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ausualsuspect
Just Starting
Joined: 22 Apr 2006
Posts: 4
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 Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 6:52 am Post subject: Perceptions of reality |
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One of the things that has crossed my mind when going through this site is the perception of who/what Americans are by Russians. It is interesting seeing some of the responses by those interviewed in the Life in Russia section when asked the question; "What so you think of Americans?" I am forced to wonder how many of those folks have actually been to the US, or have their opinions formed either from tourists or television news broadcasts.
It has been often repeated here that the only way to get to know the real Russia is to visit it for oneself, and I heartily agree. I would also suggest that the same holds true for Russians: If they want to know the real USA, they should come and visit.
With this in mind, here is the question I am putting forth to both the native Russians on this forum, as well as those Russians currently residing in the US: How has your perception of Americans been shaped? Is it the media, tourists, movies, magazines, etc.? What do you take as fact, fiction, or hyperbole? Have you actually ever visited the USA at all?
If you have visited or have resided in the USA, what ideas about Americans do you find to be accurate or inaccurate? Is American society fairly portrayed in Russia based on your experiences in America, or is it blown out of proportion? Did you have a chance to see more of the country than just the major cities? Did you meet a variety of people from across our nation?
I hope to have the ability to visit Russia in the next 3-5 years, and answer these question that I have posed (but directed to Russia instead) for myself.
Okay, discuss, but be nice please............ |
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vitalsigns
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 25 Dec 2004
Posts: 2784
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 1:33 pm Post subject: |
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Not too long ago I asked the same question in the feedback section of this forum. Not to pour gasoline on fire but I do believe there's an overall anti-american sentiment among the forumers and even among those who participated in the creation of this site (maybe not including Dmitri).
I wholeheartedly agree that everone who is bashing americans should visit the US and see that they are decent, hard-working people who want simple things in life, just like all of us: a good-paying job, raising a good family, having good friends, living in peace, etc. |
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MrSpice
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 14 Jul 2003
Posts: 3431
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 6:53 pm Post subject: Re: Perceptions of reality |
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| ausualsuspect wrote: | One of the things that has crossed my mind when going through this site is the perception of who/what Americans are by Russians. It is interesting seeing some of the responses by those interviewed in the Life in Russia section when asked the question; "What so you think of Americans?" I am forced to wonder how many of those folks have actually been to the US, or have their opinions formed either from tourists or television news broadcasts.
It has been often repeated here that the only way to get to know the real Russia is to visit it for oneself, and I heartily agree. I would also suggest that the same holds true for Russians: If they want to know the real USA, they should come and visit.
With this in mind, here is the question I am putting forth to both the native Russians on this forum, as well as those Russians currently residing in the US: How has your perception of Americans been shaped? Is it the media, tourists, movies, magazines, etc.? What do you take as fact, fiction, or hyperbole? Have you actually ever visited the USA at all?
If you have visited or have resided in the USA, what ideas about Americans do you find to be accurate or inaccurate? Is American society fairly portrayed in Russia based on your experiences in America, or is it blown out of proportion? Did you have a chance to see more of the country than just the major cities? Did you meet a variety of people from across our nation?
I hope to have the ability to visit Russia in the next 3-5 years, and answer these question that I have posed (but directed to Russia instead) for myself.
Okay, discuss, but be nice please............ |
You have to remember that for many Russians it's not that easy to visit America. First of all, they have to get a visa which is not easy to get - the US embassy requires proof of income, family history, documents, justifications, etc. + more than $100 in non-refundable consular fees. Therefore, Russians that have money to travel are more likely to go to Europe - it's closer and obtaining visas is much easier. I would think that you can attribute at least some of the anti-Americanism on how difficult it is to obtain US visas sometimes.
Those who come from small cities like America better. Those who come from the modern-day Moscow often find America boring. Let's face it, outside of New York, Chicago, LA and San Francisco, the US is pertty much a suburban, sleepy country where people rarely get out of their cars. That's not the kind of life any European or Russia would normally associate with "fun" and good living. |
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surfguy
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 6979
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 7:33 pm Post subject: |
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| As I've repeatedly have said...we all want the same things in life! |
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MrSpice
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 14 Jul 2003
Posts: 3431
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 7:45 pm Post subject: |
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| surfguy wrote: | | As I've repeatedly have said...we all want the same things in life! |
That's not exactly true (even though you said it before -
It's true in general, but somewhat simplistic. For example, I love living in New York - a large city that looks and feels like a city where people go a cafes in the evening, where life does not stop at 9pm, where you can go to a different restaurant every week, or go to one of many large book stores and read magazines until 11pm if you want to. I lived in New Hampshire for a few months many years ago. I was bored out of my mind there. Even though the life in new Hampshire if good from statistical point of view - crime is low, income is good, unemployment is good, school are great, etc. I'd rather live in a half-developed St Petersburg or Moscow in a half-baked democracy that Russia is today than in New Hampshire. So, we don't really want the same things in life - some of us don't |
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vox16
Just Starting
Joined: 14 Apr 2010
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 8:08 pm Post subject: |
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| vitalsigns wrote: | | I wholeheartedly agree that everone who is bashing americans should visit the US and see that they are decent, hard-working people who want simple things in life, just like all of us: a good-paying job, raising a good family, having good friends, living in peace, etc. |
Concept of meritorious work is not what was tought by Orthodox for 1000 years and communists for another 70.
| surfguy wrote: |
As I've repeatedly have said...we all want the same things in life!
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But who shall provide you with all these things? You yourself, by your hard work, or government ? If you loose your job, will you find a new one or insist that government shall provide you with another one ? |
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ram
Frequent Guest
Joined: 07 Jul 2004
Posts: 38
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 8:09 pm Post subject: Re: Perceptions of reality |
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| ausualsuspect wrote: | One of the things that has crossed my mind when going through this site is the perception of who/what Americans are by Russians. It is interesting seeing some of the responses by those interviewed in the Life in Russia section when asked the question; "What so you think of Americans?" I am forced to wonder how many of those folks have actually been to the US, or have their opinions formed either from tourists or television news broadcasts.
It has been often repeated here that the only way to get to know the real Russia is to visit it for oneself, and I heartily agree. I would also suggest that the same holds true for Russians: If they want to know the real USA, they should come and visit.
With this in mind, here is the question I am putting forth to both the native Russians on this forum, as well as those Russians currently residing in the US: How has your perception of Americans been shaped? Is it the media, tourists, movies, magazines, etc.? What do you take as fact, fiction, or hyperbole? Have you actually ever visited the USA at all?
If you have visited or have resided in the USA, what ideas about Americans do you find to be accurate or inaccurate? Is American society fairly portrayed in Russia based on your experiences in America, or is it blown out of proportion? Did you have a chance to see more of the country than just the major cities? Did you meet a variety of people from across our nation?
I hope to have the ability to visit Russia in the next 3-5 years, and answer these question that I have posed (but directed to Russia instead) for myself.
Okay, discuss, but be nice please............ |
I have very good opinion of honest and hardworking Americans. I, however, met many Americans who are standoffish, if not arrogant, and I have a low opinion of those. They seem to think that they are superior, but judging but what they eat, what movies they watch and how they spend their leasure time, they look inferior. |
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surfguy
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 6979
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 10:00 pm Post subject: |
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| Yes the material things that we want may differ...but the Simple common thing in life that we all want is to live our lives...and in peace I guess. Although I could surf in New Hampshire...I too would prefer the excitement of St Pete over it. Really though I see myself in 2 different areas year round. I like San Diego & St Pete. Best of both worlds I guess |
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surfguy
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 6979
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 10:05 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | But who shall provide you with all these things? You yourself, by your hard work, or government ? If you loose your job, will you find a new one or insist that government shall provide you with another one ? |
I believe that it's up to the individual to provide for his life, needs, and well being. The government doesn't owe me a job-it's up to me to go out and find or create one. |
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krasatulya
VIP
Joined: 29 May 2005
Posts: 590
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 10:47 pm Post subject: |
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| Amen to that! |
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mediashark
Moderator
Joined: 04 Nov 2004
Posts: 1599
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:00 pm Post subject: |
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| MrSpice wrote: |
It's true in general, but somewhat simplistic. For example, I love living in New York - a large city that looks and feels like a city where people go a cafes in the evening, where life does not stop at 9pm, where you can go to a different restaurant every week, or go to one of many large book stores and read magazines until 11pm if you want to. I lived in New Hampshire for a few months many years ago. I was bored out of my mind there. Even though the life in new Hampshire if good from statistical point of view - crime is low, income is good, unemployment is good, school are great, etc. I'd rather live in a half-developed St Petersburg or Moscow in a half-baked democracy that Russia is today than in New Hampshire. So, we don't really want the same things in life - some of us don't |
Well, I admit it's the little differences that make all the difference... back home there is so much things one can do in the day, it's an awfully convenient city, clean streets, low crime, but after 11pm all life stops... what everyone does during their free time... eating and shopping. Sure I miss some food, but I prefer to live in Moscow. I was bored out of my mind as well.
p.s. we're moving to the states next year for work related reasons. (moving whether we like it or not!)  No idea what to expect, really... |
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surfguy
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 6979
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:18 pm Post subject: |
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| Depending on where you are moving too...I'm sure we can give you good insight |
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mediashark
Moderator
Joined: 04 Nov 2004
Posts: 1599
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:52 pm Post subject: |
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| We're moving to Seattle or somewhere near there.... been hearing good things about it! Anyway I suspect if any one of us has trouble adjusting it will be my husband, who is Russian. |
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5_Zvehzda
Just Starting
Joined: 30 Mar 2010
Posts: 1
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| Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:07 am Post subject: |
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| Although it's into next year sometime, hopefully it'll be a smooth transition and a comfortable adjustment! Is your relocation permanent? |
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surfguy
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 6979
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| Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:21 am Post subject: |
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| Seattle beautiful and one of the better cities and places to live...you guys will really enjoy iy. Plus Vancouver and Portland are close. It rains a lot though. Very scenic. Mircorp who does a lot of tours throughout Russia is located there. You guys will like it up there. |
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