Thread: Russian bears ?

It was an honest question , I don't know why I must be mocked .

Originally Posted by Will

It was an honest question , I don't know why I must be mocked .

I think because a typical stereotype about Russians is that Russia is a barbaric country so much so that bears are roaming the streets. So, every time Russians hear something about bears, they start laughing real hard. In reality, there are as many bears in Moscow as there are in Washington D.C. And Russians are as obsessed with the bears as Americans are with the eagles.

Originally Posted by Crocodile

I think because a typical stereotype about Russians is that Russia is a barbaric country so much so that bears are roaming the streets. So, every time Russians hear something about bears, they start laughing real hard. In reality, there are as many bears in Moscow as there are in Washington D.C. And Russians are as obsessed with the bears as Americans are with the eagles.

Thank you , I just wanted to know WHY there was a stereotype about Russians . And I honestly didn't think Russians are " obsessed " with bears , western society would just make it seem that way I suppose .

Originally Posted by Will

Thank you , I just wanted to know WHY there was a stereotype about Russians . And I honestly didn't think Russians are " obsessed " with bears , western society would just make it seem that way I suppose .

I think the origin of that stereotype comes from the 19-nth century when Russians started to spend more time in Europe and subsequently Europeans started to visit Russia more often. So, Europeans saw an unaccustomed sight when the street clowns made a trained bear 'dance' while they played music. By that time, Europe was significantly stripped off of their forests, so they had no bears anymore. So, Europeans became astonished with a place where the bears 'run free' on the streets.

Originally Posted by Will

It was an honest question , I don't know why I must be mocked .

I, for one, was sure your question was a joke.

Originally Posted by Crocodile

as Americans are with the eagles.

Aren't they?

Originally Posted by E-learner

Aren't they?

They definitely are. They even brought an eagle on the Moon.