Soviet Self-Hatred: The Secret Identities of Postsocialism in Contemporary Russia

Soviet Self-Hatred explores the imaginary Russian identities that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union, showing how they are balanced on a axis between pride and shame. Eliot Borenstein identifies and analyzes four distinct types: the sovok, New Russian, vatnik, and Orc, which show how stories people tell about themselves can become the stories that others are forced to live.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Soviet Self-Hatred delves into the complex tapestry of imagined Russian identities that surfaced after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Eliot Borenstein, in his insightful analysis, unveils the nuanced nature of these identities, revealing them to be intricately balanced on a simple axis between pride and shame. These identities, he argues, are dynamic and adaptable, shifting in response to Russia's changing position in the global community, its concerns about internal dissent and external threats, as well as the stark socio-economic disparities that exist within its borders.

To explore these multifaceted identities, Borenstein employs a rich array of sources, including close readings of Russian fiction, films, jokes, songs, fan culture, and Internet memes. Through this meticulous examination, he identifies and analyzes four distinct types with which Russians identify or project onto others. These include the sovok (the Soviet yokel), the New Russian (the despised and ridiculed nouveau riche), the vatnik (the belligerent and jingoistic patriot), and the Orc (the ultraviolent savage derived from a deliberate misreading of Tolkien's epic).

By examining these contested identities, Soviet Self-Hatred sheds light on the tragic consequences that can arise when individuals and societies construct narratives about themselves. These narratives, often shaped by external pressures and societal norms, can become the stories that others are compelled to live, perpetuating cycles of prejudice, discrimination, and violence. Through its exploration of the interplay between self-perception and societal expectations, the book offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of identity formation and the power of storytelling to shape our collective reality.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501769887