We hear discussions about gender a lot today, what it means to be masculine, to be feminine, the difference between … More
Category: Red Star
Maksim Gorky
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The 1930s in the USSR was a period of great change on the cultural front, a period in which revolutionary values were replaced with Stalinist ideology and policies. A crucial part of this “Great Retreat”, as it is now called, was the re-unification of literature with Party values; thus making a move away from the … Continue reading Maksim Gorky →
Art imitates reality. (We hope)
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Aleksandr Deyneka (Alexander Deineka), most famous for his work as a Soviet realist painter, aids us in viewing Soviet culture as it changes dramatically from the October Revolution to the onset of World War II. Deyneka is a prominent figure head in the “art to the masses” movement in the 1920s, he creates mosaics for … Continue reading Art imitates reality. (We hope) →
Protected: The Heroic Myth of Pavlik Morozov
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There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
In Russia, Champagne Drinks You
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Of all of France’s claims to fame found throughout history, one of the most iconic is that sweet, bubbly champagne found at almost any celebration. Hailing from the region of France named Champagne, this type of wine is traditionally a sparkling white that uses grapes grown in the region and is normally put through a … Continue reading In Russia, Champagne Drinks You →
Stalin’s Favorite Movie: Soviet Film in the 1930’s
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The period from 1924 to 1930 is often called “The Golden Age of Soviet Cinema.” During this time, Soviet filmmakers made breakthroughs in visual effects and editing styles. At the same time, they rejected the bourgeoisie trend in Western films of psychologizing characters and focusing on individuals. Instead, Soviet directors often focused on people…
Young Communists and Young Thug
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Why are the youth important to society and the safety of governments? Its simple, they are the ones that will grow up and either support or revolt. Governments and personalities look to influence young generations in order to push societal views or norms. One example of this in modern day is singers/song writers who cater … Continue reading Young Communists and Young Thug
Women: Powerful or just Domestic?
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This image, entitled “The Delegate” from the visual essay, “Models & Counter-models of Gender” within the subject of Revolutionary Manliness reminded me of Liuda in the silent film, “Bed and Sofa.” This image depicting women in the communist 1920’s is grouped with four others, each different from the next. Below are two starkly contrasting photographs, …
Order No. 1
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Russia has always had a massive army. It currently has about 1,000,000 active members with another 2.5 million in reserve. Back during the February Revolution, however, it was even bigger. The Imperial Russian Army was roughly seven and a half million strong in 1917, most of whom were peasants. This huge organization underwent massive changes … Continue reading Order No. 1
Is it too late now to say Tsar-ry?
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Imagine: You’re an average man. You provide for your wife and five children. You do your job. Normal things. Except … More
