Origins of Misperceptions: To those who will question my comments regarding misconceptions of Russia, I understand your position. We all were (still are) indoctrinated to view Russia as “bad”. In books, movies, “news”, or “history” classes Russia and Russians are frequently portrayed negatively. Take movies for instance. Research shows that even if people know the reality of something, they rely on remembrance of the movie version. Examples: “John Wick” – Russian gangsters or “The Equalizer” – degenerate Russian gangsters; “U-571” – who actually captured the enigma machine? “The Last Samurai” – were any Americans even involved in Japan’s Meiji Restoration? [spoiler – the British and no.]
Russia since December 1991: In the late-nineties I had the opportunity to work in former Soviet countries such as Poland and Czech Republic. Decades of neglect were still everywhere. People grappled with the transition from planned / government business to capitalist systems. By 2000, cities such as Prague had remarkably improved. [Great city of course. It’s where I met my wife.] As for Russia, the transition was catastrophic. However, the changes that began to occur once Vladimir Putin became president have been dramatic. I know because I have witnessed them personally over many years.
What the attributes of a “perfect country” are is open to informed opinion. As someone who has traveled the world extensively, I do feel confident that I know what a “sh*thole” country is like. Russia is not one.
3 responses to “Another American Ex-Pats View of Russia”
I lived in Russia 2007-2008. Long enough after the collapse of the USSR to be there when it was stabilized somewhat. I would have stayed longer under different personal circumstances. I will say this, the younger people, 20 something’s when I was there had no recollection of communism, anyone older than that did obviously, and depending on age bracket and length of time lived under it had varied responses to the question if they would go back to it. All of them, without exception 30 to 80 years said absolutely not. Putin was in power then and was extremely popular. I had been propagandized as were all of us as to the evil Russians. I left there believing we have far more in common with them than not, and that our government should seek to be allies rather than overtly hostile. We, us and the Russians have a number of common interests as well as enemies.
So why do you think our government pushes a false narrative to us concerning Russia? I think it is because it is a white, Christian country; something that we used to be. It takes a large effort to destroy a culture and replace it with an evil government.
I think there is a hatred for Christiandom anywhere. Russia happens to be very orthodox by and large and one could argue that is what got many through the communist era. The Soviets were openly hostile towards the church, being jewish and all. The Putin/Medvedev alliance has rebuilt churches and done away with a good bit of the culturally corrosive elements actively promoted by the tribe members and have even “encouraged “ many to self deport. We have not had a leader unfettered by israeli influence for a very long time. Russian style anti pedo and homosexuality laws would go well and be heavily supported here I believe.