Putin might be flexing Russia’s muscles in Syria and Russia in general is acting more like a powerful state in its foreign policy. But internally, culture wise, nothing has changed from the 1990s.
Good luck on your film Evgenia! It sounds so amazing and one of my favorite genres. I am also so looking forward to listening to this new episode with my mom as we drive cross country on my exodus out of LA.
I am in a very close relationship with a Moscow boy who lives in the US now too and you pinpointed the mood perfectly -- the grim black and white portion of life before you get the new blender. We endlessly butt heads over this as he constantly complains about how terrible Russia is because he still wants to believe in the illusion presented of America. I, on the other hand tell him -- well look -- we've got the new blender, but that doesn't mean much of anything with my $50k in student loans and inability to afford a home or have healthcare.
I don't want to pretend to know what life is like in Russia, I just get infuriated by the claim that America is so great cause of these new blenders haha. As always appreciate your reads on this topic and this one particularly makes me feel more sane!
Moving back to the opposite coastal liberal hellhole haha. To my demise, It's always either NY or LA for me, but in this instance all of my family is in NY. I initially moved here for school, but after 6 years of living paycheck to paycheck and dying in the heat every summer, I figured I may as well live paycheck to paycheck, closer to family.
That mood used to be real — def felt like a more vibrant life “after the purchase” when I first moved. I loved those магазин на диване commercials as a kid though. People had such huge white psychotic smiles there.
Thank you Evgenia for this thoughtful piece. I'm much older than you, and I have watched the hollowed-out "culture" of consumerism masquerading as "democracy" and "capitalism" spread from my native California into Russia, China, India -- literally everywhere. I have been living for the past 45 years in a self-congratulatory "beach town" with its own branch of the University of California and outposts of Google and Amazon nestled above glittering lifestyle emporia that claim to be successors the funky surf shops of old. It's all a lie here, just like it is in Moscow.
I'm leaving, because I can sell my grossly inflated house to people who think that they can "consume" our non-existent "California beach culture," and have enough to get by in a more rural place -- one still blighted by our hollow consumerism, but less certain of its worth.
As a longtime Exile fan, I'd been telling myself for months now to subscribe, but this free post finally got me. I'm an American russophile who spent several years living in Moscow in the 2010s. All my Russian friends thought I was crazy for choosing to be there, and it was indeed difficult to pinpoint what I saw in their country. The ease with which most of them (mostly young, educated liberals) moved about from job to job, party to party, flat to flat had a hopefulness and determination even in despair that I haven't seen in the US. I have had an equally difficult time explaining any of this to my American friends, who also wondered why anyone would want to live in a cold crumbling gas station where everyone hates homosexuals.
I did want to absorb as much Russian culture as I could while there but was disappointed to find out that most young Russians were more interested in American imports. The first time I was invited to a dance competition, I immediately agreed. Then I asked what kind of dance and was deflated when the girl told me "hip hop". Luckily I also met some Russians who were too old to be influenced by all the American gloss. Thanks for the discussion.
Thanks, Evgenia! It's is great how you reflect on your experiences and compare with what is going on now. I was always concerned with Westernitis rotting the creativity that Russia really does possess. The Yeltsin/Harvard rape will continue affecting Russia for the foreseeable future by locking in "our" oligarchs--it wasn't given a chance to transition the economy in a more rational fashion, US made sure of that. The Russian students that I spoke with in the `70s, as young as they were, had a very mature long view of change and were betrayed by Yeltsin and his CIA business partners. Personally, I too am sick of all of the kopirofka of western film/tv in Russian productions--Russians (all cultures) should back away from the West's "Capitalist Metronome of Death" that is set at a pace only adolescents demand and endure.
After USSR collapse, it is universally reported, there was an economic devastation -- most people savings (usually kept "under the bed" evaporated because currency devaluation. Most people still remember that immense shock.
Has the economy markedly improved after that? How much? Apparently Putin is still widely popular -- is this correct?
I get your main point -- about culture. Since I am not Russian this is sad to hear; I love Russia's contribution to arts and sciences. To try to comfort you -- in the entire East and Central Europe there is a cultural devastation by "cultural" imports (mostly TV/movie) from the US. There is a healthy counter-culture emerging though...
Thank you -- and Putin is "bad and horrible" because he stopped or redirected that rape and pillage of Russia and its economy led by US advisors to Yeltsin...
There is an outstanding book and documentary by Oliver Stone "The Putin Interviews". I didn't see the documentary but the book is fascinating and well annotated by Stone's research. Of course - it is largely ignored in the US corporate media...
Interesting how the image of Russia doesn't match the real country. Plenty of tropes and out dated perspectives. I think in Australia it is probably similar. My country seems intent on following the US and it is depressing now as there's been a rise in anti China and anti Rusia media stories and politicians rhetoric. Also more cases of Asians, especially Chinese facing abuse.
In Australia the media is dominated by Murdoch and middle Australia is susceptible to this aggressive US influence. We have big influence of US cinema not all bad but US cultural and political influence is strong. Many so called liberals seem to be a little too compliant.
It is like some powerful elements want us to return to cold war mentality. Our prime minister is an evangelical. Strange. Also asylum seekers in boats are shoved into detention centres for processing (more prisons really)
I read Pelevin only in English: Homo Sapiens but not sure if translation can capture the irony cultural references. I liked the novel though.
Wow !!! Thanks for the comment AND for the link -- outstanding and MUCH appreciated.
There is perhaps also an elephant in the room -- important for US domestic politics and US elections in 2022 and 2024:
- Obama/Biden/Hillary concocted the scam of the century -- the Russia-gate hoax (that is still going on !!) and two impeachment "entertainments".
- The entire lying team is back in power -- Biden/Pelosi, Schumer, Schiff, Maxine Waters, Jamie Ruskin, etc., etc. -- and their intelligence and DNC executives on behalf of their Wall Street and military, banking and security industry donors, i.e., the War party.
- By far the highest need of Biden government and its DNC oligarch cabal is that Russia-gate immense hoax – the scam of the century -- will NOT / will NEVER be fully exposed. Hence immense obligations to primary propagandists for their roles, including despicable Kamala Harris (Hillary’s protégé), Neera Tanden, Melissa Hodgman (wife of the Comey’s infamous Peter Strzok), Pete Buttigieg, etc., and to media and HiTech executives.
Remember, Clapper, Brennan & Hayden trio were among former Obama 50 intelligence officials stating that Hunter-laptop is classical “Russian disinformation”.
- They were also key promoters of the now five-year Russia-gate hoax.
- They were also key intelligence executives in Obama/Biden/Hillary government – the government which hunted Snowden (forcing Bolivian plane with Bolivia’s president to land to search it) and armed Al Qaeda (including “white helmets” hoax) and staged all (ALL) chemical attacks in Syria to remove its government.
- When asked about Hunter's laptops Pelosi stated "All roads lead to Putin"; commenting on Capitol invasion Schumer said - "worse than Pearl Harbor and 9/11"...
- And -- Assange must be silenced -- all the players agree.
And - in preparation -- are huge "arms insurrection" trials (although not a single weapon was identified/confiscated) to rise population fears for 2022 US elections..... Biden's handlers have tough situation at their hands
Good luck on your film Evgenia! It sounds so amazing and one of my favorite genres. I am also so looking forward to listening to this new episode with my mom as we drive cross country on my exodus out of LA.
I am in a very close relationship with a Moscow boy who lives in the US now too and you pinpointed the mood perfectly -- the grim black and white portion of life before you get the new blender. We endlessly butt heads over this as he constantly complains about how terrible Russia is because he still wants to believe in the illusion presented of America. I, on the other hand tell him -- well look -- we've got the new blender, but that doesn't mean much of anything with my $50k in student loans and inability to afford a home or have healthcare.
I don't want to pretend to know what life is like in Russia, I just get infuriated by the claim that America is so great cause of these new blenders haha. As always appreciate your reads on this topic and this one particularly makes me feel more sane!
Where are you moving too? LA feels like a final destination)
Moving back to the opposite coastal liberal hellhole haha. To my demise, It's always either NY or LA for me, but in this instance all of my family is in NY. I initially moved here for school, but after 6 years of living paycheck to paycheck and dying in the heat every summer, I figured I may as well live paycheck to paycheck, closer to family.
That mood used to be real — def felt like a more vibrant life “after the purchase” when I first moved. I loved those магазин на диване commercials as a kid though. People had such huge white psychotic smiles there.
we just posted it!
Thank you Evgenia for this thoughtful piece. I'm much older than you, and I have watched the hollowed-out "culture" of consumerism masquerading as "democracy" and "capitalism" spread from my native California into Russia, China, India -- literally everywhere. I have been living for the past 45 years in a self-congratulatory "beach town" with its own branch of the University of California and outposts of Google and Amazon nestled above glittering lifestyle emporia that claim to be successors the funky surf shops of old. It's all a lie here, just like it is in Moscow.
I'm leaving, because I can sell my grossly inflated house to people who think that they can "consume" our non-existent "California beach culture," and have enough to get by in a more rural place -- one still blighted by our hollow consumerism, but less certain of its worth.
As a longtime Exile fan, I'd been telling myself for months now to subscribe, but this free post finally got me. I'm an American russophile who spent several years living in Moscow in the 2010s. All my Russian friends thought I was crazy for choosing to be there, and it was indeed difficult to pinpoint what I saw in their country. The ease with which most of them (mostly young, educated liberals) moved about from job to job, party to party, flat to flat had a hopefulness and determination even in despair that I haven't seen in the US. I have had an equally difficult time explaining any of this to my American friends, who also wondered why anyone would want to live in a cold crumbling gas station where everyone hates homosexuals.
I did want to absorb as much Russian culture as I could while there but was disappointed to find out that most young Russians were more interested in American imports. The first time I was invited to a dance competition, I immediately agreed. Then I asked what kind of dance and was deflated when the girl told me "hip hop". Luckily I also met some Russians who were too old to be influenced by all the American gloss. Thanks for the discussion.
I look forward to the pod on this rainy ride. Thank you for sharing.
Really interesting Evgenia. I look forward to the podcast. Thanks
Thanks, Evgenia! It's is great how you reflect on your experiences and compare with what is going on now. I was always concerned with Westernitis rotting the creativity that Russia really does possess. The Yeltsin/Harvard rape will continue affecting Russia for the foreseeable future by locking in "our" oligarchs--it wasn't given a chance to transition the economy in a more rational fashion, US made sure of that. The Russian students that I spoke with in the `70s, as young as they were, had a very mature long view of change and were betrayed by Yeltsin and his CIA business partners. Personally, I too am sick of all of the kopirofka of western film/tv in Russian productions--Russians (all cultures) should back away from the West's "Capitalist Metronome of Death" that is set at a pace only adolescents demand and endure.
Very interesting - thank you.
After USSR collapse, it is universally reported, there was an economic devastation -- most people savings (usually kept "under the bed" evaporated because currency devaluation. Most people still remember that immense shock.
Has the economy markedly improved after that? How much? Apparently Putin is still widely popular -- is this correct?
I get your main point -- about culture. Since I am not Russian this is sad to hear; I love Russia's contribution to arts and sciences. To try to comfort you -- in the entire East and Central Europe there is a cultural devastation by "cultural" imports (mostly TV/movie) from the US. There is a healthy counter-culture emerging though...
Thank you -- and Putin is "bad and horrible" because he stopped or redirected that rape and pillage of Russia and its economy led by US advisors to Yeltsin...
There is an outstanding book and documentary by Oliver Stone "The Putin Interviews". I didn't see the documentary but the book is fascinating and well annotated by Stone's research. Of course - it is largely ignored in the US corporate media...
Interesting how the image of Russia doesn't match the real country. Plenty of tropes and out dated perspectives. I think in Australia it is probably similar. My country seems intent on following the US and it is depressing now as there's been a rise in anti China and anti Rusia media stories and politicians rhetoric. Also more cases of Asians, especially Chinese facing abuse.
In Australia the media is dominated by Murdoch and middle Australia is susceptible to this aggressive US influence. We have big influence of US cinema not all bad but US cultural and political influence is strong. Many so called liberals seem to be a little too compliant.
It is like some powerful elements want us to return to cold war mentality. Our prime minister is an evangelical. Strange. Also asylum seekers in boats are shoved into detention centres for processing (more prisons really)
I read Pelevin only in English: Homo Sapiens but not sure if translation can capture the irony cultural references. I liked the novel though.
Wow !!! Thanks for the comment AND for the link -- outstanding and MUCH appreciated.
There is perhaps also an elephant in the room -- important for US domestic politics and US elections in 2022 and 2024:
- Obama/Biden/Hillary concocted the scam of the century -- the Russia-gate hoax (that is still going on !!) and two impeachment "entertainments".
- The entire lying team is back in power -- Biden/Pelosi, Schumer, Schiff, Maxine Waters, Jamie Ruskin, etc., etc. -- and their intelligence and DNC executives on behalf of their Wall Street and military, banking and security industry donors, i.e., the War party.
- By far the highest need of Biden government and its DNC oligarch cabal is that Russia-gate immense hoax – the scam of the century -- will NOT / will NEVER be fully exposed. Hence immense obligations to primary propagandists for their roles, including despicable Kamala Harris (Hillary’s protégé), Neera Tanden, Melissa Hodgman (wife of the Comey’s infamous Peter Strzok), Pete Buttigieg, etc., and to media and HiTech executives.
Remember, Clapper, Brennan & Hayden trio were among former Obama 50 intelligence officials stating that Hunter-laptop is classical “Russian disinformation”.
- They were also key promoters of the now five-year Russia-gate hoax.
- They were also key intelligence executives in Obama/Biden/Hillary government – the government which hunted Snowden (forcing Bolivian plane with Bolivia’s president to land to search it) and armed Al Qaeda (including “white helmets” hoax) and staged all (ALL) chemical attacks in Syria to remove its government.
- When asked about Hunter's laptops Pelosi stated "All roads lead to Putin"; commenting on Capitol invasion Schumer said - "worse than Pearl Harbor and 9/11"...
- And -- Assange must be silenced -- all the players agree.
And - in preparation -- are huge "arms insurrection" trials (although not a single weapon was identified/confiscated) to rise population fears for 2022 US elections..... Biden's handlers have tough situation at their hands