[CaptainHaplo]

The "average" Russian is little different from the average European or American, or any other person for that matter. Many see good and bad in their government, they celebrate family and friends, etc.

Old prejudices die hard, and unfortunately they perservere not so much in the common person, but more often in the halls of governance, on all sides. For example, the missile defence shield is used as a reasoning for national rallying, when Russia could instead be a PART of the process. But for those in power, it is easier to create tension to focus attention, or as we say in America, allow the tail to wag the dog. American politicians do the same, just so there is no misunderstanding or "America is better" claims (though in the traditions of freedom it undeniably is).

In many ways, the two countries are more similiar than they are different at the "grass roots" level of people. Many would say that corruption is more of a problem there, but I would say that jerrymandering, pay to play and other such government corruption shows that America is just as politically corrupt. Business corruption however is more rampant from what I have seen. Local corruption is worse, but that simply is based on the fact that the people themselves have no true control over who runs the local show. However, the "worse-ness" is a matter of degrees, not huge jumps.

I have no problem with the average russian, european or american. I will repeat something I got from my dad, and I have said more than once to my son. We all bleed red. Judge a man on his actions, not his background.

To that end, I have little to judge, as my direct experience immersed in Russian culture is limited. However, what I have observed shows me little difference in reality between them and anyone else.