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Newsletter June 2003 Review of past meetings
Attitudes had changed since the Komsomol/Pioneers-organised, more conforming activities of previous generations. Under Yeltsin, youth facilities decreased, as club buildings were taken over for increasingly commercialised purposes. In the post-Soviet era, youth clubs were closed down. New forms of leisure are emerging, e.g. the proliferation of rock clubs. Youth magazines reflect distinct changes in Russian youth culture: compare sombre 'Komsomolskaya Zhizn' from the 1980's with present-day glossy 'Ptyuch'. Hilary ended her lively illustrated talk with the conclusion that young people in Russia are not swallowing whole the once forbidden fruit, but developing a reasoned ambivalence to it. Bert Gedin and Heather Haslett Despite Russian assumptions to the contrary, John Holmes assured us that, although he learned Russian in the British army, he was never a spy (was learning English in the Red Army any different?). He was thoroughly trained as military interpreter for use in conflict times - however, to avoid controversy, you may draw your own conclusions! Because of his duties, he managed to avoid warfare in Korea (which some of us remember very well!). John's linguistic skills were never more useful than when conversing with his daughter's Belorussian guest, a child affected by the Chernobyl disaster in neighbouring Ukraine. John has since visited her family in Gomel, southern Belorus. Also, he has participated in student exchanges to Moscow & Minsk (but not Pinsk!) and, as a welcome change from student hostels, enjoyed a river cruise along the Volga (lucky fellow!). John provided some interesting insights into everyday life in Russia and Belarus. We also appreciated his lovely photos from unusual and faraway places. Heather Haslett and Bert Gedin |
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