Dictatorships have a tendency to completely distort the phenomenon of patriotism. Natural human sympathies for the nature and culture of their country are replaced by demands for unconditional loyalty to the ruling regime. Saltykov-Shchedrin already noted this, reflecting on those who confuse the concepts of «Fatherland» and «Your Excellency.» Later, a grim Soviet joke appeared: when the state needs something from its citizens, it calls itself the «Motherland.» And always with a capital letter. Under such conditions, patriotism turns into a form of Stockholm syndrome, where hostages begin to sympathize with their captors.

#AlexeiNavalny #Belarus #state #citizenship #west #IlyaYashin #society #opposition #Patriotism #politicalprisoners #aftertheUSSR #repressions #Russia #Emigration #essay

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On the walls here, you can see gigantic portraits of Putin, icons, and vinyl records of Vysotsky and Okudzhava (all in one office), lower-level employees are scolded with quotes from Pasternak and Zabolotsky, and TV host Ekaterina Andreeva gives advice on how to properly cope with the anger of superiors at a «Znanie» society lecture.

#WarinUkraine #state #women #lifeinRussia #career #Crimea #Kurskregion #mincult #patriarchy #Patriotism #aftertheUSSR #propaganda #reportage #svo #Officials

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Analyzing five key myths surrounding a real event from the 14th century

#GoldenHorde #historicalmyth #Taxation #patriotism #Russia #MiddleAges #finance

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On August 6, a gala concert of the «SVO Ballads» festival took place in Moscow’s Zaryadye Park. It was organized by Monk Kiprian — a veteran of the Afghan war, Hero of the Soviet Union, and a fan of singer-songwriter music in civilian life. A correspondent from «Most» reports on how it all unfolded.

#WarinUkraine #cringe #Moscow #society #Patriotism #aftertheUSSR #postmodernism #reportage #Russia #church

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