Russia: Ergo Sum Phenomena

My friend Dave Howlett reported on his Facebook page:

From the files of "finally confirmed what I suspected all along."

Yesterday a reporter was asked, "do you think the western press has an anti-Russia bias when covering the Olympic Games?"

He responded, "we don't have an anti-Russian bias but we do have a entertainment bias. I used to work at NBC and I can tell you the media knows most viewers have limited knowledge. So we reinforce the stereotypes people have in their minds. Westerners often stereotype Russians as evil, backwards and inefficient. So our stories reflect these concepts ("strongman Putin, broken bathroom doors, dirty water in athletes village, etc)"

The media knows that if they repeat what you think you know to be true, you will keep tuning in. I prefer to be challenged. How about you?

It confirmed what I've been arguing about in this whole Russia fiasco as well.  Russia is an easy target.  Attacking them without fair context is unflattering to us.

If I were to compare this to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, I wouldn't say Vancouver was free of problems.  But Vancouver had two advantages: a more coherent PR strategy backed by first class institutions and infrastructure, and Canada's reputation as a "nice" country.  The city had the capability to create sparkle, and the public wanted to see sparkle.

I would also compare Russia with Greece, which is another country rife with infrastructure problems.  I seem to recall things falling apart, organizational mishaps, empty stands and post 9/11 security risks.  But the tone was still different.  Because Greece had sentimental value as the originator of the Games and because it was still close to the millennium, there were enough people who wanted to see Greece succeed.  Media did not focus on the flailing economy or dilapidated infrastructure.

Russia will never sparkle.  For one, even Russians will despairingly joke about their own sardonic nature.  They would just as soon as join in the mockery than put on a good image.  For two, Russia has an exceeding number of negative stereotypes to contend with.  Just watch some classic Loony Toons or Rocky & Bullwinkle if you are wondering what they are.  For three, between their Soviet bureaucratic heritage and the competing sub-economies, any coherent strategy is a tremendous feat, never mind with PR.  For four, my academic adviser frequently posed the question, "Is Russia a developed country?"  On the one hand they were among the first nations in space and a major global power for over 50 years.  On the other hand, you can still find elderly women piling hay with pitch forks.  Russia has its own story of development that cannot be easily compared to Vancouver.  So expecting Russia to meet or exceed Vancouver's standard is an unfair comparison.

The Olympics are supposed to be about bringing the nations of the world together, to compete on fair and equal terms.  But unless we want to make the Olympics elitist and racist, two things need to change:

1.     We need to stop being elitist.  Instead of focusing on what the host country lacks, we need to focus on what they have to offer.  As it is, there are very few countries in the world that have the resources to host the Games.  If we don't lighten up, and continue to insist on expecting the Hilton where ever we go, then we will see the same countries over and over again.  I'm amazed at what Sochi was able to put together despite the impressive challenges.

2.     We need to drop the stereotypes.  The Games are supposed to foster global cooperation and understanding.  We need to see the Games as an opportunity to take a peek into another part of the world, and celebrate alongside the hosts what they felt was special enough to share with the rest of the world.  When we insist on seeing stereotypes, we become blind to everything else.