from the Soviet Union, Ukraine's heritage dates back several centuries. And regardless of foreign rule at any given time, different waves of repressed immigrants preserved Ukrainian culture, heritage, language, and customs on American soil. These waves of fresh American citizens gratefully adopted the new homeland, raising their children to pledge loyalty to Ukraine and America.

Similarities between America and Ukraine helped shape the AmerUke. Both countries share rich fertile lands, a strong work ethic, similar climates in many regions, a spirit of fierce independence, and a love for music and dance. Americans and Ukrainian are optimistic people and believe in their future. Lastly, these countries include diverse influences from neighboring countries and cultures. As a result, AmerUke's contributions reflect commonality, diversity, and contrast within the American cultural, entertainment, commercial, industrial, and lifestyle scenes.

Images best tell the Ukrainian American story. More specifically, AmerUke uses sticker [decal] art to illustrate American and Ukrainian cultural heritage, history, customs, and current events comparatively.

Why use sticker art for illustrations? The sticker ranks mightier than the pen as a communication format, dating back to ancient Egypt.[i] Stickers create an art form combining images and text within a small footprint; usually, 3" x 3." Stickers represent the Twitter format of digital art, namely displaying an image -- often tied to a brief message -- based on the idea that a picture is worth a thousand words. And images often provoke more feelings than text, as evidenced by emojis. Furthermore, sticker artwork is easily replicated and attachable to all objects, including automotive bumpers, cell phones, laptop computers, bicycles, etc.[ii] Stickers "spread the word" as the items they are attached to become part of a lasting message (i.e., 3 to 7 years)[iii] on static or movable objects, whether indoor or outdoor.

AmerUke breaks down the Ukrainian American story into four chapters summarized as follows: (1) "Alphabetical Neighbors," focusing on a comparing the United States to Ukraine, including physical and cultural aspects; (2) "Making Waves," covering multiple waves of Ukrainian immigration spanning the past few centuries until today to American shores; (3) "Yankee Ukes" discussing cultural nuances, contributions, challenges and other issues facing Ukrainian Americans in the US; and, (4) "AmerUke Future," explores their changing roles within American society.

Read on and enjoy learning about AmerUkes and their quest to make a better American experience with their Ukrainian roots!