I thought this was a great post on the reforms under Khrushchev’s rule. I only focused on one area of reform in my blog post, but I find it impressive that you go in-depth with several areas of reform!
Month: April 2019
Comment on Secrets, Secrets are No Fun by A. Nelson
This is a great post and we need to talk about it in class! I think you’re spot on about the nature of the differences between the two speeches, but I’m wondering if the explanation for their differences doesn’t have more to do with Khrushchev’s main objective, which was to craft a vision that would move the Party forward?
Comment on Secrecy Then, Secrecy Now: Khrushchev’s Denunciation of Stalinism by A. Nelson
“Khrushchev made a careful point to distinguish the crimes of Stalin from the Communist Party itself; in fact, he used his populist mantle to ally the Communist Party with the people — to frame itself, along with the people, as the victims of Stalin’s oppressiveness and brutality.” Absolutely! This was a tricky and critically important balancing act. And your post does a good job of telling us why the consequences of getting that balancing out wrong could have been disastrous for Khrushchev. Annika makes a comparable point in her post: https://bigbeariswatchingyou.wordpress.com/2019/04/14/secrets-secrets-are-no-fun/
Comment on Stalin Put the Fun in Funeral by A. Nelson
You are on a roll with the good titles! And I agree with others who appreciate your judicious use of quotes. Your post highlights how complicated and powerful the feelings were about the death of Stalin. Also, good job using the Manhoff video (and isn’t the coffin window a bit creepy?).
Comment on Bulat Okudzhava: The Russian Bob Dylan by A. Nelson
Thanks for writing about Okudzhava! Were you using Google Translate for the Russian source or are you leveling up on your Russian?
Comment on Bulat Okudzhava: The Russian Bob Dylan by A. Nelson
People LOVED Okudzhava! Everyone knew his work.. He was a beloved “guitar poet.” That song (“Paper Soldier”) was one of the first songs I learned in Russian — and not because I liked it. My teacher was convinced that EVERYONE had to learn it. By heart.
The comparison with Dylan is interesting. Okudzhava was perhaps not edgy enough — but Vladimir Vysotsky certainly was. He was an actor turned guitar poet with a much more turbulent relationship with the authorities and alcohol. His voice, especially in the later years, was really raspy – and harsh.
Comment on Secrets, Secrets are No Fun by amklingen
Thank you Dylan!
Comment on Secrets, Secrets are No Fun by amklingen
Very true! It seems to be a pattern that the younger generations tend to want the new because of their more educated world view, and then become comfortable in it. This then leads to them becoming the older generation, rejecting change. There needs to be a break in the cycle as people lean towards becoming continual learners.
Comment on Secrets, Secrets are No Fun by amklingen
Yes! I believe he was especially trying to save face because in the wake of Stalin he was still establishing himself as someone other than Stalin’s Mentee.
Comment on Secrets, Secrets are No Fun by amklingen
Thank you Sabrina! Obviously there is no way to actually get inside Khrushchev’s head and know which he actually meant, but the way he uses media leans towards him appearing to do damage control.
