Russian Acts of Kindness

[Irina Shevelenko]

The only media in Russia that do not have freedom of speech are those which
happen to have an audience in the millions, i.e., all major TV channels.
And, yes, it means there is no freedom of speech and information in Russia.
What is here to debate? Whom are we kidding?

Irina Shevelenko
(also quite fluent in both languages)

-----Original Message-----
From: SEELANGS: Slavic & East European Languages and Literatures list
[mailto:SEELANGS at LISTSERV.UA.EDU] On Behalf Of Rylkova,Galina S
Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 8:17 PM
To: SEELANGS at LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: [SEELANGS] Russian Acts of Kindness

Dear Professor Moss,

I was not comparing my circle of friends to any other circle of friends. I
was offering my own informed opinion of someone who is fluent in both
languages (who can watch political debates, etc. for hours non-stop in both
languages), who lived in both countries for extended periods of time and who
also has analytical skills to analyze and compare. And as someone who
watches CNN, PBS, FOX and MSNBC coverages on a daily basis (unlike most
Russians that I know) I can competently compare the variety being offered in
both countries.

Yes, most of my Russian friends and relatives also believe that they don't
have freedom of speech and many other freedoms. But they don't read American
newspapers or watch American TV.

I also don't believe that current discussions of abortion and gay and
lesbian rights in America are very reassuring.

Galina Rylkova

On Mon, 6 May 2013 00:32:26 +0000, Moss, Kevin M. wrote:
> On May 5, 2013, at 5:30 PM, Rylkova,Galina S wrote:
>
> Russian people enjoy the same amount of freedom (freedom of speech and 
> expression) as any Americans do in the United States.
>
> Seriously?
>
> That must be why they are introducing a law to fine anyone who 
> suggests that gay relationships are equivalent to straight 
> relationships.
>
> Because Lord knows Americans could never do that.
>
> I'm sorry, but if anything is ill-informed it is this statement. I 
> have heard of many people, especially in the LGBT community AND 
> JOURNALISTS who are seriously talking about leaving because of the new 
> laws. Most of MY Russian friends and relatives are appalled at the 
> current situation, but perhaps we know completely different circles?
> Let's see what happens tomorrow.
>
> There WAS variety in the 90s, but that was already ending in Putin's 
> first term, and now it is simply absurd to talk about variety, unless 
> you mean independent internet media.
>
> I am increasingly reluctant to return. I was more eager to visit in 
> the days of Brezhnev than I am with the new anti-American and anti-gay 
> policies of Putin.
>
> Kevin Moss
> Middlebury College
>
> 
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