In general, having talked with representatives of the United States, I realized that the citizens of this huge state have a very rough, and sometimes completely erroneous idea of what is happening in our country.
What do Americans think of Russians? Well, I would say that in general they think about the inhabitants of our state no more than about any other nation in the world. Although, of course, it should be noted that Russia, in view of the scale of its territories, has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years.
Section 1. What Americans think of Russians. Where we live
However, in their erroneous opinion and geographical illiteracy, the territory of Russia is a huge refrigerator, in which it is not just cold, but terribly cold. And, in general, the Americans believe that the words “Siberia” and “Russia” are simply synonymous.
Further more interesting: ask one of them to name several Russian cities. I am almost sure that in response you will hear: Moscow, St. Petersburg, well, perhaps, Kazan and Kaliningrad. Although, probably, there is nothing to be surprised, because now you just have to leave the boundaries of large cities, as even we have the feeling that civilization, and with it high-quality roads, street lighting and common areas, is just ending.
How surprised they really are when, finally, having been in Moscow, they realize that bears do not walk on Red Square. And the locals are by no means forced to earn a living by hunting, dressing in ugly sheepskin coats, earflaps and felt boots.
What do Americans think of Russians. What are we
Interesting and unusual. In general, we can say that the attitude of Americans towards Russians is very ambiguous. For example, many consider us to be a very hardworking nation, for which it is simply unnatural to sit idle: men constantly do something, and women regularly engage in concoction or needlework.
Foreigners often wonder how we, who have very modest wages, manage to dress so fashionably and stylishly, to purchase the most expensive cars in the world, drive to luxury resorts and settle in the most comfortable apartments. Russians are generous and love holidays. While on vacation or hosting guests, they are literally ready to share the latter. Americans consider the favorite dishes of Russians to be borsch or cabbage soup, dumplings and red or black caviar.
Women dress beautifully and elegantly, even while shopping at a nearby supermarket. Men are actively involved in sports, meet with friends and buy cars of impressive size.
But, nevertheless, unfortunately, the fame of drink lovers has entrenched in us and that is why the Russian people in foreign literature and cinema are very often portrayed drunk and with a bottle of vodka. Really insulting?
What do Americans think of Russians. Our compatriots in the USA
Before discussing this topic, I would like to clarify that the term “Russians in America” in most cases does not mean just Russians, but all immigrants from the former USSR who consider it great and powerful as their mother tongue — Russians, Ukrainians, Jews Tajiks.
Coming to a permanent place of residence in America, Russians, as a rule, try to adhere to their traditional way of life. They often go on a visit, send their youngest to Russian-language kindergartens and schools, arrange plentiful feasts, relax on a grand scale, cook their own meals, not succumbing to the seduction of fast-food restaurants.
Russian life in America is far from always as rosy as it might seem at first glance. Due to the language barrier, it is not immediately possible to find a well-paid job, enter a university or even go to classes at a driving school.
In fact, the first years of living in the USA are very much like running in a circle, many people return, but only the most hardy and purposeful remain.
