Realized the other day that I've been subjected to years and years of propaganda about Russia and Putin. Even correcting for it a bit in my head, it still doesn't seem like an amazing place to live. But is it better or worse for the average Joe?
My impression is that its 2nd world. Lots of modern technology, but shitty and like 20 years behind. Not progressive in terms of LGBT or women's rights. Definitely not a democracy and basically run by plutocrats.
Anyone have personal experience there?
Interesting. yeah, sounds about what I thought. A lot of that is pretty applicable to the US, and really probably the rest of the world; money dividing the world into the haves and have nots, with the political system mostly being for show
Yes, wealth is a thick dividing line. I would say its like America, with a smaller middle class, more organised/authoritarian recruitment of politicians and probably slightly more loose human/worker rights.
But it certainly isn't the worst place to be, and you can find good work in the cities.
As far as I know votes aren't even counted in elections. I dont know a Russian who doesn't know or suspect this.
Yeah I was that Russian. Votes aren't counted/lied about etc. is a common saying. My problem with this claim is that it is a liberal talking point usually brought up by the neoliberal opposition. (Source: Was a liberal who watched Alexei Navalny's videos when I was younger lemao)
In reality, any Russian citizen can oversee the counting of the votes in person and voting centers are recorded and streamed online. Does it work? who knows. Liberal elections be like that