Post: #1

Cheer up, guys! I know that the last Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner and Miley Cyrus threads have left you with a sour taste of hopelessness. However, there’s still beauty in this World, and you should appreciate it while still exists! Case in point: The Annual Vienna Ball held these days in Moscow. A classical, Empire style waltz ball held in the heart of Moscow for charitable purposes. The magnificent Gostiny Dvor Hall held more than 1,000 participants, who, dressed in heterosexual clothes, dazzled Moscow evening dancing all night. Yes, Vienna Ball features simple dress code. Men should be in evening dress, tuxedo or dress uniforms and always with a tie, and the ladies – in long evening dress. And of course, it is desirable to be able to dance the waltz.
Important to note is that before the couples got into the amenities of the evening many of them pay tribute to the Motherland visiting the iconic Red Square in Moscow to take some pictures of themselves before the Gates of Spasskaya, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the Mausoleum of Comrade Vladimir Ilyanovich Lenin. Then, they took the subway to reach the Hall.
The charity event traditionally collects funds, which are used to support children’s organizations. It has become a tradition to choose three most beautiful participants of the ball. The winner of the beauty contest, except beauty, should have abilities and qualities – compassion, friendliness, ability to dance, grace, education and dedication.
I don't know you, guys, but I’m just sick of these drunk Russkies!

Post: #2

I definitely needed this morale boost today. Looking around the world today, it's pretty clear that Russia (and the Orthodox Church) is taking a strong stand for cultural conservatism. Or at least that's how I see it as an observer from outside.

They at least are putting up a fight.

The Cossack beat-down on Pussy Riot was an all-time classic.

Post: #3

(06-09-2015 11:05 PM)Quintus Curtius Wrote:  I definitely needed this morale boost today. Looking around the world today, it's pretty clear that Russia (and the Orthodox Church) is taking a strong stand for cultural conservatism. Or at least that's how I see it as an observer from outside.

They at least are putting up a fight.

The Cossack beat-down on Pussy Riot was an all-time classic.

More than a strong stand on cultural conservatism, I’d call it a strong nationalistic stand in a flourishing moment of Russia, and this is particularly important in a time where the Global elites want to take the whole World down with them.
I explain myself. If a country is to survive and thrive in a time where main economic decisions are taken by supra-national entities, where social engineering is operated disrupting the fabric of entire countries and cultures, and where people in general feel lost and hopeless, then it needs to create an internal consensus in the social model that fits the best for it according to its history and aspirations.
Russia has got it in the last years guided by a nationalistic, ruthless man born and tailored in the old regime, but who understood that his country cannot just jump into the emptiness nor go back to the past (either Tsarist or Communist). That is, Mr. Putin himself.
Russia got rid of a totalitarian regime, yes. Does Russia have now a democratic virtuous Western style democracy of the likes long time liberal democracies like the USA, France, England and Germany once had (before Western politicians become bought and paid whores)? No. It would never work. To hold together and rule effectively the biggest country in the World which expand to four continents, borders tens of countries, holds the largest natural resources in the Earth and has a tortuous history you need a strong man who can wisely use force (and inflict fear) once in a while. And Mr. Putin knows how to do it. Elections in Russia are basically a joke; and only work to integrate the Duma (Russian Congress), which would escort Tsar Vladimir in the political process.
Russia got rid of a Communist economy, yes. Does Russia have now a successful, thriving, free market economy? No, it has a State-directed-capitalism where commodities trading, military hardware and very specific high technology manufacturing sectors have gave the country some prosperity. The 90s liberalization only created a handful of very corrupt oligarchs who dilapidated the national richness. The State had to recover the economy and Russia, today, is very much driven by public companies as it was decades ago.
Russia got rid of a totalitarian, egalitarian ideology issued, enforced and controlled by the State? Yes. But, while there is no longer an ideology to end the ‘class struggle’ and impose egalitarism, much of the old regime welfare institutions such as public education and public, universal healthcare never stopped working. Even more, today they have a national consensus to continue being that way.
Russia got rid of an Anti-religious State ideology? Yes. Russia has had a Christian religious renaissance? Yes. Is Russia coming back to have a State religion, the Orthodox Russian Church and so this would become the one and last authority in several social issues? No. While the Church is no longer persecuted by the State, and most of its possessions confiscated by the Communist regime were restored, the State is secular and it seems Russians want it this way. Besides, Secular and Muslim sectors are important in Russian society and I don’t think politicians want to open a pointless debate.
Now, as a non-believer, I guess that the most important virtue of the Russian Orthodox Church is its nationalistic nature, which helps to prevent it to become political correct; and so push for a timeless spiritual project. Is the Church going to fight against the banalization of marriage, the basic unit of the society? Yes, and Russian government is in the same page about this (well, even Russian Communists opposed same-sex marriage). Is the Orthodox Church going to fight against abortion? Yes. Against ‘perversions’ such as pre-marital sex, contraception and homosexuality? Yes. Will it be successful? In part. They would convince some women not to have abortions (the numbers are high in Russia), but they would not get a law prohibiting it. Contraception? Forget it. Homosexuality? I’d say yes, in the sense that they have contributed to get Russian people understood that nothing good comes when you cheap marriage giving it to a couple who cannot have children (the main purpose of marriage). Contrast this with the sorry ass protestant Churches of the Anglosphere where political correctness reigns and it’s just a matter of time when they will sanctify pedophilia or zoophilia. Also, contrast it with the Catholic Church, which has always had Universal Imperialistic Ambitions. These ones have led the Church to make political changes over the centuries; and as far as I can see the Catholic Church is approaching a moment where it would become an obnoxious force against Europe. Last time I listened to the Pope calling to wide open the borders the Europe to every African willing to leave the nightmare the Black continent is; also the Pope has called for a Universal Financial Authority to ‘bring order’ to the current financial mess. And finally, the Pope’s positions about abortion are very unclear to say the least, if I were an observant Catholic I’d get suspicious about the Pope (I am pro-abortion, by the way).
So, the topic is complex and there is more to talk, but when you have a nationalistic consensus directed and working for the specific background of every country you have a difference.

Post: #4

I am ambivalent towards Putin.
I like him. He's manly and patriotic.

But I am wary of Putin.
While I like that he is not a cultural marxist, that doesn't mean he is a friend.

I'd rather Western Europe got its act together since I believe that traditionally had a better culture.
I also fear, from what I understand about the ideology at the center of this, that Putin considers the West evil and Nazi-like. But it's impossible to understand what really is going on in his brain beyond some sort of self interest.

Post: #5

Why do you like Russia so much? You really love an ex-KGB control freak who thinks nothing of getting his way? The US behaves that way and I don't see love for its policies. Is it because he isn't married to an ugly woman?

Guy is the leader of a nation full of hot women, he would be stupid to say no. If Putin is the man you claim he is then he would have gone into Syria and helped out but all he does is send some pitiful aid as an "ally". Some ally he is when a bunch of barbarians can destroy one of your closest allies country.

Putin looks after numero Uno and that is it. Nothing to admire.

Post: #6

Yes there is some quality ass there, but I don't see the event as some kind of mark of high culture.

I have been to similar events in the USA.

The people who attend don't actually give two shits about the charity involved, they want to look good in front of their wealthy friends.

It is very common for women to spend significantly more on their dress and accessories (which some only use once) than their husbands/oligarch pimps donate to whatever charity is being celebrated.

And especially in the case of Russia (although to a lesser extent in USA) the money that they "donate" was obtained by outright theft, graft, or illegitimate business practices.

Post: #7

This is an example of the upper class throwing money around, not Russian society in general. I think you've got it a bit backwards OP. We can all probably agree that Russian women are generally more feminine, less fat, and more attractive overall. But I don't know if I would go so far to title a thread "Russia's Superior Culture" and use a charity ball as an example.

Post: #8

(06-10-2015 05:33 AM)Gmac Wrote:  This is an example of the upper class throwing money around, not Russian society in general. I think you've got it a bit backwards OP. We can all probably agree that Russian women are generally more feminine, less fat, and more attractive overall. But I don't know if I would go so far to title a thread "Russia's Superior Culture" and use a charity ball as an example.

I think the consternation comes from two questions.

1) Superior based on what? One charity ball is not much.
2) Superior to whom? To mom, apple pie, and the American way? I'm not so sure. To Miley Cyrus, Drake, Dunham and the wide assortment of horrors? Fuck yes!

G

Post: #9

Triggered by healthy white heterosexual couples in formal dress.

Post: #10

Russia this, russia that. This exists in the USA, in the south google 'debutantes ball'...but again as with 'all those drunk russkies' the stereotype is 'all those inbred bible thumping rednecks'

Post: #11

It's quite telling that the Vienna-style ball finds fans in Russia.

I've been to the one in Vienna and it is a grand event, but the current one is a bit inundated with publicity crazy people and way too crowded. Still - it has a big tradition there and plenty of other balls are happening in Vienna in the season. So far feminists did not complain about it.

And while Russia is celebrating a return to old values the US is shifting into creepy White Knight Beta mode with the Purity Balls:





Because that will certainly work to preserve the "purity" of those cupcakes.

But DocH is right - the US as well as many other countries still have those traditions:



Usually it concerns the well-off or truly wealthy, but that is also often the case in Russia as well as Vienna.

Post: #12

Did they put away their fucking smart phones while they were at the ball?

Post: #13

Russia is full of corruption and also has a super low living rate.

Post: #14

In the U.S. you can say the president is an idiot, and nothing will happen. But, if you say something insulting about gays or trannys, you will lose your job.

In Russia, if you say something insulting about the president/prime minister, you could lose your job. But, you can insult someone who's gay or a tranny.

Which is better?

Post: #15

(06-10-2015 07:26 AM)Menace Wrote:  In the U.S. you can say the president is an idiot, and nothing will happen. But, if you say something insulting about gays or trannys, you will lose your job.

In Russia, if you say something insulting about the president/prime minister, you could lose your job. But, you can insult someone who's gay or a tranny.

Which is better?

It depends whether you see yourself closer to being a president or a tranny.

Post: #16

This is propaganda. We don't know if this represents the true state of Russian affairs.

Also, to the extent that Russia does improve is entirely dependent on the head of the state. So even if Putin does a good job, who is to say the next guy will be as good?

Lenin actually was doing a good job, but then he died suddenly and Stalin took over and fucked shit up. That's the problem with single person rule, as Aristotle pointed out. Either the monarch is amazing and is a King for his people, or he's an awful tyrant who crushes his people. So when it comes time for succession, who knows what happens next?

For the time being, Putin is doing a good job of resisting the West's economic influence and I commend his efforts to take back Crimea and take the sanctions like a man. He's probably going to make his country much stronger and economically independent in the long run because his people will be forced to produce for themselves what they normally relied on Europe to provide.

Post: #17

I respect the Russians and their culture but I wouldn't want to live there.

If North America and Europe feel off the face of the world, the last two countries I would want to live in would be Russia and China. Knowing me, they'd make me disappear for some reason. I'll take my chances in Brazil.

Post: #18

(06-10-2015 08:02 AM)Samseau Wrote:  That's the problem with single person rule, as Aristotle pointed out. Either the monarch is amazing and is a King for his people, or he's an awful tyrant who crushes his people. So when it comes time for succession, who knows what happens next?

Unpredictability with a changing ruler is surely a problem with monarchy, but couldn't modern times prove that predictability and hopelessness is a problem of democracy?

Also we don't really live in democracy, since women vote we live in feminocracy since women are majority voters and their votes are predictable and largely the same.

You cant predict what the king will do but you can always predict what the masses will want: bread and circus. And you can always predict what the women will want: remove freedoms and opportunities for more perceived security and social redistribution of benefits to their black hole sized appetites.

In a bad monarchy it is at least known whom to assassinate to change things. In a democracy/feminocracy nothing can be changed until system slowly rots.

Post: #19

OK, my fault. I shouldn’t have used the words ‘Russia’s Superior Culture’. I was taken by the heat of the moment after reading the putrescent note about Miley Cyrus. I should’ve better written the title ‘Meanwhile in Russia…’. My apologies.
Now, guys, imagine the same kind of charity event held in Washington DC.
I bet the hosts would be Jay-Z and his wife Beyonce.
The charity would be held to collect funds to support a campaign against the horrendous discrimination transgender people suffer in the patriarchal society of America.
The Queen of the Ball couldn’t be any other person than Caitlyn/Bruce Jenner; and her best man would be Dennis Rodman…You know, the Kardashian women have always had a crush on Black men. Such a wonderful gala would be attended by an endless parade of weirdos brought in situ from Hollywood, who would use the occasion to talk proudly to the press about their deep feminist, ultra-liberal convictions and to show off their last grotesque tatttoes. Among the nubile girls attending the gala you’d find Rosie O’Donell, Oprah, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, the Kardashian sisters and the Jenner sisters as well, etc. You follow my drift?
Oh, yes! I dare you to find 500 young, dignified, thin, heterosexual couples who can dress gala clothes in DC and Alexandria!

Post: #20

The reason anyone praises Russia as a superior culture is because how far the west, particularly America, has fallen. In Russia they have a semi-benevolent autocrat who was likely involved in psychological operations, subversion, and propaganda during his time in the KGB. He knows what the kind of filth running rampant in America does to a nation because his comrades were masters at causing that sort of cultural chaos elsewhere. He has the power to take steps to prevent the same disease from infecting his country, so he does so because he loves Russia.

In America the measures he takes are legally and culturally impossible. Libertinism, moral relativism, and 'tolerance' are seen as the highest virtues. Without any solid foundational anchor to keep it place, the culture swirls the drain. Maybe you don't agree with every weird degenerate thing going on, but the conventional wisdom it that's it wrong to judge! After all, if Bruce Jenner isn't physically hurting someone other than himself, who are we to say what he's doing is wrong? The same argument is applied to everything the promoters of degeneracy want to normalize and the people are too stupid to ask what effects this shit has on society at large.

I'd wager that most people here don't like Putin because he runs a corrupt mafia state. I don't. But I do admire him for his "fuck you, not here, not ever" stances on these matters and how he spits in the eyes of the freaks who are ruining America from within.

Post: #21

(06-10-2015 08:02 AM)Samseau Wrote:  Lenin actually was doing a good job

Lenin did horrible job. His NEP economic model was such a disaster and mess that it created unstoppable inflation and it took USSR 50 years to reach Tsarist GDP levels.

Quote: but then he died suddenly and Stalin took over and fucked shit up.

Stalin was worse for the people, but better for overall state power.

Quote:That's the problem with single person rule, as Aristotle pointed out. Either the monarch is amazing and is a King for his people, or he's an awful tyrant who crushes his people. So when it comes time for succession, who knows what happens next?

This presupposes that democratic systems do not cause trouble to their people. The only difference is, whatever bad happens to democracies it's circumstances, whatever bad happens to autocracies, it's autocrat's exclusive fault.

Then, there is also problem of sovereignty. Putin steered towards autocracy because he realized in democracy everything can be bought, and from there on, it's all about who pays better. Not only that, but in order to prevent insiders from doing the same, he had to put strict state control over sources of his oligarch's enormous wealth. They can be wealthy as long as they are loyal to Kremlin. Otherwise, they would have bought their way to the top, putting Putin aside long time ago.

Post: #22

(06-09-2015 11:05 PM)Quintus Curtius Wrote:  I definitely needed this morale boost today. Looking around the world today, it's pretty clear that Russia (and the Orthodox Church) is taking a strong stand for cultural conservatism. Or at least that's how I see it as an observer from outside.

They at least are putting up a fight.

The Cossack beat-down on Pussy Riot was an all-time classic.

Russia is taking a stand for conservatism. The nuance not visible from the outside is that it's all top-down. The population doesn't care for it one bit, they just try to get on with their lives. 80 years of Soviet rule followed by regular economic hardship has done a lot to dissuade people from voicing their opinion in politics.

A captive parliament that can't pass real legislation, so they just pass laws to prohibit this and that, to increase spending on entitlements (with the bill going to employers, which goes well with the anti-capitalist rhetoric), and propose silly throwbacks to the Soviet era. The church is an arm of the state, and criticizing it on the record is tantamount to criticizing Putin.

The educational system is being jerked around by senseless proposals for this class and that class...orthodox morals, patriotism / political philosophy and the such being some of the recent additions and proposals. Tell me how that prepares kids for quality jobs, when bullshit like that takes time away from algebra and chemistry.

Go against the cultural / religious norms and a witch hunt begins, which often gets picked up by state media as examples of rotten western culture. Pussy Riot notwithstanding, a number of controversial theater productions and artists have gotten tarred and feathered for being too controversial. Outbursts like these by pro-government forces aren't condemned, and certainly not investigated or punished (ex: pussy riot again). There are lots of tensions between social classes, ethnicities, and economic groups. It's hardly a healthy society.

It is a great place to visit when you are protected by an American passport, but too many people here only see Russia either through tourist goggles or Russia Today.

tldr: pursue American lifestyle, Russian wife girlfriends, not the other way around. Find a way to inoculate yourself and your main squeeze(s) from the negatives of western culture instead.

Data sheet maps

Post: #23

For all his faults, at least Putin is a patriot who loves his country and puts it first. I wish there were leaders like that in western Europe.

Post: #24

(06-10-2015 11:57 AM)WalterBlack Wrote:  For all his faults, at least Putin is a patriot who loves his country and puts it first. I wish there were leaders like that in western Europe.

Some say he is the world's richest man...I suspect he puts himself first.

I don't blame the guy; I'd do the same (and so do most leaders to be fair, in different ways).


I do wonder if this forum's love in for Russia would be different if the people weren't white and the women weren't incredibly hot.

Is Putin really that different from, say, an African Strongman-politico-type or this lauded ball so different from HiSo Europe in any way?

Post: #25

(06-10-2015 02:40 PM)CrashBangWallop Wrote:  

(06-10-2015 11:57 AM)WalterBlack Wrote:  For all his faults, at least Putin is a patriot who loves his country and puts it first. I wish there were leaders like that in western Europe.

Some say he is the world's richest man...I suspect he puts himself first.

I don't blame the guy; I'd do the same (and so do most leaders to be fair, in different ways).


I do wonder if this forum's love in for Russia would be different if the people weren't white and the women weren't incredibly hot.

Is Putin really that different from, say, an African Strongman-politico-type or this lauded ball so different from HiSo Europe in any way?

You've just hit the nail on the head there mate. A lot of this forum are so fixated on race it blinds them when it comes to rationality.