Way to Russia Community and Forum

If you have a question or want to help someone, please, go to
Way to Russia Forum on our Facebook page.
 
We also invite you to join our Facebook community, where you can meet other travelers and read interesting news on topics ranging from visa regulations to culture and music.
 

 

We are currently moving the old forum to Facebook, so what you see below functions as an archive.

If you have a question, please, post it on
Way to Russia Facebook Discussions Page

FAQ   Search   Memberlist   Usergroups   Profile   Log in to check your private messages   Chat   Log in

Latins and russians Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3  Next

Way to Russia Talk Lounge Forum Index -> Russian Contexts, Myths and Truths

Author	Message
surfguy Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6979	Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:51 am    Post subject: vitalsigns wrote: nikir wrote: I see Russians as having more integrity, being less influenced by gross consumerism and being a much stronger family unit. They also have a far greater sense of community worth and are more adept at solving problems at a community level. As for me I suppose I'm a bit of a hybrid, as I have always been exposed to, and influenced by both cultures, and have probably taken what I consider to be the best from each. My personality is unique to me. But some may argue, nikir, that those "good" qualities came as a result of a forced community living and substandard existence in the past. Those things have made the people more compliant. Give them more money, more freedoms - the individualism will take over and the true self will come out. Which one? The selfish one. Aren't we all? true vitals
Back to top
yorbcbud Lounge Wizard Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 4903 Location: Сорренто, Британская Колумбия, Канада	Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 5:29 am    Post subject: vitalsigns wrote: nikir wrote: I see Russians as having more integrity, being less influenced by gross consumerism and being a much stronger family unit. They also have a far greater sense of community worth and are more adept at solving problems at a community level. As for me I suppose I'm a bit of a hybrid, as I have always been exposed to, and influenced by both cultures, and have probably taken what I consider to be the best from each. My personality is unique to me. But some may argue, nikir, that those "good" qualities came as a result of a forced community living and substandard existence in the past. Those things have made the people more compliant. Give them more money, more freedoms - the individualism will take over and the true self will come out. Which one? The selfish one. Aren't we all? Maybe, but one could also argue that the older Russians are just kinder and less self centered than western cultures. One only has to walk into the house of an older Russian, or most european families, and experience the generosity of the people. Offering to feed you even if they have little to feed you with. That is not a product of substandard living. It's a product of genuine compassion for their fellow human beings, and that occurs more in Russian, Ukrainian, and most european cultures, than it does in the west. And when it does occur in the west it is usually in the houses of immigrants. We will have to see what the influence of the west does to that mindset, but I would guess it won't change it much.
Back to top
nikir Frequent Guest Joined: 17 Mar 2010 Posts: 56	Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 6:13 am    Post subject: MrSpice wrote: nikir wrote: I see Russians as having more integrity, being less influenced by gross consumerism and being a much stronger family unit. They also have a far greater sense of community worth and are more adept at solving problems at a community level. This is total nonsense. There are lots of divorces, alcoholism and broken families in Russia, more so than in the developed countries. Can you site any objective statistics to support your claim? Horses in Kentucky make more sense.... Spice it's not a "claim". The question was what do I think, and my answer is given in that context. It is based on personal observation, both from my 5 not insignificant trips to Russia over the past 10 years, and also on my lifetime involvement in the Russian community here. Two very different lifestyles, but with one very common denominator i.e. the Russian character. Sure there are all the things you said and I certainly noticed them, more so in the two largest cities than anywhere else. Overall people live with all of that and somehow it all works and the spirit of community and unity prevails. There is a wonderful generosity and willingness to help out in times of adversity (which can be constant) that I have not seen elsewhere. In fact I will probably send my 7 year olds over there for a year in a couple of years so that they can experience and learn some of these values. I do not propose to go into a myriad of statistics on this. As I said in the beginning it's a personal comment. Perhaps a Kentucky horse can offer one more to your liking.
Back to top
nikir Frequent Guest Joined: 17 Mar 2010 Posts: 56	Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 7:03 am    Post subject: surfguy wrote: nikir wrote: I see Russians as having more integrity, being less influenced by gross consumerism and being a much stronger family unit. They also have a far greater sense of community worth and are more adept at solving problems at a community level. As for me I suppose I'm a bit of a hybrid, as I have always been exposed to, and influenced by both cultures, and have probably taken what I consider to be the best from each. My personality is unique to me. gotta agree with Spice on this one...gross consumerism is rampant in Russia right now...community worth...Ha! Where is the pride of ownership in Russia...maintenance and up keep...nope don't see it anywhere No and you won't see it anywhere because you look in all the wrong places.
Back to top
jo-jo-7 Just Starting Joined: 16 Mar 2010 Posts: 6	Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 2:39 pm    Post subject: ? I think if people from Russia, AUSTRALIA ect. should come to the United States and visit some of the small communities. I believe the views would change seeing how people come together for each other. Seeing how much a community sticks together to for those who need support ect...I don't believe that others should judge Americans and our culture until they have actually experienced it.
Back to top
vitalsigns Lounge Wizard Joined: 25 Dec 2004 Posts: 2784	Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 3:36 pm    Post subject: Re: ? jo jo 7 wrote: I think if people from Russia, AUSTRALIA ect. should come to the United States and visit some of the small communities. I believe the views would change seeing how people come together for each other. Seeing how much a community sticks together to for those who need support ect...I don't believe that others should judge Americans and our culture until they have actually experienced it. Yes sir. I do not know if you heard of mennonites but they are the most generous and giving people you'll ever meet. America is so different. I wish people would have a bit more perception of it not like Ekaterina's (if you know what I mean). But my mother in Russia will set a table for you like you are the most important guest she's ever had. And she is not alone. So... it goes both ways.
Back to top
jo-jo-7 Just Starting Joined: 16 Mar 2010 Posts: 6	Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:12 pm    Post subject: Re: ? vitalsigns wrote: jo jo 7 wrote: I think if people from Russia, AUSTRALIA ect. should come to the United States and visit some of the small communities. I believe the views would change seeing how people come together for each other. Seeing how much a community sticks together to for those who need support ect...I don't believe that others should judge Americans and our culture until they have actually experienced it. Yes sir. I do not know if you heard of mennonites but they are the most generous and giving people you'll ever meet. America is so different. I wish people would have a bit more perception of it not like Ekaterina's (if you know what I mean). But my mother in Russia will set a table for you like you are the most important guest she's ever had. And she is not alone. So... it goes both ways. Wow...so, you have heard of the Mennonites. We have alot of Mennonites and Amish in Kentucky. You are so right, they are the nicest people. Well, they are from KY. There are lots of Amish in Pennsylvania also. I think it is a great thing when someone makes you feel welcomed. So true it does go both ways. Yes, people should have a different perception of Americans. People shouldn't sell themselves short.
Back to top
nikir Frequent Guest Joined: 17 Mar 2010 Posts: 56	Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:31 pm    Post subject: Re: ? jo jo 7 wrote: I think if people from Russia, AUSTRALIA ect. should come to the United States and visit some of the small communities. I believe the views would change seeing how people come together for each other. Seeing how much a community sticks together to for those who need support ect...I don't believe that others should judge Americans and our culture until they have actually experienced it. I have been to America many times jojo and have to say that in all honesty it is my least favourite destination on planet Earth. The worst excesses of Australia are multiplied there many times and I find most of the people there obsessed with their own self importance. The exception is Hawaii once you get off Oahu. As for how a community sticks together yes I agree. Take a look at the homeless community in downtown San Francisco for example, very big and very united.
Back to top
Rust Frequent Guest Joined: 11 Mar 2007 Posts: 46 Location: Mostly in Moscow	Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 7:33 pm    Post subject: Yesterday at night about 3 my friend called me - his new girl said him goodbye and he wanted dream and speak about....different things. He brought some bottles of bear ..........I was so angry at first of course! But it is our custom (may be better use hobbit - I don't know what the difference between) I could visit my friends everywhere anywhere speak to them about all (My neighbors are students if psychology - and when we discuss about their profession - how necessary to visit psychologist - they smile with me very much because we can discuss all! our problems with our friends and they really trying to help each other). Could you explain me why so many psychologist in USA and please don't say about professionals. I have one guess - you can't discuss with people around you your personality problem because you are a single all your life. Always different smiles on a face but cold heart inside with one thought of how to earn more money. For us difficult to smile all day - and if you see the smile - its really mostly means a joy.
Back to top
vitalsigns Lounge Wizard Joined: 25 Dec 2004 Posts: 2784	Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 7:39 pm    Post subject: I have seen very little people where I live who are obsessed with their self-importance. Where do you all guys travel to find all this? Sounds kind of bias to be honest.
Back to top
surfguy Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6979	Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 12:35 am    Post subject: Re: ? nikir wrote: jo jo 7 wrote: I think if people from Russia, AUSTRALIA ect. should come to the United States and visit some of the small communities. I believe the views would change seeing how people come together for each other. Seeing how much a community sticks together to for those who need support ect...I don't believe that others should judge Americans and our culture until they have actually experienced it. I have been to America many times jojo and have to say that in all honesty it is my least favourite destination on planet Earth. The worst excesses of Australia are multiplied there many times and I find most of the people there obsessed with their own self importance. The exception is Hawaii once you get off Oahu. As for how a community sticks together yes I agree. Take a look at the homeless community in downtown San Francisco for example, very big and very united. Ok I will comment on my experiences down under...I will say this...the aussies are some of the best people and go all out for strangers and are very giving and hospitible...I witnessed this first hand. In the states we have this too but is not as apparent except I did see the same when I was in Florida and in Hawaii...but I know that for my friends and guess I am very giving etc and most the people I associate with are too. The problem with the states is that we want to be this way but also we have been taken advantage of so many times that we do tend to be pretty cautious. In Russia it's they pride themselves on the harshness of the place and love to point out the fact that foriegners won't be able to survive there...which is 99% true...but equally at least my perspective is...why would I want to? There is so much better out there so why struggle...But let's be honest people community is every where...all over the world...and it just takes belonging to a community that gives us that sense and feeling...it sucks being an outsider. So some communities are more accepting than others and I'm sure all of us do what ever we can for our friends families niegbors and who ever else that we can when there is a need. The world is what we make of it!
Back to top
jo-jo-7 Just Starting Joined: 16 Mar 2010 Posts: 6	Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 5:03 am    Post subject: Re: ? nikir wrote: jo jo 7 wrote: I think if people from Russia, AUSTRALIA ect. should come to the United States and visit some of the small communities. I believe the views would change seeing how people come together for each other. Seeing how much a community sticks together to for those who need support ect...I don't believe that others should judge Americans and our culture until they have actually experienced it. I have been to America many times jojo and have to say that in all honesty it is my least favourite destination on planet Earth. The worst excesses of Australia are multiplied there many times and I find most of the people there obsessed with their own self importance. The exception is Hawaii once you get off Oahu. As for how a community sticks together yes I agree. Take a look at the homeless community in downtown San Francisco for example, very big and very united. It sounds as if San Francisco is the only place you have been too. Have you been anywhere else in the states to make this observation? Actually, some people prefer being homeless but, it's not right and where I am from there are no homeless in my community.
Back to top
nikir Frequent Guest Joined: 17 Mar 2010 Posts: 56	Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 6:08 am    Post subject: I have been to a few other places, but a long time ago. When I was 17 a cousin who lives in San Francisco and I drove from there to New York, around the bottom and then up through the middle to Chicago, then over to New York for new year. It was quite a fun trip and took a month.
Back to top
MrSpice Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3431	Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 7:21 am    Post subject: nikir wrote: I have been to a few other places, but a long time ago. When I was 17 a cousin who lives in San Francisco and I drove from there to New York, around the bottom and then up through the middle to Chicago, then over to New York for new year. It was quite a fun trip and took a month. Since I have travelled to other countries extensively (unlike jo jo), I can say that you comments about the US make very little sense to me. Overall, it's a nice, indutrious and interesting country. It's very diverse and very friendly to immigrants (it's been a country of immigrants from the start). I am not sure what the homeless in San Francisco have to do with anything. San Francisco is know for it's "love" of the homeless. This is the only town in the US where you can litteraly find homeless guy on every corner in the middle of the city. Obviously, that is no way representative of the US in general. San Francisco is a unique place in many other ways. For example, It has the most expensive real estate in the US (even more expensive than Manhattan in New York City). I don't think America is that different from Australia. In fact, Australia's economic system basically mirrored the US's in the past 10-15 years. In many other ways, Australia is very similar to the US. Yo should travel to America and visit different cities and towns and suspect your bias for a while...
Back to top
jo-jo-7 Just Starting Joined: 16 Mar 2010 Posts: 6	Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 1:25 pm    Post subject: Re: ? surfguy wrote: nikir wrote: jo jo 7 wrote: I think if people from Russia, AUSTRALIA ect. should come to the United States and visit some of the small communities. I believe the views would change seeing how people come together for each other. Seeing how much a community sticks together to for those who need support ect...I don't believe that others should judge Americans and our culture until they have actually experienced it. I have been to America many times jojo and have to say that in all honesty it is my least favourite destination on planet Earth. The worst excesses of Australia are multiplied there many times and I find most of the people there obsessed with their own self importance. The exception is Hawaii once you get off Oahu. As for how a community sticks together yes I agree. Take a look at the homeless community in downtown San Francisco for example, very big and very united. Ok I will comment on my experiences down under...I will say this...the aussies are some of the best people and go all out for strangers and are very giving and hospitible...I witnessed this first hand. In the states we have this too but is not as apparent except I did see the same when I was in Florida and in Hawaii...but I know that for my friends and guess I am very giving etc and most the people I associate with are too. The problem with the states is that we want to be this way but also we have been taken advantage of so many times that we do tend to be pretty cautious. In Russia it's they pride themselves on the harshness of the place and love to point out the fact that foriegners won't be able to survive there...which is 99% true...but equally at least my perspective is...why would I want to? There is so much better out there so why struggle...But let's be honest people community is every where...all over the world...and it just takes belonging to a community that gives us that sense and feeling...it sucks being an outsider. So some communities are more accepting than others and I'm sure all of us do what ever we can for our friends families niegbors and who ever else that we can when there is a need. The world is what we make of it! I have the best neighbors. They always look out for us. If you need anything, they are right there. True, the world is what we make of it.
Back to top
Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First

	Way to Russia Talk Lounge Forum Index -> Russian Contexts, Myths and Truths	All times are GMT + 3 Hours Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3  Next
Page 2 of 3