Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ThingsComeAround]

Moscow is scary if you aren't white...

I was there a few months ago and it wasn't pleasant. It was the most diverse part of Russia but also the most disgusting (as far as attitudes go) I wanted to leave after my first night (I spent only four days there thank goodness)

Then I got this nugget of information on the turds making it bad for all the cool Russians (there are some!)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7783673.stm

How did you feel in Moscow? Are you white / non-white?

[soviet_man]

I've lived in Russia most of my life, let me say: there can be no generalization.

On the one hand Tajiks, Uzbeks, Azeris, Krygz, Turkmenis, Chechens --- these type are openly villified by most white slavic Russians. They are the underclass from the former republics who work as taxi drivers, unskilled labor, prostitutes and generally are associated with crime, drugs and illegality. For the most part their reputation is deserved in the eyes of Russians, because in their home regions there is daily talk of separating ties with Russia and generally drifting further into the orbit of the islamic world. Moscow and most Russians disapprove of both!

Blacks, as in people of African heritage, are treated more as an exotic curiosity than any threat. There are neo nazi operations in many places. This group is a natural target - however migration to Russia for these people is impossible, white Russians recognise this and largely ignore the few that may visit Russia.

Overall Moscow is a place to blend in: a heavy leather jacket, blue jeans, a leather cap, no beard or sideburns, very short hair, sunglasses and brisk walking - all go a long way in Moscow. Appearing otherwise, such as a slobbish tourist, is simply inviting trouble. If the skinheads don't stalk you the militsia will.

You can't blame Russians for being this way - the average Russian wage is currently about US $500 per month (if that).

[samcheokguy]

so being poor gives you a right to carve a swastika in somebody's face?
Not sure that is what you're saying, but really...most of the Russians I knew were as horrified by their neo-nazi skinnii as foreigners were.

[Tiger Beer]

[ThingsComeAround]

Personally, Tiger?

I was walking with two friends from Kusnetsky Most to the Kremlin, after dark. At the Kremlin, we took pictures and sat by the fountain (near McDonalds) when some youth approached and just were... dickheads. Inappropriate sexual gyrations and obnoxious laughter from these complete strangers made me want to hit the hostel for rest.. the one person fluent in Russian told the kids to f* off pretty much, but while walking home there were jeers from other Russians that didn't know us at all... not a safe feeling

Lucky for me the police never bothered... I always kept my feet moving swiftly and always knew which direction to go in

[prideofidaho]

Interesting perspectives Soviet Man. I've never been to Russia, but I'd say you can almost expect race and nationality to major caustic issues in a country with as many distinct groups living together.

This is a decent documentary, albeit alarmist:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=636418887164673686&ei=XfA5SfW7CYi4-QHgjanoCg&q=death%20of%20a%20nation

If the link doesn't work google death of a nation russia.

[DCJames]

[samcheokguy]

^^obviously the WRONG one, as the Russkiis see it.

[jvalmer]

One reason I personally avoid European Russia, unless I'm part of a huge tour group. Is this also happening in Eastern Russia?

Do these bozos attack the asian looking Russian natives there?

[ThingsComeAround]

Eastern Russia is okay... many people seem to get along and I recall that as being the more enjoyable part of my Russia trip

Ulan Ude has many people of Mongol heritage

[ThingsComeAround]

[demel]

[sojourner1]

Warning, you may not be safe. You sojourn at your own risk and your country is no longer responsible for you. Just a reminder that you are on your own. I guess this is why most people at home are terrified by the though to international travel and why they think I quite the brave courageous man to pull it off each time knowing my number could be up at any point.

Some places are truly dangerous dens full of bad guys, but most places are full of cool people. Don't look rich nor overly educated, though you being a Westerner who made had to the drive to go so far screams affluence. Just you showing up in all these different places proves you to the locals, who see you walkin down their street, that you're quite the man and bad (jealous or greedy) guys want to stop you or at least remove you from your money. Know before you go and research, research, research! Research and critical thinking are what you're educated to do in life. Become vigilant again as Korea makes you let your guard down due to it's unusual public safety.

[soviet_man]

Moscow is the most expensive city in the world. US $500 per month does not go far. Many people are near the poverty line at that salary.

That is why the Vietnam example is questionable --- their cost of living would be lower.

[demel]

"It could have been worse..." With an attitude like that, it's no wonder Russia is what it is. But at least you're better than Lebanon, N Korea, Central African Republic, Chad, Israel, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq.

And a lot of those "most expensive city in the world" surveys are done for the purpose of adjusting expat compensation. They have little to do with the cost of things for locals.