Good morning from an American
Over a year and a half ago I made a post on here. I wanted to meet Russians and learn more about Russia. The food/music/people/culture. And I spent a year doing so. Raised in America we always were taught that Russia is the opposite, the enemy, the bad guy. Raised to believe all of Russia will hate me. Raised with stereotypes that I couldn't confirm. So Late 2020 I made a post to meet you guys, and since I've met close to 60 and made very good friends with a few of them. Those guys have taught me much of your language, (this is in English because after 1 year.... I still suck at Russian, hard language hahah) they taught me so much about Russia and welcomed me without question. Immediately removed the stereotypes.
I want to thank many of you from a year ago who trolled me, but also joked with me. I felt stupid coming here in fear, but I'm glad I have come. I have learned MUCH of Russia, from Moscow to the east. I have tried pelmeni (love it), your soda (Baikal, love it) and kvass (.....did not like..)
I have listened to much of your music, and as an American your rap isn't bad! (I like kacta and AK-47, they better be on pikabu)
I have gamed with you and bonded with some of you. As good as some of my American friends. People, just being people regardless of distance.
Obviously it seems worth mentioning the current crisis in the world. But I won't. Because I'm not here about that. No one wants to hear about it anymore. My country has dirty hands all across the world and I don't approve of much of what the US has done, I won't ask you about your country. But I do want to say. From America, we love you guys. It may not seem that way, but for the first time in my life time the average American citizen is separating the people from the government. Hoping one day that American/Russians are better friends. That the friends ive made here I can visit in person or go fishing with in america. my people are finally realizing that Russians arent all baba yagas hahaha
I can't claim to 'know' Russia at all. I have met good people from some areas but not many of them (still looking to meet a Mongolian throat singer. If you are one or know one, let me know haha)
I can't claim to understand your crisis or financial troubles at this time. Sadly we are worlds apart physically and culturally.
But I can claim to understand this, you are people. Sounds stupid to say, I know. But I can claim to of met many Russians and dispelled the fear and stereotypes. I can say that you guys are hilarious, a humor that can't be had in America. Dark, offensive, but true. You guys are resilient, you guys are awesome. So far 1.5 years meeting new people, new language, new culture.. it has been amazing. But your language? Difficult. Very. Very. Very. Difficult.
I may be terrible at responding due to knowing little Russian language and last post I couldn't keep up, I'm sorry about that. Also sorry this is all in English, I had a lot to say and can't in Russian.
In closing; in these crazy times, in these different places as us individual people. I respect you guys, I want the best for you guys, I love you guys. I dont know what to expect tomorrow or the day after, but I do expect Russians not to be the scary men america makes them. I can expect friends in Russia. I can expect sour food and dark memes from you guys hahaha. But most of all, I can expect that one day, today's issues will pass and we will be closer. You will have taco Bell's and we will have pelmeni in our stores one day. It just takes our people saying Hi to each other and seeing past the stereotypes (although we have many many fat Americans... It's a reality.. hahaha)
До свидания и удачи друзя
