The Stereotypes
Having explained the general elements that had an effect on the upbringing of an average Russian, it is necessary to dispel the elements that do not affect the general psyche of the average Russian. Stereotypes exist for a reason, there are people in a group to which a stereotype is tagged that indeed belong to the stereotype, and fulfill its definition to the letter. Although they are a minority, these people often become the poster children of the group. Although every Russian has an alcoholic family member, not every Russian is willing or able to drain liters of vodka and liquor. Not every Russian is an Ivan Drago muscleman, nor is everyone an overweight slob. Not every Russian is a moody Romantic dreamer, nor is everyone a protesting Pussy Riot follower. Social and racial hatred are not common, but neither is immediate acceptance. Not every Russian is in the mafia. Of course, every Russian contains some aspect of each of these traits. Russians enjoy a good party, but know when to sit quietly. They know how to treat their bodies well, but have no objection to being unhealthy as well. Russians enjoy too loudly express their opinions and attempt to convince everyone within earshot to prescribe to them, however they are not past sitting and thinking out their arguments before disseminating them in less a less than civil manner.