Job Discussion Forums

[Dr.J]

Could anyone give me a 15 word summary of the russian national character?

Yeah, I know about stereotypes etc etc, just do it.

Thanks!

[rogan]

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[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

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[maruss]

I'd agree with all the things written so far about the Russians and add a few.................how about maddening,annoying,manipulative,devious and often outright liars with no business acumen-but also completely unforgettable and quite unique,especially the girls with their sweetness and femininity!

M.

[Kira]

I must say, I'm a bit thrown off by the word 'tolerant' to describe Russians. If you mean tolerant of no hot water, oligarch after oligarch, overcrowded transport, and extreme environmental degradation, then yes. They live through all these things in style, and in my opinon, their tolerance of it is some of what forces them to have to live through it.

If you mean tolerant in the sense of 'tolerant of personal differences and other people', I would wholeheartedly disagree. Profiling based on race, sex, and age is rampant. I could give you hundreds of examples for that, but in the end, Russians generally are pretty proud of their race, and they look down on others. (not that that's unique)

Kira

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

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[Buck Turgidson]

In my experience, intolerant attitudes transcend class status. Like you Kent, most of my students were educated professionals and I noticed racist attitudes. In particular, Russians have contempt for Gypsies. And this opinion was held by my professional students.

buck

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

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[Buck Turgidson]

"Russians are intolerant." Well this sounds extreme. I did meet some Russians who were tolerant. We should say "Russians tend to be intolerant."


Buck