I'm going to be traveling to Moscow/St. Pete in 3 weeks: should I be concerned about anti-Americanism?

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rp121121

Debbie, anti-American sentiments that (in my opinion) had been virtually absent not long ago have certainly grown in Russia especially following the 5 day war in the South Ossetia. I do not want to get into this further, as you will get an opportunity to learn about the Russian position on the issue if you want to. I, however, in any case, do not think that you will encounter problems with locals because of being an American. For one thing b/c you are a woman (as your name suggest). Also, even beside you being a woman the vast majority of people will likely see you as an individual rather then someone who has anything to do with the politics of the U.S. government. I would probably suggest you to avoid talking politics to people there, and would certainly suggest it if your political views can be described as conservative republican because you may simply not be able to understand each other. I would also suggest not to stand out of the crowd too much and flaunt your being an American tourist mostly because thieves tend to think that Americans are rich. Finally, be prepared that people do not speak English there and places (like stores) where people do speak English charge way too much.

Acacia

Just don't be loud or obnoxcious, don't flaunt the fact your an American and you should be just fine. Good luck and happy travels.

Natalya B

Nop, there are sssooo many tourists in St. Pete that I do not think that it really meters.

Dodgers Baby

Well surprisingly, English people are very hostile towards Americans. Perhaps its because we kicked their arses as they would say.
But seriously, you'll be fine. I love the Russians. Don't be an arrogant and snotty American and you'll be fine.

kris

I don't think anyone here is telling you to hide where you're from - you just need to face the fact that people have certain ideas about Americans and you need to be cautious. If you go around talking loud English and sporting USA t-shirts you're making yourself a target ( in ANY foreign country). Is it fair? Who knows? Is it true? Yes. When I went to Mexico, my luggage brand had a tag that said "American Tourist" in HUGE letters and you know what? I took it off. Let's not get our luggage jacked because there are people who think all Americans are rich.

As for visiting Russia - go ahead and visit, go ahead and be your nice, fun self and yes go tell people where you're from if you want- some will mutter at you, most will think it's cool. The USA doesn't have the best image out there right about now,so yeah, you'll face some anti-americanism just about anywhere you go. All the more reason to get out there and let them find out what we're like for themselves.

Michael l

Anti-Americanis is very strong in the further west in europe you go, then it picks up again as you get into the Ukrain and Russia, but it's not NEARLY as bad as what you'll find in western europe or even canada---or even most US college campuses!
My experience with foreigners is they will denounce the US to your face, then they all fight over who gets to take you home!
Enjoy the attention!

Why so cynical?

I agee with the answer above , and also with the well-travelled girl with common sense.

Anti-American sentiment which has been virtually absent in Russia for a very long time has had an instant outburst since the recent events in the Coucasus , or to be precise , the American (mis)interpretation of those events.
I agree that you shouldn't encounter much anti0americanism since you're a woman. And anti-americansim is not as strong as you might think it to be. People have their own things to think about , rather than Americans! Most people strongly disagree with Americna politics , that's all. But Russians are not stupid - most will judge you for who you are , not for what your nationality is. So don't worry!

There's no more or less anti-Americansm in Russia than everywhere else. Probably less than in Britain though , 'cos don't forget , most people in Russia don't know English so they won't really be able to say things to you.

Don't worry. You'll be alright. Enjoy your trip , especially St.Petersburg , it's beautiful :)

Alex A

There's no anti-Americanism in Russia at all - May only be rare exceptions.

Mark S

Most people will just want your money and are too busy consumed with their own lives to care where you're from. Just stay clear of "trendy" spots frequented by angry college students and it'll be cool, that goes for the US too!!
And I agree the UK is the pits!

Veronika S.

Not much anti-americanism, you be nice to them, and they'll be nice to you. Dont explode in their faces, and they won't either!

Desert Rose

Some people will hate you just for being a foreigner. Don't mind them.

My Mexican friend has been living in Moscow since September, no complaints. He's nice to people and people are nice to him.

Just be nice and fun, as you said :)

Nice idea about Black people, there are lots of them in Moscow too

â‰

Proud of what? Being "American"? Being born in America and having an American passport? Waving American flag and praise American 'heroes'? "American way of life"? Claiming America as 'your country' not caring that it infact rightfully belongs to various indigenous Indian nations?
If you don't understand Anti-American sentiment (not only in Russia but in all lands) then you are deeply culturally and intellectually deficient and confirm every stereotype about an American that we know. From tone in which your question is written, I can almost conclude solidly that you are typical repugnant, oblivious, arrogant American.

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