What Will Happen After Putin Gets Re-Elected: A Psychological Analysis Through Yana's Story
The re-election of President Putin in Russia brings with it a bleak prognosis for the nation's future. Russia will remain a closed pariah, bearing the scars of a pointless and criminal war. The rest of the world, including the people living in Moscow, will gradually forget the existence of Russia. But what will Russia be like after Putin’s re-election? Let's use Yana's story to explore this question.
The Russian Mindset: A Case Study in Cognitive Dissonance
Yana, a typical office worker and long-time resident of Moscow, embodies the conflicted psyche of many Russians. Her reality is a tapestry of progressive Moscow life and a post-apocalyptic landscape. Her experiences and perceptions offer a window into the societal mindset that persists despite the many challenges faced by the country.
Moscow residents view themselves as 'little oligarchs' and regard the rest of the country as the 'Serengeti.' This dichotomy reflects a sense of superiority and a stark contrast with the 'wasteland' of the Russian hinterland. According to Yana's narrative, Russia is a 12-million square mile post-apocalyptic landscape where 'emaciated survivors eke out a miserable existence.' The mental divide between the illuminated city and the desolate countryside is both a reflection and a perpetuation of societal dissonance.
A Failed State Clinic Experience
Yana's experience at a state clinic provides a classic example of the ineffective and often inhumane public services that Russians face. Her story illustrates the deep-rooted issues within the Russian health system. She waited for hours, saw a late-arriving doctor who spoke rudely, and received little meaningful help.
Yana's frustration is palpable when she posts about the harsh conditions and insults in Stories. She hopeslessly compares the situation to the absurdity of drinking beer through one's nostrils in her hometown. This humor underscores the harsh realities faced by many Russians who must navigate a broken healthcare system.
Military Propaganda and Civic Responsibility
In parallel to her negative experience at the state clinic, Yana enrolls her son in a Hamas-style Patriotic Military Summer Camp. Participation in such camps has surged, driven by a combination of societal trends and personal ambitions. War and the identification of autism are both trending topics among Russians.
Yana's obsession with fitting in with this military trend is not an isolated phenomenon. Many Russians, including Yana, have a deeply ingrained sense of duty to the nation. She wears her pride on her sleeve, posting proudly how her son participates in military drills and "assault rifle" exercises. Yet, paradoxically, she also questions the allocation of her tax dollars to these activities.
The cognitive dissonance is evident when Yana exclaims, 'Where are my taxes?' She sees her son's participation in military training as a form of civic responsibility and pride, but she also recognizes the wastage of healthcare funds. Her son, in uniform and wielding a plastic assault rifle, is literally spending her medical services taxes.
The power of propaganda is evident in Yana's mindset. She views her state clinic experience through the lens of deranged Chekist propaganda. Her son's military training is seen as part of a grand scheme to prepare the next generation for war. This is a prime example of how a powerful narrative can overshadow practical issues like access to medical care.
The Broader Implications
Yana's story is representative of a larger societal condition in Russia. The re-election of Putin will likely exacerbate this condition. Many Russians are living in a state of psychological damage, a result of 110 years of Chekist propaganda. The mental divide between urban prosperity and rural despair, coupled with a warped sense of civic duty, makes it difficult to forge meaningful change.
The rest of the world may gradually forget about Russia, but within the country, the divide between the oppressor and the oppressed continues to grow. The re-election of Putin will not change this reality. Instead, it will perpetuate a cycle of dissonance and propaganda that keeps Russians from recognizing and addressing the true cost of their actions.
Misha Firer is a Moscow-based writer. He delves into the complexities of Russian society and offers insightful commentary on the challenges facing the nation. You can further explore his work here.