How Can We Change American Perceptions on Russian Realities?

[Deb Palmieri on Russia Table of Contents]

The following article was published in the Russian Commerce News, May-June 1997. The Russian Commerce News is the official publication of The Russian-American Chamber of Commerce®.

How Can We Change American Perceptions on Russian Realities?

On a recent sunny day in the Mile High City, I opened Denver's leading business journal to the following front page treatise by its prominent editor. "Russia is a crime-infested, inflation-plagued, ailing industrial laggard." The article went on to say that Russia was destined to be merely a second-rate summit player (in reference to the upcoming Summit of the Eight), and that only lip service would be paid to President Yeltsin, leader of one of the weakest economies in the world. My sunny day darkened as I studied the rationale and argumentation of the feature and I began to ponder the reality of American misinformation when it comes to Russia. Most of the article was based on stereotypes, partial information and a fundamental misunderstanding of Russia's political and economic reality both in the present and its capability for the future. Yet the article aptly characterized the predominant U.S. press attitude towards Russia and the Soviet Union before it - one of fear, lack of knowledge, perception of the country as an enemy state and a thorough misreading of an accurate state of affairs and Russia's internal developments.

Is there hope under these circumstances for genuine U.S.-Russian friendship and economic cooperation? Yes, there is, but we must all work harder to transform this hope into reality. Americans must open their minds to a new way of looking at Russia, one based on optimism, hope, forgiveness for the past transgressions under communism and confidence that Russia and the Russians can make it. Why not replace criticism, skepticism and negativism with love, admiration, respect and a positive attitude? Why not insist our press become more accurate and open-minded toward things Russian? It is after all, in our own economic and security interest to do so. We need to guarantee a future world for our children and grandchildren in the 21st century free from the plague of the Cold War and the hatred and suspicion generated by the communism vs. free world debate that pervaded and colored the 20th century. We can and should make every effort to promote a healthy and strong working relationship between two of the world's premier nations. Since I know many of my readers share a similar outlook, our job is to effect a broader reach to those in the media and political circles who may not share our opinions. Call your press friends today and ask them to report on something positive and upbeat happening in Russia. Let's reach out and touch somebody's hand - make this a better world if you can, by promoting good U.S.-Russian relations.

Deborah Anne Palmieri
Russian Commerce News, May-June 1997