The Divide Between Russians And Muscovites (Moscow)
Posted: Wednesday, September 07, 2011
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
A recent article in the Pravda.ru caught my eye because the title said: Why does Russia hate Moscow? It then goes on to say that the majority of Russians dislike he residents of the nation’s capital and have done so for ages. I could not see where their statistics backed up that statement.
It seems they have recently taken a research poll of 1,500 people from other metropolitan areas with populations of over 100,000. But in no section did they report a majority. The question which was asked in the poll was: "How would you treat a stranger if you were told that he or she is a Muscovite?"
I suspect one would get a much heavier negative view if they were asked the same question about our own capital.
Interestingly enough, the economically active part of the Russian population in Russia's most developed regions shares worst feelings towards the residents of Moscow. Muscovites are disrespected in Siberia (15%), in the south of Russia (14%), in the North-West and in the Ural federal districts (12% each). (Why does Russia hate Moscow? Pravda.ru--September 7, 2011)
Sociologists have formed a description of those who dislike the Muscovites, using the data accumulation from the survey. They say typically they are “people in their thirties (31-35), who take high social positions and work as qualified specialists.”
It is somewhat of human nature to consider people from one place or another as being the kind of people of whom they have encountered from there. Even if it is only one or two people. Often it is the outlook of the observer rather than the nature of the observed. It reminds me of a story, which could very well have been a true incident. It goes like this:
An old codger sat on a park bench when a passerby came and told him he was considering moving to that town and he wondering what type of people lived there. To which the old fellow asked, well, what were like where you are moving from and he replied they were all sorry rotten people who would steal you blind, drunkards, and more.
Then the old man told him that, well you are going to find these people exactly those you mention.
A few days later another man stopped by where he sat daily and asked him the same question which received the same question in return. But this man said those where he was leaving were the salt of the earth, the kind that would help you in need and do anything the could to be good neighbors.
Then the old man answered, well you will find these people just like that. They are truly the salt of the earth.
These rules are applicable to any groups, races, ethnicities and so on. If we see the good in people we will always find good. But opinions should never be based upon a tiny minority.
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