TRUTH or MYTH: Russians React to Stereotypes

From the Russian beauty, to the vodka, to the rudeness, Russians react to the most famous stereotypes ranking them true or false. Which Russian stereotype did you find the most interesting to see a reaction to?

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0:00 Intro
0:20 Russian women are beautiful, men are not
1:45 Russians drink a lot of vodka
2:40 Russians are serious
4:05 Russians are never get cold
4:52 Russians have strong gender roles
5:54 Russians are direct to the point of rudeness
6:44 Russian women are gold diggers
8:01 What is one annoying Russian stereotype?
9:00 What is one thing to know about Russians?

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CREW:
Alexandra Augustine (directing)
Jason Tojeiro (video/editing)

CAST:
Nastya:

Filmed in: Lisbon, Portugal

[DatingBeyondBorders]

Hey everyone! I decided to make this episode in Russian as some of the participants didn't speak English well, and I speak Russian. Let me know how you felt watching a video in another language! It's not something I will do often, but it's always interesting to try it out 🤗 Also which stereotype was the most interesting to see confirmed or crushed? Let me know below!

[Jafes]

The "Russians are serious" stereotype is one of the most annoying. It's simple cultural difference. In the USA people smile just to be polite. In Russia a smile is usually a direct sign of affection/friendliness. Friends smile a lot to each other, but if you smile to a complete stranger, that would make him uncomfortable.

[daniloribeiro]

I might be wrong, but I would say that Russians drinking vodka is a stereotype. They drink a lot of TEA. Like, all the time. If you go to smb's house, they offer you tea; YOU never turn away a cup of tea :) also, all my friends love tea NOT vodka...

[knownanonymous]

I asked my Russian friend if they wrestle with a Bear everyday... He said "No! Why should i wrestle with my pet?😭 "

[eclipsuj]

it's definitely better for the participants to talk in their mother tongue, i like it more.

[MrRettry]

- Russians drink a lot of vodka.
- Here is 6 russians. Only one of them drinks vodka sometimes.
- True.

[BlueHayterade]

I remember putting on a “Moscow metro face” in Russia, because my Russian professor told us that Russians think people walking around with smiles on their faces are simple minded.

[rickm]

My best friend is Russian, and she is one of the kindest, intelligent, warm hearted, hilarious people ever.

[monasabbat]

Russians sound too direct and bossy in English, because they apply Russian phrasing to English. English speaker would say "Would you mind opening the window", a Russian would say "open the window (please)", so we could came off as rude when we just say things as we would say it in Russian. Also English doesn't have polite form of You (Вы in Russian or Vous in French ), so many Russians struggle with that a lot. They *want* to be polite, but they just don't know how, and it takes some time to learn.

[DD-gzut]

I like that they are actually Russians speaking about their stereotypes and not American kids with Russian grandparents…

[Hephaestus]

"Russians are very direct" --> Dutch people liked that :)

[justus.justus]

It's better with their own languages, really enjoyed it!

[wolfsanctom]

These videos are more awesome with the people speaking their own language.

[BlueSwampyCraft]

Russia arguably has the biggest culture in Europe. Those guys were good at bloody everything: art, theatre, cinema, chess, ballet, classical music and of course, LITERATURE. And everything has soul in it. Unfortunately for some westerners it might be hard to truly understand it.

[Someone-vgii]

I am Russian but have been living in New Zealand for nearly one year and a half. Houses here (unlike Russian ones) don't have central heating and it's freezing especially in June, July, August. How tired I am of phrases like "But why do you suffer from cold here? You're Russian, you must've gotten used to it!" Damn, my nerve system ain't been frozen off, 8 degrees is still cold for me! Also, some people ask: "Is it cold there? In Russia?" I'm like: "When and where?" - "Well, in Russia. Throughout the year". What am I supposed to be answering? It can reach +50 degrees Celsius during the hottest summer days in arid regions near the border with Kazakhstan, for example. On the contrary, the temperature of -60 degrees once was detected in a remote settlement. So, is it cold in Russia? The second thing I totally loathe is all vodka-related questions. I've never drunk it and I don't want to. However, it doesn't fit in some people's heads how a Russian 20-years-old guy may be a teetotaler.

[jeffpro]

I don't speak a word of Russian but I must say, the Russian language is very beautiful! I enjoyed watching this video!

[MolassesMI]

A year ago I knew very little about Russia or Russians, including stereotypes. The pandemic gave me lots of free time and I decided to learn a second language and I chose Russian because, why not?
I have learned so much about Russia in a short time and additionally have fallen madly in love with and will marry my Russian fiance soon.
All that to say I truly appreciate this video. It gives many people who may otherwise never have the opportunity to learn the truth and beauty of a people that the US government and Hollywood often present in very inaccurate light.
❤Much love❤

[neilefc]

Just to touch on the smiling thing. Firstly, I live in Germany and NOBODY smiles here so its not a Russia-exclusive phenomenon, but I read once that Russian's value smiling only when its sincere. They consider the Western/American smile fake and without substance, so when a Russian person smiles at you or laughs with you it should be regarded as an enormous compliment <3

[crimescene]

Russian literature is in fact amazing. We have a good translation in Brazil thank god

[MrFreddy]

Got to spend a month on Russia during the 2018 world cup! It's an amazing country and beautiful people! They were so helpful when I was at the airport or train stations and was lost. 2 couples on separate occasions stayed with with me for 2 hours until I was helped at the airport and situated, I will be back one day! большое спасибо Россия!