The myth about Stalin has not left us for over 50 years. The first attempt at Stalins official rehabilitation was made in school history textbooks in 2007 when he was described as an effective manager. However, the rehabilitation did not take place. Later, it turned out that the rehabilitation had simply been postponed.
The growing popularity of the myth about Stalin is linked with the present agenda. A series of loud corruption scandals aggravated by the culprits impunity have left society disappointed in the authorities. Protest attitudes are on the rise.
In the Russian system of values, the category of justice has always been above that of the law. The current myth about Stalin is based on his image as a cruel, but fair leader who eradicated corruption, arbitrary rule by officials and the crime rate. As for the reprisals, they are viewed as a forced, but acceptable necessity.
It is important to consider that the Stalin myth is not a product of the Stalin era alone. We have inherited the traits of the modern Russian philistine mistrust of civil institutes, an expectation of resolute actions by the authorities, an ability to adapt oneself to practically any conditions, a cult consciousness and doubts in the significance of ones own opinions. These concepts are the quintessence of the social and cultural practices of a number of preceding epochs.
Full version of the article was published on valdaiclub.com
The growing popularity of the myth about Stalin is linked with the present agenda. A series of loud corruption scandals aggravated by the culprits impunity have left society disappointed in the authorities. Protest attitudes are on the rise.
In the Russian system of values, the category of justice has always been above that of the law. The current myth about Stalin is based on his image as a cruel, but fair leader who eradicated corruption, arbitrary rule by officials and the crime rate. As for the reprisals, they are viewed as a forced, but acceptable necessity.
It is important to consider that the Stalin myth is not a product of the Stalin era alone. We have inherited the traits of the modern Russian philistine mistrust of civil institutes, an expectation of resolute actions by the authorities, an ability to adapt oneself to practically any conditions, a cult consciousness and doubts in the significance of ones own opinions. These concepts are the quintessence of the social and cultural practices of a number of preceding epochs.
Full version of the article was published on valdaiclub.com
