cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/42971932
China has become trendy for Russians who once worshiped everything Western. Young people are learning Mandarin, and Chinese culture and goods have become ubiquitous in Moscow.
Chinese cars have become a common sight on Moscow streets. Members of the Russian elite are hiring Chinese nannies to encourage their children to learn Mandarin early. The capital’s museums and performance centers are clamoring to put on Chinese exhibitions and shows.
In Moscow, the few public schools that offer Chinese are oversubscribed, and Mandarin is a staple not only at linguistic universities, but also at technical schools. Employment vacancies requiring Chinese have soared in recent years, according to a popular job website.
That’s repeating theme in Russian history though.
Back in 18th and 19th centuries French was spoken by Russian elites and wannabe aristocrates more than Russian.
(PDF) The History of the French Language in Russia
In later USSR period Russians wanted everything American and dreamed to become Americans. As Western media started creeping in, fashion started creeping in, obtaining some Levi’s pair of jeans meant you’re the coolest guy around, would also mean you could have problems with police. But Western way of life with how it was portrayed, seemed superior in every way to what people had in decaying Soviet Union. Democracy with those charismatic leaders also seemed like a dream compared to Soviet increasingly geriatric leadership (oh the irony).
Soviet Denim Smuggling - The History of Jens Behind the Iron Curtain
The russians will do anything other than getting their house in order and rejecting genocidal imperialism.
Sounds like some people are working on an exit plan ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Welp, goodbye Russia, you had a good run.
