Let's discuss Russian "spirituality"...

[peacetraveler22]

There are some words which have purely subjective meanings in my view, and "spirituality" is one of them. For me, this word has nothing to do with God or religion. As an agnostic, I'm not attached to any church or religious rituals, yet I still consider myself a spiritual person. This seems to be a key word in Russian media and culture, as discussions about "spirituality" are constantly thrown around on LJ and in comments, usually to insult the non-spiritual and decadent West. I saw it just this week when the pro-Kremlin blogger "politichanka" grew outraged at Varlamov's recent posts about bad Sevastopol, particularly his focus on all the trash in the city. The reason for all this shit on the ground? She claims that "Ukraine in 23 years failed to instill spiritual values in the youth. Therefore, young people behave like pigs and there is garbage everywhere." Of course, this is an absurd statement but I grew curious and decided to ask her what her definition of "spirituality" is. Her answer? "Actually I don't know."

I never use words I don't know or understand, especially when I'm insulting people. For me, spirituality is an aura, the energy and emotion that you evoke when encountering complete strangers, your charitable contributions to the overall good of humanity, a connection to something bigger than yourself, and an overall sense of openness and positivity toward the world and its inhabitants....and how about you? How does Russian culture define "spirituality," and why is the term so commonly used there? Help me understand. :)

Comments

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

What do you mean "spoofer?" In what way?

[dmitri-lytov.livejournal.com]

She pretends to be serious, but she overuses clichés of the Russian propaganda and sometimes puts them in wrong contexts, which makes impression of deliberate irony.

Just one example:
http://politichanka.livejournal.com/430414.html

"...regarding the drug ads in Sevastopol. Personally, I don't think it's drug advertizing. They are just selling some "salt". Perhaps in large batches. It must be snowing soon, and the streets should be salted"

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

So you think she is really not so stupid and brainwashed? Perhaps her blog is a commercial endeavor, but she does not have ads so I don't think so. Yes, her posts always spit out typical propaganda - all is bad in the West, Turkish assholes and glory to Putin! :)

[dmitri-lytov.livejournal.com]

I regularly watch some "cotton wool" blogs, and from time to time follow links to some others.
Their basic difference from that of politichanka is that they use propaganda only to backfire at some accusations, and their general attitude towards anyone they chose to be their "enemy" is aggressive and despising.
Well, I won't argue if you think otherwise. I like your blog and will keep following it no matter what you think about this or that blogger.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Your perceptions are interesting! I do not have time to read so many political blogs and in general the comments to such bloggers' posts are so nasty and aggressive that I try to avoid them. I'm glad you like my blog! Thanks for reading. :)

[valera.livejournal.com]

Yeah, from reading the post dmitri_lytov linked to, it definitely looks like satire. You know, kinda like the Colbert Report.