One thing though about the cultural closeness. It really depends on the generation.
For young people Russia is an unknown land they do not hear about (well, until the war). They are closer to the US culture, but not that specifically - I think it is difficult to speak of a culture in their c'est, it is very international and oriented to internet.
Older folks were actually quite close to Russian culture, at least the idealized one. Not that much to the US one.
One of my neighbors is a diplomat for the Russian Embassy, and we talk a lot (he likes that it lets him practice English, and I like to hear his perspective on things; not to mention he tells incredibly interesting stories about commanding Russian destroyers).
He told me once that the biggest difference he saw so far between Russians and American's is that if you ask an average Russian if they can do something, they'll say something like "Probably not, but I'll do my best.", whereas if you ask an average American, they'll say "Absolutely, I'm great at this." irrespective of their actual abilities.
That's a pretty broad generalization, but I think there's definitely a cultural difference between a more cynical Russian culture and a more optimistic American one.
It could be also a candid moment to peak into the mind (and belief system) of person living inside Russian cultural space (i.e. is influenced by Russian media, social networks and education system).
This is all interesting - would you be willing to go on more about Russian vernacular/stereotypes? My background is solely USA and I find it really impossible to learn these things - online. I do think the easiest way would be to go out and make Russian friends and such but - ideally that isn't something I want to really do. I guess I could try to find online communities of Russians, but even then - it is conflating a country to a language (which I think is sort of uniformly spoken in several countries?)
- In Russia when they ask: "how are you" they actually expect a genuine and extended answer.
- Smiles are scarce and reserved for inner social circle only.
- Men act toward any strangers as if they expected to be assaulted at any moment.
- Everyone and especially women dress up most of the time.
- When paying for goods or services change is never given straight into the palm of your hand, it's always placed into a little plate or stand instead. As if the seller is scared of any bodily contact.
- Once the communication barriers are broken and you enter the inner social circle Russian hospitality is genuine and exceeds by far any Western standards.
Wow, what an interesting and insightful article! I've worked with many Russians and enjoyed working with them immensely, but I did notice they seemed very stern or serious as well. The difference in culture of smiling is very interesting, this is definitely something to understand going forward when I work with other Russians.
Despite the Russian society reality is based on explicit corruption, fear and no respect for human rights, I do still find it much deeper than the US society. Focus on art, classical music, poetry and group/family values. The west, but in particular the US is so individualistic that there is hardly any inspiring cultural aspects.
Nevertheless I'd rather live in the US than in the USSR or modern Russia.
I've read articles about Russian sense of community, no behavioral protocols, politeness or rules, but a simple yet strong habit of sharing both bad and good times.
I've had very similar experience with Russian culture. It seems to have split into two really - 1) people obsessed with wealth and acquiring it, 2) people that are very suspicious of wealth and blame societal/economic problems on the first group.
the idea that it's inherent to the Russian psyche is a kind of essentialism, no? I would think that if it exists at all, it would be cultural or environmental.
I believe he meant the opposite of what seems to be understood - in stereotypes russians are highly respected for being extremely smart and resourceful, to the point of being completely badass for western standards.
For example, in Poland we sometimes joke about how russian/soviet technology came only in two kinds - if a device won't fall apart immediately after start, it will last forever. It's mostly meant to be whining about "planned obsolescence" and other business attitudes that came from west, that ultimately is about short term money gain for producers on the expense of consumers' money, happiness and natural resources.
> Also, this is probably the last thing that comes to mind about Russians in general. For the most part, they are notoriously individualistic.
You understand "individualistic" in some specific (probably american) way. Russians may look individualistic if you don't know them well, but actually in Russia close friends and family means much more then in US.
I'm interesting in learning what Russians hear, see and think, preferably from non-state sources as close to regular folk as possible.
Some challenges:
- Freedom of speech is not easy in Russia
- I'm not familiar with Russian news / social / community websites
- I don't speak Russian
Please list any tools, websites, forums, apps or other methods you recommend for getting a feel for the honest thoughts and opinions of everyday Russians.
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