This New York Times article describes racist attitudes that Russian soccer fans seemingly hold towards black soccer players and helps to describe the scope of the lack of tolerance some Russians still display. Apparently, there have been multiple instances of fans throwing bananas and making monkey sounds at black athletes when they have matches in Russia. Even Russian soccer players themselves are said to make racist comments to black players. Where do these intolerant feelings arise from? What does this say about Russia as a whole? What will happen in the future, when the World Cup and Olympics are held in Russia? I find it infuriating that blacks are being compared to monkeys in the twenty first century. I chose this article because of how many questions it raises about Russia and their values, however, it is important to realize the racism is not definitive of all Russian citizens. In fact, some deny the accusations, saying there was never any racist intent. While this may have truth behind it for some fans and citizens, there is no doubt a false facade established to avoid negative publicity and an intolerant Russia lurking beneath.
First-Year Russian
RUSS0101-0102-0103
