Young people's thoughts largely reflect a country's culture, values, and social emotions.
To many of us, Russia seems to be a close ally, especially during the Russia-Ukraine war, where it actively sought cooperation with China to resist Western pressure.
This impression leads us to believe that the Russian populace harbors animosity towards the West and holds a special affection for China.
Out of curiosity, I conducted random interviews with several young people on the streets of Russia.
The respondents came from diverse backgrounds, including both genders and various social classes.
The question was simple: "Which country do you like?"
Their responses were unexpected.
A young woman wrapped in a scarf, who works as a civil servant, answered cautiously. She expressed admiration for a French celebrity but refused to reveal their name, citing potential trouble.
Her love for France was evident, indicating that if she had the chance to travel, it would be her top choice.
This phenomenon is not isolated; many young Russians have a strong yearning for France. Even a girl selling branded clothing expressed her preference for the country.
The fascination of young Russians with Western nations seems to exceed our imagination.
Even those in the service industry, like restaurant servers, share similar aspirations for France.
They praised its beauty and friendliness, despite the fact that we know France's social issues and security situations aren't as perfect as they describe.
Such a filter isn't limited to a few; similar tendencies can be found among nearly all interviewed young people.
One well-dressed stay-at-home mom chose Sweden, believing its system to be more liberal.
Meanwhile, some young girls preferred South Korea, especially due to the widespread influence of K-pop culture in Russia.
During the interviews, a girl dressed in Korean fashion expressed her fondness for Korean pop music, while a group of young female students excitedly showcased their favorite Korean stars.
This adoration for Korean idols even took me by surprise.
Traditionally, Russians are often seen as rugged and bold, yet their aesthetics today are profoundly influenced by popular culture, reflecting a more nuanced and diverse pursuit.
Even among young men, preferences often lean towards Western countries; a bar singer expressed his love for Spain, citing its comfortable living and pleasant climate.
When a blogger couldn't help but ask, "Why not Russia?" a young woman sighed softly, "Because people there smile more."
This statement was deeply moving, revealing their dissatisfaction with their own country and desire for the outside world.
Many young people expressed disappointment in their homeland during the interviews, complaining about local indifference and the oppressive social atmosphere.
One young man even admitted that his favorite country is Japan, expressing respect for its culture despite historical issues between the two nations.
What shocked me further was that in nearly three and a half minutes of video, almost all respondents mentioned no connection to China, which was unexpected.
Clearly, this result did not align with prior expectations, making me more aware that much of the information shared by various bloggers for views often only reflects what we want to hear, while the reality may be starkly different.
Beyond China, it seems Russian youth's perspectives are shaped by Western media.
Most of their information comes from YouTube and other Western outlets, which often portray China negatively.
Russians' understanding of China largely comes through media, rather than personal experience.
Only those who have genuinely visited China can see the reality of its prosperous cities and development.
Whether from Russia or other countries like Iran and Central Asian nations, many still perceive China as relatively backward.
This misunderstanding is particularly evident in conversations with them.
During interviews in Iran, I found that some people also yearn for the West, believing its lifestyle is more advanced.
Similar trends were frequently observed during interviews in Kazakhstan and Pakistan, where young people continue to be drawn to Western culture.
However, in recent years, the rise of social media platforms like TikTok has begun to shift perceptions of China.
As more people encounter a real China through these platforms, their views of the country are gradually improving.
Additionally, China has intensified its openness, especially in tourism, further facilitating cultural exchange.
Overall, the attitudes of young Russians reflect the complexities of national identity and cultural understanding in a broader globalized context.
In today's world of rapid information flow, young people's perceptions of their country are often influenced by multiple factors.
Faced with this reality, promoting more comprehensive cultural exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding becomes especially important.
Only through direct contact and experience can we truly break down prejudices and establish a more authentic national image.
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