Putin on ideology - difference between Americans and Russians

Where does ideology end and culture begin? My view is that these concepts are used interchangeably by different people – and while I do not know Putin’s definition of ideology, I do think that America’s ideology is part of what forms it culture, as in Russia. In this clip, Putin covers an astounding amount of ground in 5 minutes; individualism/collectivism, the formation of the United States as a democracy, ethnic cleansing of native Americans, and the Stalin era of the Soviet regime. But the overall message, in my interpretation, is that Americans are selfish. Just kidding =)))))))))))) This is more of a philosophical view on things, for you to ponder over.

[tlightning]

I’m no fan of Putin, but my god, THIS is how you give an answer; drawing upon historical examples and geopolitical context, honest, straightforward points which explain the complexities of these situations. And the journalists actually LET HIM TALK instead of interrupting him every 5 seconds to push their own agenda.

[RockSmithStudio]

"Humanity actually doesn't know all that much about its history"

Truer words have never been spoken

[icknodcodopay]

I'm Native American - It stunned me to hear a "Russian President" speak on this subject. I'm more impressed every time I hear what he has to say.

[tipsywoodpecker]

I've noticed many people in the comments equate collectivism that he talked about with socialism that existed in the USSR. He wasn't talking about socialism. Collectivism in russians means putting your own individual well-being after something bigger - be it family, God, Motherland, communism or whatever. This is not to say that all individuals in Russia are selfless, just that this ideal is ingrained, it is expected, people grow up knowing that sacrifice is a noble thing. You can trace this back to imperial times, read Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, for instance. In America there's nothing wrong if your sole motivation in life is to be better than others at something ('to succeed'). In Russia this is considered shallow, you've got to think bigger to be respected. Had the heroine of Gone with the Wind been russian, she'd drop something like 'No matter what life throws at me, my family will never starve again''. Or, "No matter how hungry I am, I will never prostitute myself again". But note that today's Russia was severely affected by western ideology throughout the 90s and early 00s so you'd meet all kinds of people here. I only described the most common framework of thinking in Russia

[esharp]

I may agree with Putin or disagree. However, this man will always have my respect. He talks sense in every single interview and speech he makes. While verbal diarrhea coming from our politicians mouth makes no sense at all.

[Sandwichism]

I don't like putin but he is obviously an incredibly intelligent person

[kenrik]

An amazing interview I can't imagine any politician in Australia answering questions as Putin was in this interview.

[DespicableGru]

I miss RT. You could watch Putin's speech and interview there. Why are they so afraid people will see these? Let people see both sides, and not just the Western perspective.

[damitramarcel]

he knows more about American history than most Americans.

[ejminer]

He's saying Russia is more spiritual than the U.S. America has lost it's soul. It's hard to disagree with him.

[lauradowney]

The gone with the wind quote was interesting and something I wouldn’t think of right away

[timsherrell]

Imagine if our American politicians gave answers like this

[johna]

This man is fucking brilliant. He speaks so much truth. I love him. :)

[globalance]

Dear Mr. Putin, as a 71 YO American ExPat who is a "big picture" type must admit that after watching many, many, many such interviews of you in find your "wisdom" inspiring for all your "restraint" in the face of constant demonizing and humiliation (from the wests point of view)....also inspiring for all humanity! Men of lesser wisdom would have retaliated forcefully long ago....so I commend your ability to endure such idiotic attacks as "political theater" and not taking it as "personal"! I wish you and all your the entire country whose interests you look after, many, many Blessings of Love and Light! You are the "brightest light" on the current geo-political playing field by far! And we need your wisdom especially now during these times of such drastic transition! I wish you and yours very long, healthy and happy lives sir! Please do continue to "let your light shine"!!! D

[Bright-It]

The Man thinks, speaks clearly and teaches history, economics and politics.
Impeccable!

[TheNickBasso]

Probably Trump was true yesterday saying that this guy outsmarted and outplayed Obama and Hillary, he's just a better politician.

[vilmavega]

I’ve never bother to look at Putin before. It wasn’t after the 2016 election when his name was demonized on all TV channels.

Then one day, I accidentally listened to an interview. My jaw dropped. He spoke with so much intelligence and depth. His depth was captivating. So I searched for more and began to research about him and Russia.
My appreciation grew. For me, it was one of those lessons about forming your own opinion.

This interview, is an example of Putin as a leader displaying his unshakable foundation (know your history and others), his values and world views as a Russian leader and a global leader as well.
When he speaks acknowledging the differences between the US and Russia culture, he brings up the similarities they share. And to focus on that.

A true statesman as someone point it out in the comments.

[brianhogg]

The more I watch on President Putin the more I'm impressed.He's got a way of explaining that everybody knows were he's coming from and not only that but hes always cool calm and collective.His knowledge of not only Russian history but of world history is remarkable.God bless Mr Putin & Russia from U.K.

[yagyeshkumar]

Imagine how much peaceful and prosperous the earth would have been if Russia and USA worked in harmony.

[Keepinitreal]

This is so true what he pointed out. As a Slavic person who lives in America most of my life, I 100% agree with this difference! Russians are just much deeper.