Russian stereotypes?

Many Americans stereotype Russians as Soviets. That is probably by far the largest stereotype.

As Soviets, Americans have some of the following misconceptions: spys, communists, alcoholics (primarily Stolichnaya vodka), poor, ice hockey, gymnastics, wrestling, weight lifting, organized crime (the rise of Russian and former Soviet mobsters with the collapse of the Soviet Union), boxing, large bodies / overweight, threatening nuclear war, MIG fighter jets, Red Square, Orthodox Christians.

Because many of us have never encountered any Soviets or Russians, we tend to be fearful and watchful of them. Hollywood producers financed several movies depicting the negative stereotypes of Russians / Soviets. Just to name a few . . . . . Rocky IV, Spies Like Us, Rambo & Iron Eagle (can't remember which ones, though, since a few sequels were made of both), The Saint, From Russia With Love, The Bourne Supremacy.

I lived in Iceland, when Mr. Gorbachev met with then-President Reagan, back in the winter of '86. At the time, they were Soviets. The company I worked for, a few years ago, hires foreign nationals to work at some of its stores during the summer months. Over a couple of the summers, I had the opporunity to work with some young men and women from the former Czech Republic, the former Yugoslavia, and a couple of other eastern European nations. All of them were born Soviets. I never had a problem with them. In fact, a few of the guys from the Czech Republic befirended me, and while they attempted to teach me Czech, I attempted to teach them some Spanish and Icelandic. Aside from an accent, slightly different hair and clothing styles, they were just like me. They had aspirations of a better life, liked to listen to their music loud, like to throw back a few drinks and hang out with friends and family.

Our media (the news, newspapers, magazines, TV, movies, radio, etc.) uses propaganda to create our sense of fear of the Soviets. Unless they have done something to you or your loved ones, then there is no need to fear them or hate them.

Another example of this is the idea that we are supposed to fear / hate Iranians, because of the Ayatollah. One of my former professors is from Iran, and she is just as sweet as can be. She showed us pictures of Iran, and if you didn't know what you were viewing, you would think you were looking at pics of America.

In the end, we all are guilty of stereotyping and having some predujice about some group of people. According to sociologists, it is because of the media and family, primarily. Though it isn't right, it is a part of our lives. We just have to work harder at righting those wrongs and making our decisions on the basis of our own experiences, not those of others.

Russian People Stereotypes

Appraisal: Here (UK), based on American stereotypes of Russians in films that are available to us, my own stereotype is that Russians are secretive, are usually very athletic/tough due to almost militaristic training and exercise regimes; Russian females are all long-legged blondes and finally, most Russians are extremely patriotic. Additional: You asked the question. It's no good giving people thumbs down if you do not like the answer. Like the person below me, I DO NOT actually BELIEVE the stereotype. Additional 2: Jozo, what is it like to be from a backwards, inbred country such as Slovakia? Additional 3: Yes I have. The best thing to come out of Slovakia was Zigmund Palffy. Everyone else there just has that eastern-European inbred look with massive foreheads. Oh I forgot - Slovakia has a great reputation for prostitutes - people tend to go there for stag parties as they know how easy the women are there - so you're country is famous for something.

Russians.

Hmmm.

You want this to be brutal, don't you?...I like that in a woman.

Actually,

beyond the fact that the Russians seem to drink too much, I can't say much against them, sorry.

Now if you want me to trash the Soviets, that's another story entirely.

EDIT: Check these guys out www.exile.ru

Theyre all scam artists and corruptable whores

five words. "velcome to ze russian spacestation"

Ok where do I start...They are really poor...They have really bad accents when they learn english...they are so behind the times that they think Miami Wice is number one hit show!...They make really good vodka but drink it way too much...child porn is legal over in russia...and its really cold. You can order mail order brides from russia...they still think neon and spandex is cool..... The govt is corrupt and ....thats about it..oh yeah and they are good at hockey and gymnastics but its seems like all the really good ones would rather play in America