Four classes and so far only one boy. What is with this!
I had a long conversation today with one of my classes (five girls) about people littering in Russia. They think it is partially because of the "Russian character" - lazy, alcoholic, passive. But they are quick to point out that, in fact, Russians are wonderful folk, good-hearted, industrious, and these negatives characteristics are just a stereotype imposed by foreigners. But then why is there trash everywhere?
I've been thinking about which specific issue might get people fired up. What if the Ob River, runs through the city, were safe to swim in? Is that realistic? Are any city rivers safe to swim in, anywhere in the world?
Now would be a good time to press for any sort of government action, what with Duma and presidential elections coming up in a few months. Even if street protest is taboo, United Russia would do well to prove its value and deliver what the people want.
The trick, I suppose, is getting the people to say what they want.
I had a long conversation today with one of my classes (five girls) about people littering in Russia. They think it is partially because of the "Russian character" - lazy, alcoholic, passive. But they are quick to point out that, in fact, Russians are wonderful folk, good-hearted, industrious, and these negatives characteristics are just a stereotype imposed by foreigners. But then why is there trash everywhere?
I've been thinking about which specific issue might get people fired up. What if the Ob River, runs through the city, were safe to swim in? Is that realistic? Are any city rivers safe to swim in, anywhere in the world?
Now would be a good time to press for any sort of government action, what with Duma and presidential elections coming up in a few months. Even if street protest is taboo, United Russia would do well to prove its value and deliver what the people want.
The trick, I suppose, is getting the people to say what they want.
are you awake at 4:21AM?
ReplyDeletedoes school start so early that you have to get up so early to get ready, or is the time off on the blog postings?
and how are your sniffles?
I think the blog posts are still Eastern Standard, which I'll probably keep since most readers are there. Sniffles are not too serious, maybe because I stopped sitting on the floor! I am being carefully supervised.
ReplyDeleteElections? Surely you wrote this before the news of your (russia's) next president was announced.
ReplyDeleteHaha, the girls' description of Russians sounds just like Americans :)
ReplyDelete