What do Americans think about Russians, or What are we really

In general, having talked with the representatives of the United States, I realized that the citizens of this huge state have a very approximate and sometimes completely erroneous idea of what is happening in our country.

What do Americans think about Russians? Well, I would say that as a whole they do not think about the inhabitants of our state more than about any other nation in the world. Although, of course, it can not be overlooked, Russia, in view of the vastness of its territories, has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years.

Section 1. What Americans think about Russians. Where we live

For the most part, US residents believe that we all live in a huge, politically and economically strong country. In addition, our military power may well be considered a matter of pride.

However, according to their mistaken 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, Americans believe that the words "Siberia" and "Russia" are simply synonymous.

Further more interesting: ask someone of them to name several Russian cities. I'm almost sure that in response you will hear: Moscow, St. Petersburg, well, maybe even Kazan and Kaliningrad. Although, probably, and there is nothing to be surprised at, because now it is only necessary to go beyond the limits of large cities, as even we have a feeling that civilization, and along with it, quality roads, street lighting and common areas, just ends.

How really they are surprised when, finally, after visiting Moscow, they understand that bears do not go around Red Square. And local residents are not forced to make a living by hunting, dressing in ugly sheepskin coats, fur hats and felt boots.

What Americans think about Russians. What are we

Interesting and unusual. In general, we can say that the attitude of Americans to the Russians is very ambiguous. For example, many consider us to be a very hardworking nation, for which it is simply unnatural to sit around: men are constantly doing something, and women are regularly engaged in cooking or needlework.

Foreigners are often puzzled how we, having very modest salaries, manage to dress so fashionably and stylishly, purchase the most expensive cars in the world, go to luxury resorts and settle in the most comfortable apartments. Russian generous and adore holidays. Being on vacation or hosting guests, they are literally ready to share the latter. The most popular dishes of Russians Americans consider borscht or cabbage soup, vareniki and red or black caviar.

Women dress beautifully and elegantly, even going shopping in the nearby supermarket. Men are actively engaged in sports, meet with friends and buy cars of impressive size.

But, nevertheless, unfortunately, for us the glory of drinkers is fixed, and that is why a Russian person in foreign literature and cinema is very often depicted in a state of intoxication and with a bottle of vodka. Really, offensive?

What Americans think about Russians. Our compatriots in the USA

Before disclose this topic, I would like to clarify that the term "Russians in America" in most cases means not just Russians, but all those who come from the former USSR who in their native language consider it great and powerful - Russians, Ukrainians, Jews , The Tajiks.

Coming to a permanent place of residence in America, Russians, as a rule, try to adhere to the traditional way of life for them. They often go to visit, give their younger ones to Russian-language kindergartens and schools, arrange abundant feasts, rest on a grand scale, cook their own meals without succumbing to the temptations of fast food restaurants.

The life of Russians in America is far from always as rosy as it might seem at first glance. Because of the language barrier, it is not immediately possible to find a highly paid job, enter a university or even go to a driving school.

In fact, the first years of living in the US is very much like running around in circles, many people return, only the most hardy and purposeful remain.