Russians never smile

This time I am going to speak about one of the stereotypes related to Russians I mentioned in previous post: Russians never smile. As you hardly ever see our smiles, you could think that every Russian is grim and tedious. I don't believe it's true. Though you most likely could see the smiling Schwarzenegger in the train of Moscow underground, than smiling Russian, it is not mean that Russians have no sense of humor. We love jokes and humor, we enjoy comedy shows (though the mainstream kind of humor on TV has the urinal smell - I think it's typical for contemporary television), we love parties and merriment.

Actually the root of the problem is more complicated. It begins in childhood: parents teach their children to be serious. It is widely believed that jolly person is frivolous, light and rather foolish. This treatment confirmed with the wide range of proverbs consolidating "ancestor's wisdom", like "smiling like a fool", "laugh without reason is the trace of stupidity" etc. In everyday life we don't try to please the others, we don't try to impress by our smiling and positive mood. We try to be more serious, to look more reliable, more confident.

Albeit the life in Russia is improving step by step the reminiscences of the stormy days aren't blurred and made a real impact in people's behavior. There was a high level of violence on the streets of Russian cities not so long ago. Shooting, rubbery, murdering and rapes were been common in 90's. That's the reason why we still have unconscious apprehension on strangers. We treat with suspicion to every person who speak to us on the street cause he could be the rascal. So, if somebody smiles to us, the first thought is that he is mocking us.

Another reason is the severe environment. It is well known fact that Russian climate is not very gentle - we have only three seasons instead of four: infernal heat, piercing chill and slush in the gaps of them. The fluctuation of temperatures during the year could be around 70°C in Moscow: from -35 in January and +35 in July. But these periods of extreme temperatures are very short. It could span just for two-three months.

But the main part of the year has a slightly moderate temperature not lower than -10°C, but high level of precipitations brings the slush. The snow thaws on the streets, on the footpaths and pedestrian crossings that you can't keep your shoes clean and dry. Although the city services are high-paid, the quality of the services leaves much to be improved.
So, imagine how you could feel after spending more than half an hour in the crowded train, then paddling through the pools and or wasting time in huge traffic jams?!

I hope I managed to clarify this subject a little. The next time I am going to speak about the city details in Moscow that makes this city so different from another capitals. Stay tuned)