Expectations

Beforehand, I was asked to write a list of statements and questions regarding what I thought about Russia and what I wished to know. These would be the start of exploration and a reference guide to use in breaking stereotypes and discovering what "Russia" really means. I have included mine below. All of these are loosely based off of preconceptions given by Western media (along with minimal coursework towards a Russian major) and personal curiosities.

Statement List

1. Russia is very authoritarian.
2. Russia is more communist than capitalist still.
3. Russia played a role in Trump’s election.
4. Russia is mostly rural.
5. Russia has large socio-economic divides.
6. Everyone in Russia drinks vodka.
7. The performing arts are very popular.
8. Russia has strained foreign relations with most countries.
9. Lots of Russian history has been put in a negative light.
10. Russia still is not very commercialized.
11. Everybody is really tough.
12. There are high expectations for everyone in every profession.
13. Russia is not very diverse.
14. Russians are generally athletic.
15. It is hard to leave Russia.

Question List (Specific)

1. What is the actual opinion on Putin’s presidency and regime?
2. Do Russians feel like they have a political voice?
3. What effects did de-Stalinization leave behind?
4. How do the political opinions of people who lived during the time of the USSR differ from those who were born after its collapse?
5. How does Russia view its former satellite states politically?
6. How does Russia view members of its satellite states culturally?
7. What is the general Russian opinion on non-Russians? Immigrants?
8. How does “Western” culture emerge in Russia?
9. How do Russians respond to “Western” culture?
10. What should happen with Crimea?
11. Can relations between Russia and the United States be positive?
12. What do Russians think of Trump?
13. What is the role of the Orthodox Church in modern-day Russia?
14. Are Russians actually superstitious?
15. How does rural Russia differ from urban Russia?

Question List (General)

1. Is Russia a world superpower as a country?
2. Is Russia more European or more Asian? Why?
3. What are Russians most proud of?
4. What are Russians not proud of?
5. What is the biggest misconception Americans have of Russia?
6. What are the main entertainment sources for Russians?
7. What should Russia be most known for?
8. What are Russian gender roles?
9. Does winter change life much?
10. When was Russia’s “golden age”?
11. How important is Russian tea?
12. Is there a lot of respect for the arts? Visual and performing?
13. What is most unique about everyday life in Russia?
14. What foods are considered standard Russian cuisine?
15. As an American, what is most important for me to know about Russia?