Intersting conversation with a 70 y.o. estonian/russian woman in Tartu....

[getagrip_already]

Estonia has a tortured recent past. They achieved independance from the russian empire in 1918, only to be occupied by the nazis during wwii and then annexed by the ussr in 1944. The ussr occupied them until 1991, complete with kgb rule.

Anyway, we were traveling and hired a local guide to show us around for a few hours. She was born in Estonia in 1954 and proudly declared she was russian; only estonian because she lived there.

She was interesting, but unapolegetic for anything the soviets did during the occupation. She said that history was rewritten to eliminate the positives the russians provided and exagerate the negatives.

At one point i asked her if she thought russia returning and taking over would be good or bad. She didn't give a direct answer but made it clear she would prefer it. Free health care, cheap food, and free education. Estonia already has an excellent health care and education system, all heavily subsidized (but not technically free, though americans would argue).

I was amazed how nostalgic for a repessive regime she was. Clearly she lead a priveliged life under communist rule. She traveled for school and held prestigious jobs in university and business. But.... i guess some blinders stay on.

She was also a conspiracy nut, talking about "chem trails", and about not believing in vaxinations or modern medicine.

Sigh. We are not alone.

[CanonRay]

1. We had the opposite experience this year in Estonia

A woman born in the early 80s under Soviet rule, but came of age in free Estonia. She hates and fears the Russians. They are preparing for was as best they can. The government won't even let Russian be an elective in school. She dislikes the high taxes, but understood the need. She is deathly afraid of them coming back.

[getagrip_already]

2. Yeah, that is the same experience we had, except..

For this women.

Almost everyone we met were fiercly on the side of independence. They hated the ussr, and have several museums dedicated to the autrocities under kgb rule. You could be turned in by anyone for any reason or no reason. It didnt matter to interrogators.

But this woman was different, which is why it was so notable.

[Wicked Blue]

4. The Russians living in Estonia watch Russian television

and are steeped in Russian propaganda.

[getagrip_already]

5. I hadnt thought of that....

Makes sense. Also makes the death of voa that much more bitter. They also broadcast in russian, but with a more balanced format.

[Wicked Blue]

3. I have relatives in Estonia who won't even speak the word Russian

It's a very old superstition. To speak the name of an enemy may summon it. They call Russia the Eastern Neighbor, Ida-Naaber.

They also have superstitious nicknames for bears, foxes and wolves.

[getagrip_already]

6. Now that you mention it...

I do remember hearing that a couple of times from others.