How They Think Others See Them

How Russians See Themselves

Ask Russians how they see themselves and their answer will reflect the mood they are in. And since 23 hours a day they feel blue, the answer will probably be that they are the unluckiest and unhappiest nation possible, that things were much better in Communist times, that they were even better under the Czars and absolutely marvelous in the days of the Vikings. After this, they will fall upon your chest and wash it with sweet tears.

In a happier mood, they will probably say that they are the kindest, most hospitable and friendliest nation the world has ever seen which is much closer to the truth.

So, one moment you will be told that nobody cares for Russia, that it is the dumbest and most backward backyard of the civilized world; and the next moment the same people will tell you that without Russia the world will go to pieces. “My Russia is so special!” every Russian will tell you in a low trembling voice. Certainly it’s special. Very special. In fact, half this specialness would be quite enough.

How They Think Others See Them

Well, naturally, the whole world knows that Russia is ‘the Third Rome”, the Saviour of long-suffering mankind, in sort, a Messiah. The Russian coat of arms, the double-headed eagle, has its heads turned in opposite directions, one to the West, the other to the East and for good reason. For Russia is destined to meditate between the two, being neither a Western nor an Oriental country. Sitting between two stools is a very convenient position for a judge. The fact that East is East and West is West, and neither seems to be an ardent disciple of Russia, does not trouble her in the least. Her time will come.

Meanwhile Russians glumly suspect that Westerners see them as long-bearded muzhiks in big fur caps driving sledges harnessed by troikas of polar bears down the frozen Volga. There might even be a couple of nuclear rockets in those sledges, as well as a bottle of vodka. (Between ourselves, there are two bottles, but that’s really neither here nor there).

It takes time for foreigners to realize that the word “Russians” implies only part of the population of the Russian Federation. Foreigners often speak about the population of Russia as “Russians” which offends the numberless non-Russians.

The misunderstanding is aggravated by the necessity to differentiate between an ethnic Russian and a Russian citizen of a different nationality but for whom Russia is his native land.

Date: 2015-04-20; view: 1370