Презентация к проекту Russia and the USA: The second Covert War or a try to reach out for mutual understanding?

Russia and the USA : The second Covert War or a try to reach out for mutual understanding?

Supervisor:

Peshcherskaya Olga

THE MAIN AIM OF THE PROJECT

To reveal common and distinctive features in the stereotypes of the two superpowers about each other and to prove the necessity of combating these stigma and closing-in movement between two countries in the process of globalization.

OUR TASKS

• To collect and learn information about

stereotypes and put forward 10 top stereotypes;

2.To identify aspects for comparison the two countries and their stereotypes;

3. To dispel some false stereotypes;

4.To draw several comparative tables;

5.To conduct a survey among the students to reveal their knowledge of stereotypes about Americans;

6.To draw general conclusions on the project

OUR HYPOTHESIS

The existence of miscast stereotypes of some nations about the others argues for the necessity of deep, broad-based and cross-cultural dialogue on the road to globalization and boundary–spanning.

According to the recent figures, most Americans began to consider Russia the main enemy of the United States. This is evidenced by a survey conducted by Gallup. 52% of Americans consider Russia's military power a critical threat to the interests of the US (against 39% in 2016 and only 18% in 2004).

Novelty

Our project is at the junction of the following fundamentals: country studies, geography, philosophy and linguistics, psychology and statics

The relations between Russia and America have always been difficult and tension.

Americans as well as Russians have lots of artificial stereotypes about each other which prevent us from bringing together.

But first of all what is a stereotype?

1 .Stereotype is a well-established pattern of thinking, prejudice, often having little to do with reality.

2.Stereotype is any thought widely adopted about specific types of individuals or certain ways of behaving intended to represent the entire group of those individuals or behaviors as a whole.

3. There are 4 main distinctive features of any stereotype: schematism, fabulousness, duration and being the brainchild of society

The most 10 popular Russian stereotypes about America:

• All Americans are fanatically patriotic.

2. American over-love for their flag.

3. All Americans have a low level of education

4. All Americans are overweight and lazy and enjoy visiting McDonald’s;

5. Americans do not have their own cuisine.

6. Every American carries a weapon.

7. Americans are greedy and every man pays his own way.

8. All Americans are well-off.

9. Americans are smiling and welcoming but their smile is false

10. Americans drive cars.

Stereotype №1 : All Americans are fanatically patriotic

Reality: it is believed that in America the level of patriotism is off scale. It always seems that Americans are very proud that they are Americans. This stereotype is true.

stereotype №2: American over-love for their flag

Americans are really proud of their flag and wear accessories with its logo. But it still happens on some significant dates or remarkable events, for example: Independence Day or a great victory on any championships or Olympic Games.

Stereotype №3 : All the Americans are bad-educated and narrow-minded

Americans are not interested in education. They read books not very often. Some Americans still think Beethoven is a cute St. Bernard dog. They can’t even find their own country on a map. Is it true?

This stereotype is half-true. Not all Americans have a lack of knowledge but the system of education is going down as there are a lot of tests, only some subjects are compulsory and they are given too little homework. But they are well-educated as they have a passion for technological innovation and invention.

Stereotype №4 : All Americans are tend to obesity and being non-athletic.

Russians are sure that all Americans eat in McDonald’s, KFCs every day and drink diet cola to keep fit.

The USA ranks the 5th place after Cook’s Islands, Qatar , Kuwait, United Arab Emirates

Eating unhealthy foods with high calories, along with a lack of physical

activity, overeating. Food advertising are the main factors that continue to increase the number of fat people in America.

Stereotype №5 : Americans do not have their own national cuisine

• American food is definitely multinational, just like its population. People from other countries brought with them their national recipes when they arrived to the USA .

• Very often traditional American food is associated with fast food, including hamburgers, French fries, hot dogs, pizzas and some other quick and easy-made dishes.

• But they also have their national dishes: crab cakes, key lime pie, deer steak, buffalo jerky and other.

stereotype №6 : every American carries arms

In America, it is very easy to buy weapons and even legally. But, despite the prevailing stereotype, many Americans do not have weapons and support restrictions on their possession, but at the same time, no one believes that this should be prohibited at all.

Stereotype №7 : Americans are very greedy and pay for themselves

Yes, Americans are used to pay for themselves in the restaurant. But it has nothing to do with greed. It's a way to avoid misunderstandings and show their credit status.

stereotype № 8: All Americans are well-off

Are all Americans so rich and well-being and roll in money? It’s not true. Despite the country's reputation, there is jet-set as well as the poor and millions of US citizens struggle to make both ends meet .

Stereotype № 9 : All the Americans are friendly and always cheerful

Friendliness of the average American is measured by two things - his smile and phrase «excuse me». Beware: If you smile too much, a policeman may come to you and ask if you are ok.

stereotype №10 : All Americans drive their own cars

• There is such a stereotype that in America it is very easy and cheap to buy a car, so people walk there a little. This stereotype is half-true. Indeed, it is very easy and rather cheap to buy a car in the USA.
• But more often, Americans choose a convenient means of transport.

The most 10 widespread American stereotypes about Russians:

1. Russia is famous for its cold, severe and long winter.

2. All Russians drink vodka and it’s the only way to escape from drab existence

3. There are lots of bears walking along the streets in Russia.

4. All Russians like playing the balalaika and ride the troika.

5. Russian boys want to enter the university only to defer from military service.

6. All Russians always wear ushankas.

7. Russians never experience emotions.

8. Matryoshka doll is a symbol of every Russian flat.

9. Russian nuclear weapon is the greatest threat to the world.

10. Russians have a fear of dentistry.

STEREOTYPE № 1: russia is a state with harsh and severe climate

Russia is huge. It has 12 time zones and is the biggest country of the world. It is not always cold. Much of European Russia has cold winters and warm summers

Don’t be afraid of freezing to death in Russia!

S TEREOTYPE № 2 : ALL RUSSIANS DRINK VODKA TO BE HAPPY

This is just a myth. Because the level of consumption of alcoholic drinks isn’t the highest in the world. Russia is in the 7th flight.

STEREOTYPE №3 : THERE ARE LOTS OF BEARS EVERYWHERE IN RUSSIA

IT’S NOT TRUE !

Bears in Russia live in the Siberian forests or zoos. There are no bears in the streets! Bears perform in circuses around Russia.

By the way, the bear is the national animal of Russia.

STEREOTYPE №4 : ALL RUSSIANS are keen on PLAYING THE BALALAIKA

It is false. It’s a traditional Russian instrument but nowadays only professional musicians in Russian folk music ensembles and folk instrument orchestras play the balalaika.

STEREOTYPE №5: BOYS WANT TO ENTER THE UNIVERSITY ONLY TO AVOID THE ARMY

It is not true.

Only some irresponsible and antipatriotic boys try to avoid military service. The majority of our boys pay a tribute to Motherland. By the way, there is a possibility to go through an alternative service.

STEREOTYPE № 6: All Russians wear USHANKAs

• What does a foreigner think when he sees a man in a hat with earflaps? With a probability of up to 90% you will be told that the owner of an unusual headpiece is Russian.
• To break this stereotype quite easily with only one explanation: the hat is a part of winter military and police uniforms and nowadays it is in fashion to wear ushankas .

STEREOTYPE № 7 : The Russians have "stone faces", they almost never experience emotions

• Unfortunately, most tourists see Russians in such places as underground, cash desks, hotels, airports – which naturally strengthens the popular belief that Russians do not look polite and friendly.
• Russians don't smile to appear friendly. They smile only when they really see / hear something funny and see a real friend in front of them.

STEREOTYPE № 8 : Great love of Russian dolls (or « MATRYOSHKA » )

These dolls are really widespread throughout Russia, but they are already becoming more tourist souvenirs than just traditional toys in every Russian flat.

STEREOTYPE №9 : Nuclear weapon

Yes, it's not a mistake. Russia appears in the minds of foreigners only as a Terrible Nuclear Aggressor. Interestingly, the most impressionable comrades fantasy takes to a world where "nuclear suitcase" is not only the President, but the majority of the country's citizens . Russians in their apartments collect primitive, but just as dangerous nuclear bombs, and our country is literally strewn with launch points.

The basic features of national American character.

Politeness

Emotionality

Curiosity

Friendliness

Practicality

Democracy

Innovativeness

Sociability and talkativeness

Respect of family values

Necessity in comfort

Hospitability

The traits of Russian national character.

Helpfulness and support

Bravery

Cleverness

Friendliness

Strong spirituality

Open-heartedness

Outspokenness

Romanticism

Hospitability

Courage

Russians

Comparative table

Russians

Similarities

Americans

Both Russians and Americans show hospitality when meeting foreign guests

They are friendly, sociable and frank

Hardworking, ambitious and well-aimed

As for the Russians they visit church every Sundays. It plays a great role in the life of every citizen either

Deeply religious and keep family traditions up

New Year, Victory Day, Russia Day

The Americans are very religious people. Church plays a great role in the life of every citizen. The majority of people are Christians.

Strictly follow some traditions and celebrations

Thanksgiving Day, Independence Day, Christmas

Americans

Differences

Americans believe through hard work and a bit of luck they can succeed

Russians

Life priorities and moral standards

All types of families (Childless, stepfamilies, single parent families, same-sex marriaged

Russians tend to accept each other and believe in fate, leave to fate

Attitude to family life and relations

Money, career, family, friends

Russian women are proud of their femininity and eager to be a weak gender

The most common are traditional nuclear and extended families

Life values in timportance

Family, friends, career, money.

Gender roles and a woman’s status

Educational systems and approaches to teaching and studying

Celebrities from show-business are well-off, respectful and a part of club set.

Americans are struggling for equality with men all the time.

Cognitive approach to education, different ways and methods of studying, a wide range of compulsory subjects

Russian women are beautiful, they enjoy being beautiful.  “Beauty will save the world”

More tests, less compulsory subjects , tutoring as a system of teaching, a little homework

Attitude to celebrities

:Americans tend to binge drinking among young people

Only musicians and composers are jet set and make a fortune.

Appearance and women’s life preferences

American women pay great attention to their inner beauty and career achievements

Attitude to alcohol

The biggest problem is older male generation that can’t seem to shake the shackles of the past and drink too much

Practical part

Our practical part consists of the survey among 60 upper-form students

4%

9%

9%

8%

10%

8%

16%

8%

20%

8%

3.What is your attitude to America?

4.What do you like most about America?

20%

10%

70%

Our conclusion

• We have proved that there are obvious similarities in character, culture, traditions and lifestyle of the two countries.
• If you are a real globalist ,you should learn the customs and traditions by visiting this country, and not listen to and believe erroneous stereotypes!
• On the way to globalization all false stigmas need to be debunked in order to establish friendly relations between the countries.

Our future perspectives

• Our future project will be written after our visiting the USA. We will be able to compare our expectations and stereotypes about character, culture, traditions and lifestyle of people in America with reality .
• We will be able to describe their culture, traditions in details and give several practical advice for a fast adaptation for living here.
• So, we will be able to estimate how this project is useful and helpful for us. Our motto: ”Words are but wind, seeing is believing!”