BillsNYC Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 I had a meeting here over the weekend with the head of a local community center that represents a huge population of the Russian American demographic in NYC. He has been in the USA for 15 years and is around 50-60 years old so spent much time under Soviet rule. It was supposed to be a 5 min meeting to discuss an event we're doing together, but turned into a 45 min discussion about Russian Americans. Couple interesting things... - He said he can break up the Russian American political view into one choice, big government and small government. He said Russian Americans who lived in the Soviet Union are terrified of big government and most vote Republican as a result for that sole reason. - Russians liked Bill Clinton because he governed from the center, but hate and are literally terrified of what Obama is doing with healthcare, the stimulus, the bailouts/takeover as it reminds them of the USSR. He said the Russians feel like they left the Soviet Union/Russia to get away from big government and have enjoyed the American way and feel that Obama is bringing them towards the socialism they were trying to get away from. They're honestly scared. - Most interesting thing he said was that classic rock brought down the Soviet Union. In the 70's they used to pick up very weak radio stations that played classic rock like Led Zepplin and it turned the people against the government. "I love classic rock, its what we listened to and what brought down communism in our country" were his exact words...ha. - He talked about how older Americans still hate Russians and there is still much tension for them here even as they assimilate into our culture. He was forming a partnership for this event and as soon as the guy heard his accent he said no way will he make a deal with a Russian. - He's working to build a program to help immigrants in NYC assimilate into American culture easier, and commented how some of the other demographics like the Arabs and Chineese move here but keep to themselves and refuse to assimilate which creates tension. Overall, it was a fascinating conversation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GG Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 - He talked about how older Americans still hate Russians and there is still much tension for them here even as they assimilate into our culture. He was forming a partnership for this event and as soon as the guy heard his accent he said no way will he make a deal with a Russian. I'm guessing it had a lot more to do with not being able to trust Russians in business deals than prejudice of former USSR. I would think twice before I would do any deal with a Russian, Ukrainian, etc former native. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magox Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 I'm guessing it had a lot more to do with not being able to trust Russians in business deals than prejudice of former USSR. I would think twice before I would do any deal with a Russian, Ukrainian, etc former native. ya, but how about if you looked the man in his eye, and was able to get a sense of his soul; Then would you feel more comfortable? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Frenkle Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Well, thanks for the meeting notes you Commie. I kid... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevbeau Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 - He talked about how older Americans still hate Russians and there is still much tension for them here even as they assimilate into our culture. He was forming a partnership for this event and as soon as the guy heard his accent he said no way will he make a deal with a Russian. Have you read the Red Dawn thread yet Bill? (just kidding, great info) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GG Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 ya, but how about if you looked the man in his eye, and was able to get a sense of his soul; Then would you feel more comfortable? If he was standing on a foot stool so that you could look eye to eye. Yeah, a massive blunder by W on that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blzrul Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Love to know his thoughts on the vicious, bloody Russian mob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magox Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Love to know his thoughts on the vicious, bloody Russian mob. bunch of creampuffs compared to the massacring chicago mobsters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
/dev/null Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Love to know his thoughts on the vicious, bloody Russian mob. Nowhere near as cool as the Corleone's or Soprano's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts