Vodka, Russia's Water

Being Russian…”WAIT DID HE JUST SAY HE WAS RUSSIAN?! SOMEONE CALL THE POLICE WE GOT A VODKA LOVIN” BEAR WRASLIN’ SOVIET!”

When people think of Russians they think of the big bear hunting drunk whose accent makes you think that he’s the main of villain of some James Bond movie made in the era of the Cold War. Russia and America has had that special relationship for many years. Where on the American side they make fun of the Russian way of living, they do the same on the Russian side. But for now we’ll focus on the American side and their views on the Russian way of living.

For many Americans the sight of a Russian without their special companion confuses them and leaves in the suspicion that once again “Those dang Russians are up to something!” Who is this special companion you ask? Why no other than a bottle of vodka of course! The Stereotype that many people have grown accustomed to is that Russians are to a bottle of vodka as water is to a swimming pool.

Russians have many stereotypes but for this post will be talking mostly about the perceptions of the Russian vodka lover vs. the reality of that stereotype.

Vodka was first made in Eastern Europe. But the actual first production of vodka is still a mystery. With many sources claiming that Poland was the first to do so in 8^th century while others claim that Russia was the first to do so in the 9^th century.

Many of you now are probably telling yourselves “Well there you have it! If Russia was indeed one of the possible countries that produced vodka, then that must mean that the stereotype is true that all Russians drink vodka.” I’ll admit that with this piece of information it does fall into favor that vodka has been part of the Russian culture for many centuries, but this does not give us enough information to the reality of the Russian drinking culture.

So this is where I start to provide my own personal experience on the Russian culture, since I’m Russian myself. Growing up around the Russian culture has given the reality and experience that will help in the analysis of the Stereotypes that surround the lively culture of Russia.

As a young child I would remember many parties and gatherings that my parents either created or went to. And at those gatherings I would always see one thing, Vodka. No matter the situation or the celebration, someone would always go out his or her way to get some kind of alcohol and vodka always seemed to be the favored choice. And the better the vodka, the better the dancing. 

Every celebration seemed to start and end with the Russian toast. This consisted of the pourer to pour everyone a shot of vodka and say a long toast; this could be about wishing luck or congratulating someone on some achievement.

The Russian stereotype referring to vodka is that “All Russians drink vodka and they do so, ALL THE TIME” This stereotype is both a true and false statement. 

It is true when it comes to Russians drink vodka but the statement where they drink it all the time is plainly just not correct. Many Russians drink only in times of celebrations and they drink vodka, but some Russians prefer Cognac or Beer. Vodka is considered a celebratory drink and isn’t brought to a gathering unless it is a special occasion.

Sadly Russia isn’t without its fair share of alcoholics. In Russia many men don’t live past their mid-fifties due to over drinking. But the alcoholic Russian isn’t something that would further support the Russian stereotype because alcoholism isn’t a contained factor. Alcoholism is found throughout the whole world, well at least where alcohol can be obtained that is.

I will be ending todays blog post with an old Russian saying, Next time we’ll explore the second popular stereotype of the Russian culture, “All Russians Smoke”

“Vodka is our enemy, so we’ll utterly consume it!”