The nature of Russians as any other nations has been greatly affected by time and place. The history of the country and its geographic location has put its indelible mark on Russian national character. The history explains and approves a lot, yet not many know it well. The ages of constant military threat have fostered specific Russian patriotism and need for strong central governance. The severe climatic conditions caused the necessity to live and work collectively. The illimitable space of the country has moulded a specific Russian 'Spacious soul' or 'big nature'. Even though the generalization is quite relative, the Russian national character has certain and consistent patterns and common features. Russian fairy tales give a hint to what Russian national character is like. Since the fairy tales are the first step to understanding what the good and the evil is they form a notion what the world around is like and instill moral values. It is interesting that the favourite fairytale character in Russia is Ivan the fool. He looks quite plain and acts seemingly stupid at first. Ivan has no aspiration for wealth and power, yet he gains a beautiful princess and sometimes half of the kingdom in the end. Whereas his brothers that are clever and down-to-earth fellows are made fools of themselves. The main virtue and the strength of Ivan the fool is his sincerety and naivete. He lacks materialism and pragmatism, which symbolizes the national standard of true person's values. Ivan the fool gives the last piece of bread to the hungry hare-Mom, which goes against the common sense. However this is the hare that later in a hard situation gets him the egg that contains the death of Koshchey the Deathless. Thus Ivan's mercy gets awarded. No one is serious about Ivan the fool, which however is the source of his strength as well. His being naive, soft-hearted, having his head in the clouds and short on words makes smart guys treat him as a fool, but provides people's love and support.

Russian collectivism and communality

Russian collectivism and communality is often called a peculiar feature of Russian national character. Peasants in Russian were the significant part of population for centuries, up to the 20th century. The peasants lived in communities. The community united peasants and could defend them from the foreign invaders, bandits, landlords (Russian pomeshchik), state officials, etc. All the common questions like taxes payment, land division, punishment and help to a particular family or person were discussed and solved all together on public meetings. Even family conflicts were discussed in public by the community members. Such system supported the weak members of the community and did not offer much power for the strong ones. Therefore collective lifestyle was widespread in Russia far before the Soviet times. The principles of social equality and levelling were a part of Russian character. The brotherhood and mutual support dominated the life instinct. The outside foreigners have always admired brotherhood so natural for Russian national character. American senator in the beginning of the 20th century wrote: «Individualism is incurable feature of Anglo-Saxon national character. Russians have a national tendency to arrange their work around the community needs. A similar way of work started by the English, Germans or Americans would be interrupted by quarrels in the beginning and finally break up as the members would find it impossible to agree with each other. However in similar conditions the Russians work efficiently together and do not express antagonism.» Russian collectivism makes it possible for them to interfere with their friends, neighbours and just passers by freely. Foreigners living with their families in Moscow are always surprised by one and the same situation: if a parent takes a child for a walk bare-headed in cool whether, he is showered with advice and reprimands for the irresponsibility towards own child. Giving advice to unknown people right in the street is habitual behaviour for Russians.

Russian patriotism

Patriotism is very natural for Russian people. A Russian man can be quiet and shy. Russians like self-condemnation and autocriticism. However one should not fall for claims like «This country (Russia) is impossible to live in!» Russians often complain about their lives, but they will hardly support foreigner's criticism about their country.

Attitude to the rules and law

The Russians show quite strange attitude to law compliance, various rules, orders and instructions. Walking in one of Moscow parks in the heavily populated district I paid attention to the abundance of signs prohibiting walking the dog in this area. However the park was full of people walking their dogs and none was paying attention to the signs. This was natural as the park was the only green zone in the district. The whole situation made bans absolutely senseless and impossible to follow. Looking at the children, waking at the same park, I realized that the situation taught them the first lesson of national attitude to rules and orders: not all of them are necessary to obey. Knowing such feature of Russians no one would be surprised seeing smoking people under the ban sign «No smoking» or Russians checking for vodka a kiosk with the sign «No alcohol». One has to bear in mind such attitude to rules while visiting Moscow. Beware, it is not habitual for Moscow drivers to stop at zebra crossing to let the foot-passengers go.

Human relations in Russia

Collectivism and brotherhood of Russians generated some other features of Russian national character. The relationships among people are usually informal. Friendship is highly valued. Be ready to get detailed report on your formal «How are you». The western formality is something that Russians can be hurt by. Russians are very open when it comes to their personal life. This is what westerners are usually amazed at. Small formal talks are alien and unpleasant to Russians. Thus don't be surprised if you have to listen to a detailed life story of the unknown person sharing the same compartment with you when you travel by train from Moscow to St-Petersburg. The American traveller wrote in the 19th century that «travelling Russians become extremely talkative. Being as inquisitive and the Scottish, Russians demonstrate the incredible desire to openly speak about their lives».

Religion

Despite the decades of official atheism in Russia during the Soviet times, the religion still plays the important role in life of Russians. First of all, there is a number of real believers, especially among elderly people. Yet more youth have been coming to religion during the last years. Secondly, church visitors, that are mainly educated people and intelligentsia include those that follow common fashion and those that treat it as going back to the roots and own country's history. Militant atheists are mainly found among the senior generation. They keep the memory of the 1930th and associate religion with decay and stagnation. The significant part of the population is quite indifferent towards the religion and many occasionally visit the church just in case or when they face hardship. This proves the old Russian proverb «Grom ne gryanet, muzhik ne perekrestitsya» (A peasant needs thunder to cross himself and wonder). Anyway the significant part of population is quite serious about the religion. Most often people are not willing to discuss religion freely and take it privately. Sunday visits to the church as a part of socialization are not customary in Russia. The church is a place to pray God where Russians go along or with a close friend. Russian Orthodox Church dominates in the country. The people stand during the church service, sometimes for many hours. When men enter the church, they have to take their hats off, whereas women are not allowed to stay inside the church bare-headed. People wearing beach clothes, like shorts and sundresses are not welcome inside Russian Orthodox church. Be prepared that women wearing pants and jeans may not be allowed inside at times, however the church has become more tolerant to tourists' outfits in present. If you want to address to the saint with some plea, you have to buy a candle, lit it and put by his icon at the special place. It is not accepted that someone talks aloud, takes photos and gazes at church people during the church service.

The attitude to money and wealth

Russian people have developed quite complicated attitude to the money. Russian culture and literature has always declared that the «money is not the key to happiness» (ne v dengah schastye). So the idea that money can not grant happiness takes deep roots in Russian mentality. Such ambiguous attitude to wealth and prosperity has come down to us. Wealth draws jealousy and dislike and does not guarantee respect from people and high social status. This can become an anguishing problem for so called «new Russians» that make winning the respect of the society a mater of principle. Despite the common idea that every business in Russia starts with bribes, it would be recommended to negotiate with Russians you know before you decide to pass money under the table to a particular official. Even though quite a lot of problems are solved with bribing, doing it in the wrong way or in a too direct manner can make a person angry. You may be surprised to discover that some people find the image of being poor but proud more fascinating that the money you offer.

Social relations in Russian society

The relations inside the structure of the society may seem to be quite contradictory as well. On the one hand one can notice quite strict hierarchy in the Russian society. This means honor to the senior and importance of the social status. On the other hand things may not be that simple at first. The model «a boss and a subordinate» implies that the first is totally responsible for taking serous decisions, yet it leaves open the possibility to act as equals for the second one. All in all relations between the superior and the subordinate in Russia are less formal and more home-felt then in many western countries. Despite this, you have to remember a specific pride of 'little person' emphasized by Russian classical literature. Even a smallest screw in the mechanism can stop a big operation if you do not treat it well with necessary respect. Your social or financial status would not help. You should ask but not demand and you will get what you want. Russian people often put consideration and respect higher then career progress. If you come to Russia it is recommended to take some small inexpensive gifts you could present to the hotel clerk, secretary at work, your neighbour, etc. Do not offer them as bribes, but a sign of consideration and good attitude from your side. A Russian proverb says: «It is not that your present is valuable for me, but your love is». It highlights that not the financial or practical side is important but attention and consideration matters. Make presents as if a person does you're a favor accepting it and you will succeed. The gratitude of a «little person» might appear important to you.

Public behavior

Public behavior of Russians also needs some comments. Russians are often admitted to look gloomy. This is connected with a certain traditional behavior pattern and has noting to do with character. Smiling to strangers is not characteristic of Russians. This is treated as acting silly or strange, or even dangerous in some context (like when you meet a stranger in the darkness at the front door). A Russian proverb says «Smekh bez prichiny - priznak durachiny» (Too much laughter discovers folly.). When the 1st McDonalds restaurant was opened in Russia its Russian staff was constantly taught to smile at customer. This caused most difficulties to the management as the staff was concerned the people would think they were fools. Concentrated and serious face of a Russian man out in the street does not mean he is hostile or gloomy. He just treats smile as something intimate he shares with close people only. Finally Russian politics is a topic that caused very complicated attitude and reactions. Today's Russians do not like to speak about politics, especially with foreigners. Everything got mixed up. The concepts like freedom, democracy, capitalism, etc, familiar and usual for westerners, can have a different sounding for Russians.

If you're interested in making business in Russia it's time to forget about your political views and do not bring up disputable topics.

russian national american character

2. American National Character

American society seems to be much more informal than the British and, in some ways, is characterized by less social distinction. Students do not rise when a teacher enters the room. One does not always address a person by his title, such as «Major» or «General» or «Doctor» in the case of a holder of a Doctor of Philosophy degree. The respectful «Sir» is not always used in the northern and western parts of the country.

However, it is best to use a person's title when first meeting him/her, and then allow the person to tell you how he/she wishes to be called. They use first names when calling each other, slap on the back, joke and are much freer in their speech, which is more slangy than the conventional British English. You will often hear the word «Hi» (a form of greeting among friends) used instead of the usual «Hello,» and «Howdy» instead of «How do you do?» Those who don't easily show these signs of friendship are called «snooty» or «snobbish.» In contrast, people who show such simple signs of friendship, particularly to their own economic and social inferiors, are praised as «regular guys,» or as «truly democratic.» As a description of character, democratic is generally used to signify that a person of high social or economic status acts in such a way that his or her inferiors are not reminded of their inferiority.

Yet, in spite of all the informality, Americans, even in the way they address each other, show consciousness of social distinction. For example, one is likely to use somewhat more formal language when talking to superiors. While the informal «Hello» is an acceptable greeting from employee to employer, the employee is more apt to say «Hello, Mr. Ferguson,» while the employer may reply «Hello, Jim.» Southerners make a point of saying «Yes, sir,» or «Yes, Ma'am,» or «No, sir,» or «No, Ma'am,» when talking to an older person or a person in a position of authority. While this is good form all over the United Stales, «Yes. Mr. Weston» or «No, Mrs. Baker» is somewhat more common in a similar situation in the North or West.

American national character in popular culture.

«The culture of the United States is a Western culture, and has been developing since long before the United States became a country. Its chief early influence was British culture, due to colonial ties with the British that spread the English language, legal system and other cultural inheritances. Other important influences came from other parts of Europe, especially countries from which large numbers immigrated such as Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Italy; the Native American peoples; Africa, especially the western part, from which came the ancestors of most African Americans; and young groups of immigrants. American culture also has shared influence on the cultures of its neighbors in the New World.

The United States has traditionally been known as a melting pot, but recent academic opinion is tending towards cultural diversity, pluralism and the image of a salad bowl rather than a melting pot. Due to the extent of American culture there are many integrated but unique subcultures within the United States. The culutral affliations an individual in the United States may have commonly depend on social class, political orientation and a multitude of demogrpahic charateristics such as race, ethnicity, sex and sexual orientation. The strongest influences on American culture came from northern European cultures, most prominently from Germany, Ireland and England. It is, however, paramount to remember that there are great differences within American culutre which should therefore under no circumstance be seen as one large homogenous subject.

The American state of California (especially the Hollywood region) is home to a thriving motion picture industry, with prominent film studios such as Warner Brothers, Paramount, and MGM creating dozens of multi-million dollar films every year that are enjoyed around the world. American actors are often among the world's most popular and easily identified celebrities. It's worth noting that Hollywood also tends to attract many immigrant actors and directors from around the world, many of whom, such as actor Russell Crowe or director Ang Lee become just as famous and successful as American-born stars. The United States was a leading pioneer of T.V. as an entertainment medium, and the tradition remains strong to this day. Many American television sitcoms dramas game shows and reality shows remain very popular both in the US and abroad. Animation is a popular US entertainment medium as well, both on the large and small screen. The characters created by Walt Disney and Warner Brothers animation studios remain very popular. In music, the United States has pioneered many distinct genres, such as country and western, jazz, rock music, hip hop and gospel. African-American cultural influences play a particularly prominent role in many of these traditions.

Character of the peasants.

The steady decline in the percentage of the country's rural population has slowed since 1970. Although many people continued to move away from rural areas, others chose to move into rural towns and farm communities. Many of the newcomers wanted to escape the overcrowding, pollution, crime, and other problems that are part of life in urban areas and to take advantage of benefits of country living. Rural areas have lower crime rates and less pollution than urban areas. They are also far less noisy and crowded. Because of their small populations, rural communities collect less tax revenues than urban communities do, and they generally cannot provide the variety of services that urban areas can. For example, rural communities have cultural and recreational facilities that are more limited than those available in urban areas. For many rural Americans, social life centers around family gatherings, church and school activities, special interest clubs, and such events as state and county fairs.

Rural areas generally have less diversified economies than urban areas. Because there are fewer and a smaller variety of jobs to choose from, rural communities may experience more widespread economic hardships than urban communities. A single economic downturn-a drop in farm prices, for example, or the closing of a mine-can cause economic hardship for an entire rural area. The nation's rural areas, like its urban areas, have wealthy, middle class, and poor people. For the most part, however, the gaps between economic classes are not as large in rural areas as in urban areas. Most rural Americans live in single-family houses. The majority of the houses are comfortable and in good condition. But some people, including many who live in parts of Appalachia-in the eastern United States-and other pockets of rural poverty, have run-down houses and enjoy few luxuries.

Some other features of character.

John F. Kennedy: Cuban Missile Crisis Address to the Nation said: «We are also true to our word. Our unswerving objective, therefore, must be to prevent the use of these missiles against this or any othey country, and to secure their withdrawal or elimination.» Franklin Delano Roosevelt: The Four Freedoms said about them, Americans: «As a nation we may take pride in the fact, that we are soft-hearted; but we cannot afford to be soft-headed. We must always be wary of those who with sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal preach «ism» of appeasement. We must especially beware of that small group of selfish man who would clip the wings of the Americans eagle in order to feather their own nests.» William Jefferson Clinton said: «If ever we needed evidence of that, I could only recall the words of Governor and Mrs. Keating: «If anybody thinks that Americans are mostly mean and selfish, they ought to come to Oklahoma. If anybody thinks Americans have lost the capacity for love and caring and courage, they ought to come to Oklahoma» «Today our nation joins with you in grief. We murn with you. We share your hope against hope that some may still survive. We thanks all those who worked so heroically to save lives and to solve this crime - those here in Oklahoma and those who are all across this great land, and many who left their own lives to come here to work hand in hand with you. We pledge to do all we can to help you heal the injured.» As we see Americans are very kind people, thankful.

The American Dream.

The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States in which freedom includes a promise of the possibility of prosperity and success. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, «life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement» regardless of social class or circumstances of birth. The idea of the American Dream is rooted in the United States Declaration of Independence which proclaims that «all men are created equal» and that they are «endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights» including «Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Since the founding of the Statue of Liberty in 1776, the United States has regarded and promoted itself as an Empire of Liberty and prosperity. The meaning of the «American Dream» has changed over the course of history. Historically the Dream originated in the New World mystique regarding especially the availability of low-cost land for farm ownership. As the Royal governor of Virginia noted in 1774, the Americans, «for ever imagine the Lands further off are still better than those upon which they are already settled.» The ethos today simply indicates the ability, through participation in the society and economy, for everyone to achieve prosperity. According to the dream, this includes the opportunity for one's children to grow up and receive a good education and career without artificial barriers. It is the opportunity to make individual choices without the prior restrictions that limit people according to their class, caste, religion, race, or ethnicity. Immigrants to the United States sponsored ethnic newspapers in their own language; the editors typically promoted the American.

The key to understanding Americans, and understanding what happens to immigrants as soon as they get here, is their belief that they can achieve something important in life. To be sure, there is apathy and fatalism in America, but these are by no means dominant attitudes. In the 1950s, a Cornell University sociologist by the name of Robin M. Williams, Jr. wrote about what he called the «major value orientations in America.» The very first item on his list was «achievement and success.» After literally thousands of interviews on this subject, I am convinced Williams's assessment is correct. Americans think there's something wrong with you if you don't have dreams. Parents worry about their children if they seem «unmotivated.» A couple spoke to me after I had delivered a speech on high achievement. If they bought one of my books for their son, they wanted to know, would it «motivate» him. They told me he had no ambition. Naturally I was faced with a dilemma. How could I not recommend purchasing my book? It could do no harm and might possibly help the boy. I replied that I had little experience motivating unmotivated people, that I was better at fanning flames than starting fires, but, I added, it might possibly help. They purchased the book in spite of my caveat. They never let me know if their son was motivated enough to read the book, or if it helped him. Some American dreams are outrageously optimistic ones. I have met homeless men and women seeking shelter at rescue missions who told me of their plans to start a business or go to college or write a book. I interviewed one such person who did that. His name? Eric Hoffer. Hoffer spent years as a migrant worker, and eventually wrote a fine book entitled The True Believer. It sold millions of copies. American parents routinely ask their children: «What do you want to be when you grow up?» This is one place in the world where the answer to the question matters. Kids are expected to dream, and then work at the dream. America is a place where dreams get turned into action plans and timetables. Homer C. Rice, years before he became a nationally recognized athletic director, began to write down his dreams on index cards that he carried around with him. He used those cards to visualize his goals and create strategic plans to go with each card, each dream. One by one his dreams came true. After Rice has retired, he was asked by Georgia Tech to teach a course on the subject of achievement. Only in America would a major academic institution teach people how to convert dreams into reality.

Literature

1. World Book Encyclopedia U-V Volume 20.

2. Social institutions in the United States.

3. Life in the USA: The Complete Guide for Immigrants and Americans.

4. Portrait of the USA.

5. Guide of American culture and customs for foreign students.

6. Culture, Hedonism and Lifestyle.

7. Moscow guide for businessmen (extracts). Published for foreign visitors by Moscow State University in 2003

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