From Russia with Love
This is my impression of Russian women:
1) They're pragmatic.
They understand that opportunities for women are limited ("In Russia, the glass ceiling is made of steel and painted red"). Phrases like Equal Opportunity, or Sexual Harrassment are not heard much (I had the impression that some women felt if your boss isn't hitting on you, there must be something wrong with you...)
I'm pretty sure that their pragmatism also means that as a filthy rich (by their standards) foreigner, I could have my pick of Russian Brides were I so inclined.
2) They're beautiful.
I never saw so many beautiful women in one place as in Moscow. They seem to have some genetic pre-disposition to beauty, plus they all smoke, which helps keep them slender. They walk everywhere, so they've got killer butts/legs. They wear full battle makeup at all times, and they tend to dress like they're going to a party even if they're just going to the store. Tight tight pants, or short short skirts seem to be the norm.
3) They can cut you dead with their eyes.
I surmise that because they're hit on (rudely) about 100 times a day, in self-defense they develop a look that says basically "drop dead, worm." It was interesting to smile at them on the street (smiling at strangers is not a Russian thing to do anyway -- it makes them think their zipper's undone or they have food on their face) -- the standard reaction was a cold unsmiling brush-off. But the interesting thing is that if you got past that B**** Shield and established that you were just being friendly, not trying to hit on them, they were extremely warm and friendly. Big smiles, offers of advice and help, etc. The contrast was striking.
In fact, this was kind of the norm in general -- the poeple seemed to be very closed with strangers, not wanting to get involved, default answer NO for everything. But once you had established a connection, developed a little rapport, it seemed like there was nothing they wouldn't do for you -- they've got a defensive exterior, but inside they're as warm and generous a people as I've met.
All for now about Russian women. There will be no charge for this Social Studies lecture...
posted by Rob @ 11:14:00 PM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Thanks for the social study lesson. I'll keep those important facts in mind. Is this ongoing research? I hope said research doesn't prove too taxing for you.
Good luck with that.
that is almost word-for-word what my russian teacher said about russians and specifically russian women (being a russian woman by nationality and a ukrainian by heritage). this is, of course, before they cancelled my russian class because i am clearly the last person on earth (or at my school) who wants to learn russian. now i'm stuck with being able to say "i like my dog." "ice cream" "what is it?" "today is saturday." "i love you." all useful when lost in the russian countryside.
word, yo.
I like the part about Russian women where they work at a store/stand thing in the subway and you want to buy something at that stand but they are on their break, smoking, and they are the only one working so they just stare at you disinterestedly, smoking, and watch you walk away and give up and not buy the thing you wanted to buy, while they are still smoking. OK I don't like it but it is sort of fascinating.
and then do they, after they're done smoking, throw their cigarette butt on the ground? and then, since it's still their break, do they start up a new cigarette while still keeping a close eye on you waiting?
but at least you have something pretty to look at while you wait.
Post a Comment
<< Home