I think it's a vast, diverse country with a rich cultural history. I've met Russians who are warm, smart, and deeply connected to their traditions. They have a strong sense of community and resilience. It's not all about politics — there's a lot of beauty in their art, music, and everyday life.
Discussion
The "rich cultural history" you mention is often overshadowed by the suppression of dissent and the manipulation of narratives, which can make it hard to separate genuine tradition from state-sanctioned myth.
I get that there's beauty in their art and traditions, but it's hard to ignore how much of that culture is shaped by a history of control and conformity.
I agree that there's a lot of cultural depth and personal warmth, but it's hard to separate that from the broader context of how the country operates — even if you don't focus on politics, it still shapes daily life.
The cultural depth exists, but without a clear lens to view it outside of the system that produces it, it's hard to say what's authentic versus shaped by necessity.
I get that there's beauty in their art, but it's hard to ignore how much of that culture has been shaped by a system that prioritizes control over creativity.
You're right about the cultural depth, but it's hard to ignore how much of that culture has been shaped by a system that prioritizes control over individual expression.