On Work, Racism, and Foreign Men - Interviews with Russians in Moscow - July 2003

Comment (16/07/03): " As a traveller who recently returned from Russia, I strongly disagree with Lena's comments. As a Canadian, we are generally respectful of other cultures, and friendly to foriegners who visit our country. Most Russians seemed to stare rudely at foriegners, as if they are trespassers that don't belong. Russian women seem to be friendlier and smile occaisionally. Russian men seem to look angry and pissed off, and constantly spit on the ground. Customer service in shops is non-existent, and cashiers are rude and impatient. These are broad generalizations, and of course do not reflect everyone in Russia. I really enjoyed my trip to Russia, and found that if you get to know Russians on an individual basis, they can be very friendly and outgoing. But as a society they should open up a little more, and invite the world to come see their beautiful country."

Comment (16/07/03): "I have been to russia only once in the mid 1980's and i clearly remember it beingvery racists. i think as a white male you do not feel the racisim because you are never the target of it. "

Comment (16/07/03): "I think what Lena says is not completely true. In general it just depends on the type of people you see and not on the fact whether they are foreigners or not. I think there are a lot of foreigners (like me) who come to Russia with respect for its citizens and customs. Also it could be just foreign customs that are just different from Russian ones. I for one was really surprised that it is rude to blow your nose (loudly) in Russia, while in Belgium it is considered very normal and not rude at all.
I think Lena has never met Russians drinking, because at some parties while I was in Irkutsk, I noticed that sometimes Russians got quite rude when drunk. Usually it ended in fights. But again it just depends on the situation, other customs doesn't have to mean that people are trying to be rude to you."

Comment (17/07/03): "well I have a russian boyfriend and he always think that the russians are the best people on the earth of course he loves his country but not like that I mean every country has it's own special things that you can't find it in others
anyway sorry for my prattle but my question is that why do russian boys love weapons,piano,tango,and learning Chinese and by the way why are they very official and cold-blooded???"
Answer: Uhhmm, I never heard about any of these things, like weapons, tango, and especially Chinese. Piano is something people from "good" families learn when they are children and then forget. Official and cold-blooded... I don't know, not all of them... maybe it's because they are shy?

Comment (17/07/03): "I began traveling to St.Pete in 1992.Since this time I have lived there for over 4 years, accumilative time. During this time I have seen so many changes in Russia, and with Russian people. In 1992 the Russian people saw me as a novelty I believe. As an American, and from the south, I was taught to look at people in the eyes when talking to them, and always be polite, and respectful of others.In 1992, the Russian people I met on the street would seldom look me in the eye's, and seldom exchange greetings. I would receive a lot of stares,when greeting someone in the metro. Sometimes they would just thump their index finger on their neck, or the index finger to their temple to indicate a crazy person. it has changed a lot since then.Doing volunteer work in hospital's,and in my social circles I come into contact with many good people, and a few not so good people. In this social circle of mine I have many Russian friends with many different vocations, and backgrounds. I have friends in the music business, doctors, pastors, politics, religion, travel industry, military, and so on. Most all are just working class people just like me, with the same wants and desires in this life. There is an old saying that I grew up with here in Texas, but it is true any where in the world, and that is to treat other people the way you would like to be treated yourself, and treat them as an equal. Not above them maybe because you have more money, or social status, but an equal. Except other's for the way they are, not how you would like them to be, not only in personal relationships, but also in business. I love my country, and my people, but I have met some not so intelligent Americans in Russia that are unable to grasp the finer points of travel, and business ethics while in a foreign country.
Russia is not the only country I have traveld to, but the only country I continue to return to as often as possible. I met my lovely wife, Yulia, in 1993, and she has been a wonderful teacher not only in matters of the heart, but also helping me understand the Russian culture. She is an excellent example of Russian womanhood, and the Russian people. It has been my experience as a world traveler that we humans, no matter what country you come from, are basiclly the same, and the only difference is some cultural bias. Which can be overcome easily with an open mind. I have yet been able to attain all the knowledge I search for, but I will continue to learn each time I travel outside the safe haven I call home."

Comment (1/8/03): " I think this site is very cool. Ok. I want to migrate in Russia when I grow up."

Comment (13/9/03): "sir : first my comment
I enjoyed reading your posting about common Russian people.
I guess I must be fair in saying I am common American man .
I am married to Russian woman from deep in your country. (country girl)
I have been married for 2 years now.
Every day I learn more how the common Russian people are the same as all people in world.
I truely think for any forginer as I to understand Russia, is to first know Russia from the begining.
Our culture is a meer 200 years old.
Yours goes back to 1200"