Way to Russia Talk Lounge

vorteks · Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 5:31 pm Post subject:

Welcome back slavnori Very Happy

As long as a community pride doesnt prevent you from keeping an independant capacity of judgement, this is just a common ego that helps you build yourself an identity. When your identity is so intrinsicly bound to your nationality that you can t cast a critical eye on your government s decisions, you step into blind nationalism.

Blind nationalism can be forced against your will by long term propaganda, with tools ranging from national flags and national enthem in public schools to gross misinformation and amalgames served daily on medias. You can easily recognise a manipulative will behind nationalistic claims when leaders refer to religion to justify aggressions.Mysticism opposes the development of a rational opinion. When patriotism becomes a religion itself, domestic opposition being called "unpatriotic" (unfidel?)and long term allies warning about abuse of force are regarded as enemies, the population is at risk of being deprived of its freedom of judgement and action.

When you start to think that your values are so universal that you can impose them by force, and at the same time exclude yourself from democratic processes on an international scale, you know you have lost coherence and fell into a dangerous schyzophrenia. When this schyzoid deviancy is associated with an inflation of militaristic expenses and military bases in foreign countries, it can be identified as imperialism.

Yuliya · Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 9:35 pm Post subject:

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

I would like to say that on one hand I love russian literature (Lermontov, Pushkin, Turgenev, etc.). I love the city where I grew up (St. Petersburg). I love many of old movies and cartoons that many people here mentioned. One of the reasons I love many of those movies is that I think they were objectively good. Many of the Russian actors and directors were and are world-class. Having said that, I am not necesserily proud of Russia as a country. I am not proud of the current Russian political system which is hardly a real democracy. I am not proud of many things Russian (laziness, drinking, etc.). I had a great childhood in Russia and have great memories about many things there. But that does not mean that the country was good objectively. I love tyravelling back to Russia, walking in my old neighborhood where I grew up, went to school and pre-school, metting old friends and neighbors. But I am glad I left this country.

cyndy22 · Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:24 pm Post subject:

It is pleasing to me to hear people on this forum express their praise, love, pride, affection etc. for Russia. Russia's colorful history, beautiful language, straight forward communication with others, arts, architecture, science, family cohesiveness, its peoples strength which I agree 100% that Russians are the strongest people on the planet in terms of their ability to survive and move forward in spite of harsh conditions, ALL these things are quite wonderful. Traditions are also I think are very special things re a culture. I love that Russians love flowers and bring flowers to celebrate. I love toasting tradition. I love saunas. I hope some of you can tell me more about other Russian traditions.

As an American US citizen, since we are a much younger country, I feel we lack traditions, though sure we have some. I think that certain traditions and rituals add alot of richness and depth to ordinary life. I envy the trditions of Russians. Smile

Mogsfan · WayToRussified Joined: 03 Nov 2004 Posts: 490

Mogsfan · WayToRussified Joined: 03 Nov 2004 Posts: 490

Another voice of reason. Good to see it, vorteks!

Mogsfan · WayToRussified Joined: 03 Nov 2004 Posts: 490

There is nothing wrong with admiring Russia's writers, poets, musicians, nature etc. I'm talking about general nationalism or blind pride simply based on nationality.

Christopher · Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 5:00 am Post subject: Yes, overseas_expat!!

I could not agree more with overseas_expat! Despite their shortcomings, Russian people are really quite amazing!

newbharry · Frequent Guest Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 22

I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE THIS COUNTRY
THESE PPL ARE LIKE CHINESE in a cockroach way that is.. THEY DON'T SEEMS TO DIE! ok.. too much coffee. but i swear the chinese is everywhere. Russia.. strong willed.. and TONZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ OF SMART ppl compare to USA. Home of the best Vodka. I just love snow there. bring me some blizzard. I love russia and it's not even my country.

sputnik · Lounge Lizard Joined: 02 Jan 2005 Posts: 141

Camrade · Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 3:48 pm Post subject:

2newbharry

very patriotical by your side))

newbharry · Frequent Guest Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 22

jumeh · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 5:03 pm Post subject:

There is a great number if things that make me be proud of my country,

and no matter how much vodka people drink, no matter who rules the country, Russia has always been one of the most intellegent and smartest and cleverest countries in the world, because many scientists working in other countries are russian,