I am in a smaller urban setting in the Moscow oblast (province). Crime is way, way lower than I'm used to in America. My impression is that it's mostly theft.
Everybody I've talked to who knows both cultures has agreed with this summary: Americans are softer on the outside and harder on the inside, Russians are harder on the outside and softer on the inside.
The "standard of living" is certainly lower here, but the minimum amount you need to live is way, way lower. There's government support, but also less social expectations, more cultural freedom to improvise, and better quality for the cheapest food and goods. People have each others' backs in some important ways (see also the crime question).
That was very informative, much appreciated! My view on Americans also varies greatly because in the northeast where I'm from, there are very loud and expressive people. Not talking about first Gen immigrants who are not of the culture, or the university transplants that bring their cultures with them, but the native New Yorkers and New Jersey folk. Those people are very much rough on the outside but soft on the inside towards the family (think new York Italians from long island).
What situation are you in? If urban, do you find high crime rates? Are people warm and friendly or more "cold" socially?
I know wages are lower, but do most people struggle more than in the US financially, is it similar, or less?
I am in a smaller urban setting in the Moscow oblast (province). Crime is way, way lower than I'm used to in America. My impression is that it's mostly theft.
Everybody I've talked to who knows both cultures has agreed with this summary: Americans are softer on the outside and harder on the inside, Russians are harder on the outside and softer on the inside.
The "standard of living" is certainly lower here, but the minimum amount you need to live is way, way lower. There's government support, but also less social expectations, more cultural freedom to improvise, and better quality for the cheapest food and goods. People have each others' backs in some important ways (see also the crime question).
That was very informative, much appreciated! My view on Americans also varies greatly because in the northeast where I'm from, there are very loud and expressive people. Not talking about first Gen immigrants who are not of the culture, or the university transplants that bring their cultures with them, but the native New Yorkers and New Jersey folk. Those people are very much rough on the outside but soft on the inside towards the family (think new York Italians from long island).