5 Cultural Differences Between Russians And Americans That You Definitely Didn't Know
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

5 Cultural Differences Between Russians And Americans That You Definitely Didn't Know

Russians are really something else, I gotta say.

710
5 Cultural Differences Between Russians And Americans That You Definitely Didn't Know
Anna Kropov

Ever wondered about what makes Russians and Americans so different? Search no longer. Here is a short guide to what makes us stand out from each other.

1. Russians are more superstitious 

Russians are very superstitious, regardless of their religious beliefs. I can't even think of any American superstitions off the top of my head, but in Russia, almost every family I know sits down for a moment of silence before they leave for the airport. They don't whistle in the house because they'll "whistle away all their money", and you can't hug or kiss someone across a barrier or door because it's deemed bad luck, and more.

2. Russians are more reserved than Americans 

Russians do not say "Hi" to strangers when they walk past each other on the street. I honestly find it weird that Americans say, "Hi, how are you?" or maintain small talk while waiting in line at public places. I've never seen this in Russia or amongst Russian communities, as we typically keep to ourselves amongst strangers. We're simply not ones for idle talk.

3. Russians are more spiritual  

The general public is not very religious in America and this country leans more toward a secular culture, which is just about the opposite of Russia. In major Russian cities, there are churches everywhere and attending worship services (of any religion) weekly is very common in people's schedules. So many Russian cultural traditions have roots in Orthodox Christianity and the church plays a big role in Russian history. America is more liberal, and religions do not have a huge influence on the nation as a whole now.

4. Russians are very blunt compared to Americans 

In Russian culture, we expect our friends to give unsolicited advice, and not getting blunt honesty in return is a sign of a bad friend. We don't deal with evasiveness, sugarcoating, and dishonest answers. We want to know the cold, hard truth. Americans typically "beat around the bush" when it comes to these kinds of situations, or like to avoid unpleasant answers. So, if you look bad in a dress, your American friend might say "It's alright, I guess" but your Russian friend will say "That looks bad. Find something else." We don't do this to be mean, we just want to be real with you. It's a sign of trust.

5. Russians care A LOT about what other people think 

In America, there is a big movement of "Do what you want and don't care or pay attention to other people's opinions of you." American women will go to class in sweatpants and hair up in a messy bun, straight out of bed, and nobody will care. Personally, that internally horrifies me. I almost NEVER leave the house without makeup on. Russians will buy expensive clothes with big labels so they seem rich (even if they are not), that way others will have a high opinion of them. We will literally put on makeup and perfume JUST to go to the grocery store, including me because we want to look like a 10/10 wherever we go. What can I say, life is a fashion show in Russia.

While there is a lot more on this topic, I hope this can provide a little insight into the unique world of Russian culture and how we differ from Americans. As someone who is Russian and lives in the U.S., I find it interesting to see how each society lives and what I see myself leaning towards when exposed to both ways of life.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58016
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37371
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959033
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192519
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments