Planet Russia: An African View

Sometime ago, I wrote an article “Russia is No Europe” which, not surprisingly generated some very hot comments and it even got personal to an extent.I got some support and well, I did receive some threats. Am I scared? NO!
To some, I merely spoke the truth, while others felt I simply do not have the right to even talk about Russia simply because I’m not a Russian. The contents of the article mattered little to them if at all.
With this article, I’ve decided to take it a step even further by touching on some more sensitive issues and well, let the games begin!
Before I proceed, I will like to state that, this is purely a personal opinion and please, don’t accuse me of hating this country called Russia. I DON’T!
Similarly, I offer no explanations (not at this stage) or apologies (none, I believe is needed) for my venturing into Russia. Part of my life, I sincerely believe was designed to be so. Do I wish to change it if I could? Well…maybe yes, maybe no.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let me start by saying that Russia is indeed a great country (just like any other country) with it’s distinct history, culture and people. I could not hate on such. Russia is the largest country on earth (in size) and this I believe flatters a lot of Russians into believing that their country is the best in all other aspects. They easily forget that size is nothing but size. Its does not by any means that you are a giant, philosophically speaking. Believe it or not, but I dearly wish this country to be great as it should be. The potentials are there but the will is missing. It’s as if the country is suffering from its inability to wish to be great or perhaps, its arrogance to believe that its does not need to be greater than it already is.
So how does an African see Russia? Lets go back in time…
Believe it or not, Africans lived in Russia between 1670 and 1917. Though small in number, they made a telling and lasting contribution in Russia and for Russian people.
The likes of Petro Seichi (Russified name Piter Elaïev) commanded in 1712 a fleet of twenty-six ships supplying Vyborg. The distinguished Statesman Abraham Anibal (1696-1785) and the popular actor Ira Aldridge (19th Century). Or George Thomas the secret agent to Nikolay II.
Shall I also mention the war heroes – Shambe and Vilan? These people were distinguished minds of their time. and oh, no need introducing or mentioning, A. C. Puskin – the Greatest Russian poet.
Contrary to what we have today, the experience of Africans at the time of tsarist Russia testifies (so it seems) to the absence of racial discrimination and the openness of the previous Russian society before the Revolution.

Russia has changed greatly since then. The dislike most present day Russian feels towards Africans seems entrenched in the DNA and most likely the reason they are not ready or willing to integrate Africans into their system. I reiterate the fact that Russia is no Europe.

Salima Bin Abakiri (from Zanzibar) while touring Russia in 1986, commented:
“When we arrived in St. Petersburg, I knew immediately that we are in a completely different country. Russian people are more of rough manners, than the Europeans. Europeans are diligent at work and take their studies seriously and maintain orderliness in their every day lives. In my opinion, Russians – are white people, who are seriously lagging behind their European counterparts.  They are lazy, and do not want to learn and sometimes act like savages. Their trains are very dirty (people spit on the floor with luggages every where, making it impossible to travel with a peace of mind). A single passenger can occupy 20-30 seats with baggage. In Europe, it is impossible to do such since there is a compartment for luggage and a separate wagon for people to sit.”

Quite a statement isn’t it? While I don’t agree to some of what he said, I can clearly relate to some. Nearly everyone smokes in Russia and by default spit nearly everywhere. On the floor, metro, shops…I usually ask myself, isn’t it irritating to them? Blimey, how can you spit every millisecond right where you are eating and talking with your friends? Most have no regard for hygiene.

Ok, enough of the adverse ranting for there must  be something exceptional about Russia. Something good and unique.
Acai is very effectively preserved cialis without prescription in a variety of fruity flavors. Despite not having a bone to fracture, it does have blood discount levitra no rx vessels that can burst at odd angles, causing pain and swelling for a period of time. In short, the effects of erectile dysfunction on a male’s life particularly when in cialis properien involves one’s performance. Here, incrementalism and reciprocity are the acquisition de viagra bananaleaf.com.ph keys. – Trains! Yes, trains and metro. They keep to the schedule like I’ve never experienced anywhere else.
– Russian ladies, dress to knock you out. Totally off your stride. They dress like everyday is some kind of grand holiday. They wear their ‘sunday’s best’. Sometimes, I feel as though there is some informal competition going on between them. Some smart, some vulgar, some simply outrageous but no matter how you look at it, I can easily say that Russia ladies are the “best” dressed in Europe and I challenge anyone to prove otherwise.
– Parents (the good ones) support their kids as long as they (parents) are alive. Its not uncommon to see a man with his family (wife and 2 kids) living with his parents under the same roof. I’m not sure where else this is practiced.
– You are given much respect when they (Russians) realize that you can speak their language. Half the entire world speak English and no one gives a damn. haha))
uff…I guess that’s it?
Technologically – Russia is oh so far behind Europe. The country does not produce anything worth of mention. No one buys Russian made cars or electronics. Those who do end up regretting doing so. You can’t run a successful business in Russia unless you belong to the cabal or you can be gunned down by the ‘police’.
The transportation system is a nightmare. The trains are outdated. You never know when the bus will arrive and sometimes, you may not even know what station you are standing because there are no sign boards or indicators. No elevators in and out of the metro and I cringe when I see mothers with prams and the elderly trying to navigate their way through. Just in case you don’t know, I tell you for a fact that its extremely difficult for them. The interiors of the Metro Stations though nicely decorated but the wagons (cars) make some incredible deafening noise. This is a case of placing beauty over substance.
Education: Maybe some 100 years ago, Russian Universities had good reputations but not now. For some thousand rubles, you can buy a diploma. How sad!….I know Africans do come to Russia to study and many still wish to do so. The main reason is because university education in Russia is cheaper as compared to other civilized European countries and many simply do not know anything about the country. I still hear some refer to Russia as USSR!! (oh man, that’s GROSS!!!). I’ve had a couple of inquiries from fellow Africans and I immediately told them to look elsewhere. Sometimes, quality demands to be paid for and cheap is not always a good bargain.
African Businesses in Russia – I accept the fact that I’m not the outgoing type, infact, I rarely go out and will be happy if any of my readers can point out to me if there are legally owned businesses by Africans in Russia because I personally don’t know of any. And that brings me to the question, how can a group of people prosper and contribute positively to the Russian economy if they are not allowed breathe or be a part of a system? or maybe there is even no system?
Many Africans (at least those) who live permanently in Russia I believe, dream of the day when they will be accepted into the “system” as we had before the revolution. They dream of a day when we will have African-Russian Army Generals, Actors, Police officers, teachers, nurses, doctors, advocates, lawyers, entertainers and so on…a time when how you look or color of your skin will be irrelevant but what you can offer and contribute to the country called Russia. When Africans can happily wave the Russia flag calling it their home because in truth, home is where your heart is and many have their hearts here in Russia.
No doubts, not all Africans are good, just as not all Russians are bad, but a big step forward in fostering understanding and mutual respect is by accepting one another just the way we are. People like myself have fought wars and won battles and made sacrifices. I have with me scars on my body, but the most visible is the one in my heart. Russia can be great if only her people will learn to see way past their noses and realize that a tree cannot make a forest.

These (Russians) are the very same set of people who have diasporas in nearly every country in the world. They establish themselves, open businesses and even have schools where only Russian is the official teaching language. They buy up real estates and spread their wings! Why? because the people and government of these countries allow them to do so. There are no restrictions whatsoever as long as they keep by the rules, something Russians overseas even fail to do. We all know about the mafiosos.
Why then, if Russians abroad are given lee-way to do as they please Russians at home don’t want to reciprocate and extend the same generosity to citizens of other nations?
Russia is respected only by a few countries and even fewer wealthy people want to live in Moscow its capital – a ridiculously expensive city. The likes of Abramovich and co. live their lives outside of Russia. The reason among others, is not far fetched – They are allowed to be who they want to be without much (if any) restrictions and this is how it should be. Russians, wake UP!

PS: This is not  a hate article and I have more in me left to write about, but well, to bore you my esteem reader will be a crime. Have a good read and feel free to post your comments if any.

6 Comments on Planet Russia: An African View

  1. Hi Femi, interesting article. Firstly, a couple of questions: Do you live in Russia yourself? And, do you speak Russian? I saw you write in Russian on the post about Russia not being like Europe and it looked pretty good I must say!

    However, as you say, Russia is no Europe. But I really don’t see the problem with that. Why does everybody glorify Europe and the West as being the champions of the world? Peter the Great tried to Europeanise Russia in the 1700s and it didn’t really work.

    I’m from the UK and must say that I really like Russia (much to the bemusement of family and friends albeit) and intend to live and work there soon. There are so many good things about the country, such as the transport system – you keep on criticising the Moscow metro, but in fact it’s ten times better than London’s! If you want a metro (or ‘tube’ as we call it) that is hot, stuffy, smelly, claustrophobic, dirty and VERY EXPENSIVE (it costs the equivalent of 225 roubles for a single ticket, compared to 28 in Moscow), then come to London!

    Russia isn’t like the West, but that it what makes it so good. Notice how the Western media always criticise Putin, and what for? For standing up for his country and his people, and not listening to the opinions of the U.S. (aka the World Police)? This trait is admirable in the leader of a country – he runs his country in the way that is best for his country and stays out of the business of other countries (i.e. Syria), but then gets criticised by the World Police for not getting involved! I honestly wish I could say that the UK wasn’t America’s little poodle, but I can’t.

    By the way, I agree with you about Africans in Russia, but it is bound to be a problem since there are so few. When I was in Russia recently, I saw about 5 black people in a whole month. This will inevitable lead to racism. If more black people came to Russia instead of staying away in fear, the situation might change.

    But as you say, Russia is no Europe – but I prefer it that way!

  2. Hi George, you are highly welcome on here. Thanks for your wonderful post and delightful compliment. Merci.))
    Yes, I live in Russia and speak the language quite well.
    The reason people glorify the West and Europe is simple: The quality (while not ideal) and the simplicity of life. You will agree with me that it will be easier for a Russian to ‘set up shop’ or business in the West than for a Westerner to do same in Russia. The exceptional bureaucratic process in Russia can be depressing.
    Not only that, the government act like they are totally against foreigners.
    No, I have nothing against the country or even it’s president or that he is sometimes criticized or praised by the Western Media, the grouse is about his knack for protectionism of the Russia economy. By that, I meant, that he has successfully nullified all competitions in all areas of life and where there is no competition, there simply can’t be any form of growth. Its been stifled.
    He is not running the country the way it is best for the country, but rather in a way that it is best for him and his cohorts…and he definitely does not stay out of other people’s business. (Serbia, Georgia, Ukraine and even Syria). Russia does have a hand in it…They export arms to Syria. ok, let me not go into politics now)).
    Russia isn’t like the West and yes you are right, it shouldn’t be like the West. It should be better than the West. The resources and potentials are there…but when a group of people live in denial assuming that everything is working out well when clearly it isn’t then something is definitely wrong.
    Countries like America are necessary because of the role they play (both good and bad) but well, we won’t go into that or shall we?))
    Fortunately, I’ve been to the UK on a couple of trips and used the Tube (Metro) and I think I like it better. Noiseless and the seats are very comfortable as compared to the Moscows’. Its noisy, smelly and oh so hot especially in summer. you just don’t want to go in there.
    Ok, I admit that the Moscow metro is about one of (if not the most) efficient in Europe but certainly NOT the most convenient. I cringe when I see the elderly and mothers with kids struggling on the stair cases to get in or out. Why can’t they just have escalators and elevators?
    Well, as for Africans in Russia, its a whole different subject because and as I mentioned in my post, the way a Brit will see and appraise Russia will be different from how an African will do. Yes, there are bad Africans who deal in drugs and all, but we also have Russian gangs all over the world. Do we now say that Russians should not be allowed into any other country? Of course, not. That will be silly isn’t it?
    Believe it when I say it, that the key to proper growth (for any country or organization) is by integrating every concerned party into the system.
    For an African the code is SURVIVAL but for an European, Russia may look like some form of adventure or interest. For Africans this is different. We are looking for a better life because nothing works in most African countries and that is a talk for another day.
    (…will be churning out an article on that)
    Looking forward to hear from you.
    F.
    PS: By the way, how did you find this site?))

  3. Hi Femi,

    I actually find your story really admirable. Racism in Russia is highly prevalent (as you know) and as I mentioned in my previous comment, Africans are hardly ever seen there – so the fact that you have integrated yourself there and speak the language is really nice to hear, (especially as a prospective emigrant to Moscow) and I would say a step in the right direction for Russia.

    The one main problem in Russia is laziness and corruption (as you mentioned, setting up a business in Russia would most likely be a real chore), but I feel that this is so engrained into the Russian ‘psyche’ that it will probably never truly go away. Reading Dostoevsky and other Russian authors really opened my eyes to this!

    I honestly feel that Putin is right for Russia (even though he is self-serving and maybe a little too wealthy for a president, but then so was G. Bush!) – but again I will mention the Russian mindset, as I feel that it is predisposed to a kind of dictatorship, as history has shown. Russia and democracy don’t really seem to mix, and I honestly feel that Russians today wouldn’t feel comfortable with it. But again one must ask, is democracy really the best way? Maybe in the UK, but I wouldn’t say so for Russia.

    “yes you are right, it shouldn’t be like the West. It should be better than the West.” I loved this, and I totally agree, it should be. That is why I want to move there (at the age of 19 no less) because it just has so much potential!

    Russia does get involved, but only when provoked. The Western media was quick to accuse Russia of attacking Georgia in cold blood for example, when in fact the opposite was true. And the leader of Georgia was even more dictatorial than Putin, but because Georgia supports the US and wants to join NATO, that bit got left out. (quelle surprise, je dois dire) And Russia only stopped giving gas to Ukraine because Ukraine stopped paying.

    Please don’t get me wrong, I don’t dislike America, but I really don’t like their interventionist foreign policy. Democracy is something that must be accepted by ordinary people of a country, not forced upon them by a foreign nation. I will mention Iraq as a case to back up this point.

    The Moscow metro is still by far the best I have ever used (although I have never used it in summer so maybe my opinion will change!). Certainly better than in London, and better than New York, when I twice had the pleasure of being on the same subway as someone who had soiled themself.

    You mention that for an African living in Russia is about survival, and I totally empathise with that. I must ask, just out of interest, what made you decide to go to Russia instead of, say, the UK or France which are more accepting of Africans?

    I think I found the site after looking at stories of Africans in Russia (and how hard a time they were having). I find the stories of these people to be inspiring, and if I ever thought it would be difficult at times to move to Russia, I can now appreciate what it is like for others who probably have it far worse than a white European.

  4. Hi George, though you may not know it but you are inspiring. Thanks.
    Yes, Africans are few here in Russia if compared to other European countries but even those that are here are mostly current students, former students who either got married and decided to stay or just don’t have any where better to go. There are those who ventured into Russia thinking it is just like in the “West”…people back home in Africa lie to them, take their money and promise them heaven on earth once they get to Russia. I’ve met a couple of them on the streets – One actually sold his house and the other his car just to get into Russia. Can you believe that? He was so shocked on getting here (to Russia) that he decided to go back home to Africa after just 3 months!
    For security reasons I will for now respectfully decline to give reasons why I’m in Russia and not say for instant in the UK, but let’s just say that the reasons are compelling enough to have made me stayed here. Luckily for me, I speak the language and I don’t even know if I should be proud of it))
    Corruption in Russia is as we say endemic and it’s a bane on the economy but that’s not the only major problem though – it’s the mind set of the people themselves.
    In every advanced country, the aim and objective is to make life more comfortable for their people and that includes every single soul living in that particular country because they understand that in order to have a healthy society, everyone should be taken care of. Not only that, everyone will also contribute his quota to the system. That is why people praise the West. It is the main reason.
    We don’t have that in Russia which, in my opinion is a shame. Russia can do better than that but the people just don’t give a damn about anybody else except themselves. That is not the right path to greatness or respect which, Russia desperately seeks.

    Regarding Georgia, politics you know is a tricky ‘game’ and for every conflict, you should expect 2 sides of the story. Personally, I wouldn’t take sides but will say this: Russia is a far bigger country than Georgia and as such should have restricted the temptation of launching an offensive no matter the provocation or at least Russia’s response could have been measured. Russia even went as far as deporting and arresting law abiding (at least that’s what we know) and respectable Georgian natives (or anyone with a Georgian sounding last names) living in Russia, banned the importation of Georgian wine and submerged itself in all sort of propagandas. Totally unnecessary if you ask me but we will never know who actually started the conflict but we do know that Russia is no saint. No one is anyways.)).

    The Russians living in Ukraine believe it’s an extension of Russia. They even want Russian language to be the Official Lingua. Now tell me, isn’t that interference in a sovereign country’s affairs? The gas issue with Ukraine is just a smoke screen. Russia is pissed off because they couldn’t install a president for Ukraine. Not only that, do you remember that Ukraine’s past president was poisoned (according to reports) by the Russians? And that Julia Timoshenko was romancing the devil (could be Russia) and predictably ended up badly. Things happen; just that many don’t pay attention.

    Yes, I agree with you, democracy is not for everyone and shouldn’t be forced on people. The U.S believe they are here to save mankind which often clouds their judgment but what I like about them is that there are Americans who speak out against it and openly too. You speak out in Russia and you end up like Litvinenko who got poisoned in London or Anna Politkovskaya the journalist and Putin’s No. 1 critic who was shot right at her door step. “To be a journalist in Russia is suicide”…heck, even an ordinary Russian citizen cannot protest anymore. The so called ‘honorable’ senators of the Russian parliament are working hard to impose a fine on anyone who does. What can you say about that?
    Wow, I think I’ve digressed from my intended response. Lol. With politics, you get carried away easily because the truth is hard to find.
    OK, where were we? The Metro? yes…
    You say the Tube is expensive in London…EVERYTHING is EXPENSIVE in Moscow. Ask anybody)) I will admit though that the Moscow Metro is efficient but certainly NOT convenient. People on wheel chairs can’t move around the city. Why? Because, nobody gives a hoot about them. The metro is just not equipped for this. And have you ever since mothers lift heavy prams/strollers on the staircases or the elderly struggling to get in the metro? If you are like me, you will pity them.
    Yes, the trains come on time but the noise in deafening but thankfully, if you take the ring line (brown line) you enjoy a cool ride and quickly notice the difference.
    The Moscow metro will be the best if and when they upgrade the rail tracks and the wagon/cars and equip the interchanges and exits with elevators.

    As for Africans in Russia, honestly, no one knows what the future holds and in any case, we are battlers and never give up. For some it’s “easier” to bear the bane of racism than return to back home to poverty or uncertainty. For some, they rather be called “monkey” than having nothing to eat. For some, they rather do menial jobs than receive less even as a professional back home. For some, they are just stuck in Russia.

    But some (maybe even you) will ask, why if my continent is so messed up (where almost nothing works) I criticize Russia so much? My answer? I live here and pay my taxes to the Russian Government and like any law abiding “citizen” (even if African) I believe that I have every right to speak out even if its just on the pages of the www.

    Well, with life you never just know what may get thrown at you, but the aim is to keep surviving against all odds and believing that certainly life can and will be better.

    PS: I don’t know what you do for a living but if you have articles about Russia or any other subject I will gladly publish them on here and sorry for the rather long response)).

  5. I guess I see both sides. I find it understandable that people think you are insulting Russia. Yet, I understand that you are trying to alert people who are coming to Russia with false impressions. I thank you for this website, because I am about to visit Moscow. And in truth, I am scared. But I have to fulfill a promise to a friend. I promised I would come if they moved to Moscow for a visit. But now, I think I will make the visit short and sweet. 🙂

  6. Thanks for your response and yes, I can understand why some people felt insulted. Truth is bitter so what else can I say. Anyways, I have apologized to those who felt bad about my post. No sweating it.
    The month of May is a good time to visit Moscow/Russia (assuming the weather will behave this year,lol) and moreover there will be some holidays during the first week so you should have loads of fun.
    Please don’t be scared, but rather, just try to enjoy yourself. Russia is changing (maybe not so fast) but believe me, things are a LOT better now. Just be careful wherever you go and be rest assured that MOSCOW is ROCKING!!!
    Regards,
    F

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