If I was to engage with an American or other Westerner, there is a possibility that person may hold very negative views of Russia and the Russian people. He or she may be making assumptions about Russian government, leaders, values, and history. The American people have long had a difficult and complicated relationship with the Russian people (e.g., the Cold War and the new “cold war”). Western people, especially Americans, tend to fear and hate countries with Communist governments. Vladimir Putin in America is viewed unfavorably as a ruler because he leads a country under a Communist government and does not operate as a lead would in the United States. Historically, Americans view Russians as cold, cruel, and aloof people who are generally unhappy, which causes a conflict of Western and Russian values. Since this person is negatively oriented toward Russia, he or she should learn more about Russians and their country to gain a more balanced view.
The Russian people are often perceived by Americans and other Westerners to be abrasive and emotionless, however, this is not the case at all. More than eighty percent of Russian people consider themselves to be happy, and some things that make them happy are their families, children, work, health, and well-being (Professor Lucey-Russia2). Russians are a very family-oriented people; family stability is the number one aspect for their happiness. Russians also possess extreme, jubilant nationalism; they view their nation as a moral-ethical actor. The love Russians have for their country is so great, some citizens participated in a giant flash mob to celebrate the 75th anniversary of regional administration. There have been assemblies and rallies for Russians to show their love for their country, and they will sometimes tell other countries to leave their beloved country alone. Russian nationalism is one of the values of the “Russian Soul” and has inspired other values as well. The Russian people and their culture is often difficult to understand, but trying to understand the “Russian Soul” may provide some clarity.
The term “Russian Soul” attempts to explain and embody what it means to be a Russian. The “Russian Soul” is “tied to the cultural tendency to understand life and events from a religious-philosophical-symbolic perspective” (Willerton). The values of the “Russian Soul” are nature, spirituality, suffering, simplicity, modesty, forgiveness, humility, community, expanse, nationalism, faith, and much more. Suffering is a value because Russians believe there are virtue and morality in suffering. Russians are very superstitious and they believe in fate and predetermined destinies. Community is a huge aspect of Russian culture; they are a very selfless people who think more about the whole than the individual. One way to understand the “Russian Soul” is through the comparison of two Russian stories written 900 years apart: “Saints Boris and Gleb” and “Danko and the Burning Heart.”
“Boris and Gleb” is a tale of two brothers who were loyal to each other, God, and the people. Boris’s eldest brother has him murdered for power after the death of their father, but Boris forgave him and prayed that God would not count his murder as a sin of his brother’s. The eldest brother then sent to have Gleb killed. As the assassins advanced while Gleb wept for the loss of his father and brother, Gleb’s cook stabbed him in the back. In “Danko and the Burning Heart,” Danko was loyal to his people and swore to be loyal to and protect them. His people turned against him while he was leading them, but he forgave them. After Danko saved his people and fulfilled his duty, he collapses and dies. In both of these stories, the aspects of selflessness, forgiveness, and humility are demonstrated. Two other values that stand out as well are mir (community, peace) and kenosis (the emptying of the self). These ideals have been dear to Russians and upheld through Russia’s one-thousand-year history of suffering and hardship.
In addition to the Russian people sometimes being viewed in a negative light, Americans may view the Russian’s Communist government and its leader, Vladimir Putin, adversely. However, the Russian people approve and even love their system of government and their leader. While Westerners tend to dislike Putin and think of him as an oppressive authoritarian figure, he has a ninety-two percent approval rating in Russia. Putin is also almost objectively the lease authoritarian leader Russia has seen in the past one-thousand years. People who have negative views of Russia’s government and those in power should try to see the perspective of the Russian people.
In order to enhance this person’s awareness, appreciation, and empathy for Russia and Russian people, I would first use active listening. I would ask the person to describe to me his or her views on Russia and Russians and paraphrase what he or she was saying to ensure that I understand the point they are making. I would then implement the inquiry technique. I would ask him or her why he or she viewed Russia and Russians so poorly, then use my active listening skills to make sure I understand the reasoning given, and then ask why he or she thinks that reason is valid. After being told all the reasons he or she has for having a negative view on Russia and Russians, I would finally introduce the ladder of inference. I would present unbiased observations about the Russians and Russia and ask this person to draw conclusions about Russia and Russians. I would explain to him or her the steps of the ladder of inference (observe, select, meanings, assumptions, conclusions, beliefs, and action) and ask him or her to use this ladder and stay low on the rungs when learning new information. I would continue to present him or her with information, inquire about his or her thoughts about the information, and actively listen to understand his or her view. I would then ask him or her to use active listening when acquiring new information, inquire about the information, then use the ladder of inference until he or she is really sure of his or her conclusions and the methods used to obtain them. These three techniques will allow this person to obtain more balance views on not only Russia, but on all aspects of life.
In conclusion, it is possible for people to have antagonistic views of countries and their people, like Russia and Russians. The best way to approach raising a person’s awareness, appreciation, and empathy is to try to educate him or her. Inform this person about the country and its people: history, culture, government, etc. Teach him or her how to critically think about information and raw reasonable and balanced conclusions using the ladder of inference, active listening, and inquiry. The cure for ignorance is knowledge.