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

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: "Is there a lot of racism in Russia? Do any black people live there?"
A: There is racism. There are colored people. I don’t care.

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

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: They want to try something new. They are not patriots. They think life abroad is better. I guess, people are the same all over the world.

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 a natural way of cultural interaction.

Question: "Are Russians really ruthless, cynical and prone to tragedy?"
A: Russians are prone to tragedy in a way.

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: The average salary is about 100 $. Rent depends on the location and type of apartment.

Question: "What are the good and bad things about Russia?"
A: Bad – people are closed and don’t like to smile. Good – if Russian is open, there are no limits for his love and happiness.

Question: "Do you think life in Russia is very weird?"
A: No, it is not. We simply have our own rules and habits.

Question: "How Russian newscasters report news to their viewers, including women?"
A: We have only a few quality newspapers.

Question: "Are Russians okay with people from Finland and Sweden now? Long ago we had many wars..."
A: I think they are OK. Don’t know how to answer.

Quesiton: "What are prices and taxes like in Russia?"
A: Taxes...I used to live with these taxes and prices.

Question: "How to find the path to a Russian heart? Is there anything that attracts Russians, that may interest them?"
A: Don’t limit our freedom.

Question: "What do you do for fun?"
A: I like to be with my friends.

Question: "How to Russian people treat each other"
A: Like potential enemies.

Question: "What Russian people think about Russian cars, in comparation with Japanese cars, or American cars"
A: Russian cars are far beyond modern technologies and lifestyle.

Question: "Why Russians can face life only through drinking vodka and hiding behind the mask of indifference?"
A:. Cause everyone has too many problems.