Thread: Let anyone have their own ways

Mind also that English sounds in all kinds of the media in Russia, it’s in songs, movies, it’s popular. Here it’s kind of prestige to know English. You get admired by everyone if your English is far above the average level. Not so with Kevin, and not so with Russian in the US. Russian is far less popular there. Americans are self-sufficient in this regard, for they are worldwide language native speakers, lol.

It's really true! Here, if you study Russian, they call you a "commie." I can't count the number of times people have made fun of me because of my life-long interest in Russia and it's culture, people, and language. Also, resources are not exactly commonplace.

I don't know why Americans cling to these stupid, outdated stereotypes. I try to inform them. Mostly, they just are not very interested in Russia. Too bad for them! They are missing out.

Originally Posted by Deborski

It's really true! Here, if you study Russian, they call you a "commie." I can't count the number of times people have made fun of me because of my life-long interest in Russia and it's culture, people, and language. Also, resources are not exactly commonplace.

I don't know why Americans cling to these stupid, outdated stereotypes. I try to inform them. Mostly, they just are not very interested in Russia. Too bad for them! They are missing out.

One thing I think about stereotypes, Deborski, is that for every person we meet that we think is that stereotype, often there is another person that is exactly opposite, or at least unlike the stereotype. When one is talking about millions of people, even having met a few thousand doesn't give an accurate cross section of a populace, I don't think. I try to be on my guard about making stereotypes in my head. I'm not always successful, but I think it's important to be critical that way.

Originally Posted by kgcole

One thing I think about stereotypes, Deborski, is that for every person we meet that we think is that stereotype, often there is another person that is exactly opposite, or at least unlike the stereotype. When one is talking about millions of people, even having met a few thousand doesn't give an accurate cross section of a populace, I don't think. I try to be on my guard about making stereotypes in my head. I'm not always successful, but I think it's important to be critical that way.

Very true. Are you implying that I am stereotyping Americans? I am only talking about my own experiences. Of course, not all Americans are like that. Look at me

Originally Posted by Deborski

Here, if you study Russian, they call you a "commie." I can't count the number of times people have made fun of me because of my life-long interest in Russia and it's culture, people, and language.

Originally Posted by kgcole

When one is talking about millions of people, even having met a few thousand doesn't give an accurate cross section of a populace.

I understand that Deborski didn’t mean the whole nation. Nevertheless such a testimony impresses a lot. It will NEVER occur to anyone in Ukraine to disparage a person for their interest in the US and the English language. They are considered as ambitious and potentially more successful people. They may be even envied for that, but never disrespected. It’s been long ago since looking westward meant “родину продал”.

Originally Posted by Helenej

I understand that Deborski didn’t mean the whole nation. Nevertheless such a testimony impresses a lot. It will NEVER occur to anyone in Ukraine to disparage a person for their interest in the US and the English language. They are considered as ambitious and potentially more successful people. They may be even envied for that, but never disrespected.

I have to say that in my experience, Americans are far less tolerant of foreigners than Russians, also. In the US, lots of people get annoyed if you don't speak English right. Not ALL people, of course. Just the ignorant ones.

But when I lived in Russia (for two years) no one ever made fun of my (very poor!) Russian. At least, not to my face!

Originally Posted by Deborski

I have to say that in my experience, Americans are far less tolerant of foreigners than Russians, also. In the US, lots of people get annoyed if you don't speak English right. Not ALL people, of course. Just the ignorant ones.

But when I lived in Russia (for two years) no one ever made fun of my (very poor!) Russian. At least, not to my face!

No wonder. You are American. I think if you were Turkish, Armenian, Georgian or Tajik, you would have felt the difference. Not everything is so cloudless here also. You shouldn't idealize Russia. There are people everywhere. And they are different.

Originally Posted by Helenej

No wonder. You are American. I think if you were Turkish, Armenian, Georgian or Tajik, you would have felt the difference. Not everything is so cloudless here also. You shouldn't idealize Russia. There are people everywhere. And they are different.

Oh, my view of Russia is far from cloudless. To be honest, I have a love/hate relationship with your country! I am well aware of the racism, homophobia and sexism in Russia and had I been an African-American, the story would have been different I am sure.

Again, these are just my own personal experiences. Please, everyone! Don't assume that I therefore think everything in Russia is perfect or that everything in America is horrible. My views are really not that black and white. I see all the colors of the rainbow... even the shades of grey)))

Originally Posted by Deborski

Oh, my view of Russia is far from cloudless. To be honest, I have a love/hate relationship with your country! I am well aware of the racism, homophobia and sexism in Russia and had I been an African-American, the story would have been different I am sure.

Again, these are just my own personal experiences. Please, everyone! Don't assume that I therefore think everything in Russia is perfect or that everything in America is horrible. My views are really not that black and white. I see all the colors of the rainbow... even the shades of grey)))

I imagine there are always extremes wherever, whatever country, one looks. But I believe there are always people of reasonable mind, too. We're all examples of that. We get along, and exchange our ideas, and desire to learn. That makes life worthwhile wherever we are.

Originally Posted by Deborski

had I been an African-American, the story would have been different I am sure.

That’s for sure. Not a slightest doubt about that. You would have definitely been looked down on, unless you were wealthy with all those attributes. Stereotypes are slowly ruined. I think your president being Afro-American is a great thing that helps ruin them. You know, we cannot value him. But the fact that he has been valued by the whole nation makes us respect him. Funny, hah?