Corruption: The Head of a Rotten Fish

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There was not a moment in Russian history when Russia was free of corruption. Corruption, bribes, and buying favors are three major pillars of Russian state that keep its economy, politics, and social pyramid stable. Without corruption, Russia will no longer exist. Or it is just going to be a different country altogether - a free, unabashed place where people don't have to feel like second or even third-class citizens. Something like Canada, perhaps.

In this article, we will examine the effect of corruption on Russian society and the reason why corruption is so widespread in Russia. 

More after the jump.

Rainbows Are Not Welcome

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It is a common knowledge, that Russian society is less than tolerant when it comes to homosexuals. Homosexual tourists in Russia have to be vigilant about not showing their affection in public, otherwise, they will be most likely attacked, physically threatened or even killed.This is when the rest of the world celebrates the equal rights movement or gay marriage laws.

How many years will it take before Russian society develops any kind of tolerance towards LGBT community? We do not know. Nobody knows. But the question that we want to address in this post is: why are Russians so homophobic? 

More after the jump.

The Real Reason Why Russians Don't Smile

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You might hear all kinds of explanations why Russians don't smile. Some of them point out that Russians need a sufficient reason to smile, like a joke. Or that a smile should be a sincere indication of someone's good mood.

These explanations would be fine and dandy if they addressed the root of the problem, however, they do not. They only label the behavior or right it off as a "custom". The real reason why Russians do not smile is much more disturbing.

More after the jump.

Is Russophobia Real?

What is Russophobia?

The most obvious answer is: Russophobia is the fear of Russia and Russians.

Unfortunately, in reality, the answer is way more complicated than that.

In this post we will examine whether Russophobia is real and, if it is, should people be afraid of Russia and Russians. 

More after the jump. 

When Did It All Go Wrong? (Part 1)

Barge Haulers on the Volga by Ilya Repin (Source)

In our last post, we explained the features that define slave mentality. Among them are Stockholm syndrome, learned helplessness, and low productivity / efficiency. 

In this post, we will try to look at Russian history and the specific conditions that made Russian character somewhat unique.

Russia is mostly a European nation. Even though geographically it is stretched across both Europe and Asia and the significant portion of its landmass is in Asia, the majority of the population resides in Europe. The capital and the cultural centers can be found in European part as well. Basically, Russia as a nation evolved in Europe and then spread to the neighboring territories. So, how does Russia measure up to other European countries? 

Unfortunately, all the data clearly indicates that Russia as a nation is behind other developed European countries when it comes to the economy, political situation and social progress. At some point of its development, Russia started falling behind. 

Basically, we will try to figure out when and how the development of Russia as a country started to lag behind from its European rivals. When and how did it all go so wrong? 

Is There Anything Good About Russian Men?

So, after writing all those posts dedicated to Russian men, the only question remains: is there anything good about Russian men? The obvious answer is "no". The actual answer is more complicated than that. 

To answer this question we need to examine, what exactly happened to Russian men and is there any hope for them in the future. 

As a hint, we would like to say this: while there's life, there is hope. Or, as they say in Russia, "hope dies last".

More after the break.                                                                      

  

Russian Men and Why You Need to Avoid Them at All Cost (Part 3)

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See this beautiful family? The Los Angeles King's defenceman Slava Voynov looks smug with his wife Marta and their child, next to the Stanley Cup. However, it is not all rosy in his family's life as it might seem from the picture. 

Unfortunately, Voynov's family situation reflects the sad state of many Russian families. Today we are going to air out some very dirty laundry and trust us, it is going to get ugly. Whether you knew it all along or it comes as a complete surprise to you, the secret about Russian men is out....

More after the jump.

All You Really Need to Know about Russian Women

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Russian women are famous around the world for their beauty, femininity and... submissiveness.

So, what do you need to know about Russian women?

More after the jump...

Alcoholism, Vitamin D Deficiency, Depression, Life Satisfaction Index, and Suicide Rates

The rate of suicide has been steadily declining in Russia. Nevertheless, Russia remains on top of the list when it comes to countries with highest suicide rates in the world. Right now the country stands at #14 in the world according to Wikipedia.  Source

It is even more disturbing that teenage suicide rates are three times higher in Russia than the world average.

One of the points to keep in mind is that more males commit suicides than females in every age group, and it is especially noticeable after the age of fifteen, when males commit suicides almost twice as often as females. Source

So, what are some of the reasons that make Russia a suicidal nation?

More after the jump...

The Real Russia Today: A Storm is Brewing in the Distance

September 1st, 2014.

Conversations on the street.

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Conversation #1: 

A group of young soldiers from an elite unit is passing by. A woman makes a comment to her friend, "I bet he (she mentions some government official) is not going to send these guys to Ukraine". 

Her friend, "Why not these ones?"

The first woman, "Because they are from his department. He wouldn't want them to be killed".

Conversation #2:

Two people are talking while waiting in line. 

- I've heard that the dollar is going to be around 45 (rubles) soon. It is already 37 now, and it is going to get only worse. What in the world are they thinking? The prices have gone up so quickly, it is unbelievable. They say that the economy is going to collapse.

More after the jump...

Vodka People

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NOT ALL RUSSIANS DRINK VODKA. Please remember that. Some Russians don't drink any alcoholic beverages. But they are outnumbered by those who do.

So how bad is it, really? Do Russians drink like a fish? If they do, why do they do it?

More after the jump...

What is Wrong with Russians?

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Russians look and dress (somewhat) European (except for those see-through clothes, but we will address this issue in our later posts). However, when you get to know Russians better, you realize a very important fact: Russians look European, but they do not act or think like Europeans.

So, what is wrong with Russians?

More after the jump...

What is Wrong with Russia?

Russia is a beautiful country. It has everything other countries wish for: vast spaces, stunning landscapes, beautiful forests, crystal clear waters, all imaginary resources from aluminum to zinc, gold, silver, oil, gas.... Yet the country has suffered extreme devastation, not only during both world wars but also throughout modern times. Communist ideology and planned economy pulled it down the history drain more than once. It seems that the Moloch of history has opened its hungry mouth once again, ready to drain Russia of what is left.

So... what is wrong with Mother Russia?

More after the jump...