How Finland Survived Stalin: From Winter War to Cold War, 1939-1950

How Finland Survived Stalin: From Winter War to Cold War, 1939-1950 by Kimmo Rentola translated by Richard Robinson

Finland had an odd position during World War II. They were aligned with Germany, but never part of the Axis powers. They fought the Winter War against Russia. German alignment was seen as a necessary defensive measure. Stalin had underestimated the ability of Finnish army and suffered significantly during the hostilities. The Finns paid were willing to pay reparations and cede territory. However, they were not pushovers. They refused to become a Soviet satellite. They maintained their culture and political system. They were one of the few European capitals that was never occupied during the war. Stalin seems to have some respect for the Finns and was willing to let them be. The book was original written in Finnish and relied on many Russian sources that are now locked away again due to the Ukraine war.

Status and Culture: How Our Desire for Social Rank Creates Taste, Identity, Art, Fashion, and Constant Change

Status and Culture: How Our Desire for Social Rank Creates Taste, Identity, Art, Fashion, and Constant Change by W. David Marx

What is the role of "status" in human society? How does that connect with culture? The book starts with an interesting topic, and has some success discussing it. However, it also meanders around for a while and seems to lose focus.

Different people have different standards of status. People tend to look at the class just above them. They also view certain things as "markers" of success. often these markers have value beyond their monetary value. The difficulty in obtaining certain goods helps people to show that they have greater wealth or standing. Sometimes people attempt to "fake it", but that can lead to rejection by their group. Sometimes the "markers" may be less material and more about cultural views. Anything from Ferraris to Avocado Toast may be a marker.

Today there are many small groups. People may seek standing in their group of gamers or even a chat forum. People may have status in one group, while live a normal life in others. There are many different individual "cultures" all with their different standards of status. Youth culture today is dominated by constant change. Tik Tok has reduced things to a quick soundbite. The standards of status are much more ephemeral, yet there remain "cultural beliefs" behind it. Where does status and culture go from here?