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> However, after the war started, I lost all interest in reading anything Russian. I know it's irrational, but these lost their luster instantly. Russian here,

> However, after the war started, I lost all interest in reading anything Russian. I know it's irrational, but these lost their luster instantly. Russian here, living in Russia. Not surprised about this at all. Actually, I predicted that this would happen. By starting the war, Putin has wiped out multiple perceived notions about Russia (the myth of the defender nation, the second-strongest army, and the "Tolstoyesvsky"-centered culture among them). Paraphrasing Anton Chigurh: "If your culture brought you to this, of what use was the culture?"

331c8c71 2y ago
> "If your culture brought you to this, of what use was the culture?" I think this is a temporary sentiment. In my mind Bach and Beethoven are in no way associated with the Nazi regime, for instance.
- rimliu 2y ago
  How about Wagner?
  - grujicd 2y ago
    Wagner was associated with USA, because of Apocalypse Now ;) From my point of view, if you discard artist because of country he was born in, it's only your loss.
  - pyrale 2y ago
    Wagner died in 1883. How about him?
  - 331c8c71 2y ago
    Lenin adored Beethoven's Appassionnata sonata calling it "astonishing, superhuman". I like it too and in no way like Lenin;).
mensetmanusman 2y ago
Biden predicted as well: “Joe Biden acknowledged in 1997 that eastward NATO expansion into the Baltic states would cause “the greatest consternation,” which could “tip the balance” and result in a “vigorous and hostile reaction” by Russia.” Unfortunately his dementia may have erased these thoughts. "The United States stands firmly with the Ukrainian people in defense of the NATO alliance." -Kamala When two powers think they are defending themselves, war typically breaks out.
alexejb 2y ago
As a Russian living in Germany, I perceive that many of the notions surrounding Russia were never truly embraced by the general public. A significant number of people hold preconceived negative opinions and some harbor personal grievances against Russians and Russian culture. The soft power that Russia may have once wielded in the Western mind was fragile and easily dismantled. It became an easy target for Western propaganda. Just days before the invasion, I explained to a colleague that if it were to happen, the media would likely present a simplistic narrative of the conflict, creating a classic good-versus-bad dichotomy. This would undoubtedly lead to the resurrection of old clichés and propaganda that the British, French, Germans, and more recently, the Americans have historically crafted about Russia.

331c8c71 2y ago

> "If your culture brought you to this, of what use was the culture?" I think this is a temporary sentiment. In my mind Bach and Beethoven are in no way associated with the Nazi regime, for instance.

rimliu 2y ago
How about Wagner?
- grujicd 2y ago
  Wagner was associated with USA, because of Apocalypse Now ;) From my point of view, if you discard artist because of country he was born in, it's only your loss.
- pyrale 2y ago
  Wagner died in 1883. How about him?
- 331c8c71 2y ago
  Lenin adored Beethoven's Appassionnata sonata calling it "astonishing, superhuman". I like it too and in no way like Lenin;).

mensetmanusman 2y ago

Biden predicted as well: “Joe Biden acknowledged in 1997 that eastward NATO expansion into the Baltic states would cause “the greatest consternation,” which could “tip the balance” and result in a “vigorous and hostile reaction” by Russia.” Unfortunately his dementia may have erased these thoughts. "The United States stands firmly with the Ukrainian people in defense of the NATO alliance." -Kamala When two powers think they are defending themselves, war typically breaks out.

alexejb 2y ago

As a Russian living in Germany, I perceive that many of the notions surrounding Russia were never truly embraced by the general public. A significant number of people hold preconceived negative opinions and some harbor personal grievances against Russians and Russian culture. The soft power that Russia may have once wielded in the Western mind was fragile and easily dismantled. It became an easy target for Western propaganda. Just days before the invasion, I explained to a colleague that if it were to happen, the media would likely present a simplistic narrative of the conflict, creating a classic good-versus-bad dichotomy. This would undoubtedly lead to the resurrection of old clichés and propaganda that the British, French, Germans, and more recently, the Americans have historically crafted about Russia.