Russian folk religion

[PeeWee]

well I just wanted to clarify your term RED mafia as I didn't get who exactly you were speaking about - Hebrewh mafia from  Brighton Beach, former "godfathers" from soviet reality, red managers, new oligahs ( a-ka Hodorkovskyi) or whatever there But it seems you blame "REDs" for everything 

In this case we can blame the criminals. The term "red" is but a label that might be easier for us to remember than a Russian name might be. The Japanese mafia has a name for their organized crime group...Yakuza...but who can remember that? "Red' works because we most think of Russia when we hear that word when associated with the country.

Peewee

[Turboguy]

I have also heard it called the Russian Mafia, in fact I probably hear that more than Red

[jb]

T/G,

The term "Red" denotes mainland China more than Russia.  For those of us married to RWs, we have a certain PC we must observe within the household.  If and when you ever marry a Russian woman you will learn of the fierce pride of heritage held dearly by RWs.   There are just some words you don't use in everyday conversation.  It just stands to reason, if you cannot respect her Rodina, then you shouldn't marry a Russian.  Any man here who harbors old cold war grudges is in the wrong place.

[Elen]

Actually I was about particular word RED as the last centure ( and till now) it had the particular meaning here. We lived in society wich was divide on "reds" - commi and "whites"  ( their "opponents" ) so to blame exactly "Reds" for mafia seems odd for me. ( though it does not "hurt" my pride at all. I more concern in that matter when you call mafia of all 140 FSU nations like RUSSIAN  )

[Turboguy]

Thanks jb.  I noticed that with Luda.   One of our second trip discussions was when she asked me if it was true that Russia was the greatest country in the world.  My answer was worded carefully to not offend her but also not to lie.  I skated through that one just fine.  I have noticed with most everyone that they are very nationalistic.   I see that as a good quality but most of the comments are from people who have lived in a vacuum

[Elen]

I have noticed with most everyone that they are very nationalistic.   I see that as a good quality but most of the comments are from people who have lived in a vacuum

You know what  You americans produce the same impression on people - your opinions on many subjects are right of such kind as if there is no other world around you

[jb]

I don't quite know how to take that, who do you think is commenting from a vacuum?  Russians arriving here, or Americans visiting there?

[Turboguy]

Sorry if I was not clear.  What I meant was that a lot of the comments were by people who have never been out of Russia and in some cases their hometown.  I think it is hard to really know what the world is like just by seeing it on TV.  I think if you have been to the USA, been to Italy, been to Greece and France and England or whatever that you can more objectively have an opinion on how a country compares.  I am just saying it is hard to know how something compares if you have nothing to compare it with.

Elen, since you seemed to have taken my comments as being offensive to Russia, I will give you a synopsis of what I told Luda when She asked me if Russia was really the greatest country in the World.

I told her something to the effect that Russia is a great country.  That it is hard to really answer because all contries have their good and bad and that I thought one of the things that really made Russia great were it's people, that they were intelligent, hard working and well educated and to me one of the sadest parts is that the pay they get for all their hard work is so low.

Elen I would never say anything bad about Russia or it's people.  I respect both and like both.

[Elen]

well in order to  make no offences to naivity of people who ask such questions like your girl did  there will be no comments from my side Just an advice for you not to think that most everyonehere thinks the same way even if they never have been abroad

[PeeWee]

T/G,

The term "Red" denotes mainland China more than Russia.  For those of us married to RWs, we have a certain PC we must observe within the household.  If and when you ever marry a Russian woman you will learn of the fierce pride of heritage held dearly by RWs.   There are just some words you don't use in everyday conversation.  It just stands to reason, if you cannot respect her Rodina, then you shouldn't marry a Russian.  Any man here who harbors old cold war grudges is in the wrong place.

Something like a KKK member dating an African. I've had some interesting discussions these past two months with Lena regarding the USSR, politics, and such. When I was younger I would often here China refered to as "Red China." Not knowing why the History Channel and the like picked up on using the term "Red" for the Russian mafia.

Peewee