This article takes us through the phases of progress of the Russian women right from the times of the Soviet Union up until present day. Russian women have always been the most apt examples of defining beauty and by that I mean just not external beauty but internal too. Russian women have always wanted to carve a niche for themselves just like their American or European counterparts but the stringent rules during the Soviet time and the lack of awareness during that time pulled them back greatly. Its a pity that their talent and beauty was not recognized and hence the world lost the opportunity to know some of the finest women who could have made it big.
The main point here is that the Russian women have always wanted to have their own individual identity. Gone are the days when men treated Russian women as mere pleasure dolls or escorts to boost their morale and prestige. Women like Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova, Vogue cover girl Natalia Vodianova, Jelena Jankovic, Ana Ivanovic are just a few living examples who defied tradition and are living examples of success. They realised their potential and passion and took the tough road in order to achieve what they achieved and climb the ladder of success. Russian women have moved away from the concept of just doing the thing which would happen in their bloc or village or town and have ventured into multi-dimensional tasks. We as men, in general have to get over the fact that women are subordinate and are meant to do only a set number of tasks. In particular,Russian men who have always curbed their women need to learn that the world has changed and moved on. The Soviet rules are no longer applicable and the Russian women should be given the liberty to showcase their beauty to the entire world.
In the article Cool Bodies: TV and Talk, by M. Gillespie, the point that young people have a “preoccupation with matters of physical appearance,” “criteria of physical attractiveness,” proves just how obsessed our culture is as far as looks are concerned and how these Russian beauties are the perfect models to sell our products (Gillespie 154).
The bottom line is that we shouldn't be threatened by the progress these amazing women are making in different territories but infact we should be a source of encouragement for them so that they can come out without fear and show to the world what they've got and what they're made of. Next time we see a Russian women, we shouldn't just think of sexuality but instead we must make an effort to look at her internal beauty and just not the materialistic superficial beauty.
References:
Applebaum, Anne. "Anne Applebaum's on Maria Sharapova et al.:Raising the Curtain on Russian Beauty," National Post (February 2008): http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/02/01/anne-applebaum-on-maria-sharapova-et-al-raising-the-curtain-on-russian-beauty.aspx (accessed February 15, 2008).
Gillespie, M. "Cool Bodies:TV and Talk." In Custom Courseware: CMST 1A03, ed. Prof. Sevigny. Hamilton:McMaster University Bookstore, January 2008, 153-171.
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