Women, Illusions, and Enemies - Interviews with Russian people in Moscow - January 2004

Anna, Anna is a clerk in a government Institute. She is in her 40s, she lives with her husband and the only son.

 
Question: "What could I do to look like a native Russian girl?"
A: If you are white woman, you have to do nothing. Girls are the same around the world.

Question: "Is there a lot of racism in Russia? Do any black people live there?"
A: I don’t know whether there is a lot of racism in Russia or not, but I’m sure there is some. Only a few black people live in big cities.

Question: “What is the most popular food that you eat?"
A: I like candies.

Question: "Why are so many Russian woman looking to marry a man from the west. Is this because of more money and a better life or is it that Russian men do not treat Russian women well?"
A: Russian women have too many illusions. Russia was closed and separated from the world for years, so people here considered that somewhere else life is better. Women dream more than men, and they dream that somewhere else they can have more happiness.

Question: What do you think about the influence of the English language in the Russian, especially with the introduction of the occidental music and the internet?
A: It is natural, but I think this kind of influence isn’t good for Russian language. When language’s starting to lose the words it’s getting poor.

Question: "Are Russians really ruthless, cynical and prone to tragedy?"
A: Russians are not cynical. Russians just prefer to notice bad things in any situation.

Question: "What does the average person earn. How much does an apartment cost to rent. Do you think you will be able to own a home. "
A: I will not earn enough for my own house, but perhaps my husband or son will buy it for me.

Question: "What are the good and bad things about Russia?"
A: I don’t like this question. It is too general.

Question: “Do you think that the US president is doing the right thing."
A: I don’t know. I think he is doing right things in Iraq. Finally someone decided to get rid of Saddam.

Question: "Would foreigners living in Russia ever be accepted as real Russians?"
A: Their children born in Russia will be accepted...

Question: "What can you say about your president Putin?"
A: Nothing.

Question: "How good is sex with Russian women?"
A: Sex is the same all over the world.

Question: "What is Russia's future? What will Russian life be like in twenty years?"
A: I don’t know. I guess, life will be the same.

Question: "If USA opens immigration to Russia would you like to come to US? If yes, why?"
A: I wouldn’t go. I don’t want to immigrate. I would leave Russia only for the family reasons.

Natalia, She is 17 years old, studying in the school. She prefers history to all the subjects.|

Tanya is studying tourism and wanted to work in the hotel in Moscow. She is 21.