About Russians in America

Residents of the Russian area of ​​Brighton Beach. Photo: Pavel Terekhov

I want to say at once: speaking further in the text “Russians in America”, I mean all peoples who speak Russian (Belarusians, Ukrainians, Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Moldovans, etc.).

How I would divide Russians in America

Probably by age.

Young, who arrived in 18-30 years. These are students who came for valuable American education, and those who came by exchange - work and travelas well as young families, etc. It is easier for young people to learn English, they are easily drawn into a new culture. As a result, get a job here and remain. Many create a family here.

I think this is the most adequate category of Russian immigrants. They are more open, easier to contact.

Middle-aged - 30-45 years. These are people who have already decided on immigration. Mostly they had a livelihood in their homeland, but someone did not like something, someone just won a green card in the lottery, someone had major problems and needed to leave the country. Such people were born in the Soviet Union, where they spent their childhood. These immigrants already have more Russian. It’s harder for them to reorganize in a new way and start from scratch.

I must say that the United States is not a cheap country, and loaders and vendors come here rarely. And this means that in this category of people one can often meet both businessmen and minor officials. At first, they bring suitcases with money, rent good housing, buy expensive cars, someone is trying to do business here. But after six months or a year, the money scatters, and then the worst thing begins - work. And where can they get with bad English and no experience? Only for low-grade work - something to clean, carry, carry ...

There are those who arrange their lives well here, but not all. It is painfully difficult for people who have received honor, respect and substantial kickbacks to drive an Uber in the USA.

The exceptions in this category are those who came not with a lot of money, but with a lot of experience - IT, auto mechanics, builders. These are just the opposite - they earn many times more here and settle down much faster. But there are not many of them.

Since it is difficult to rebuild the bulk of this category, many of them live in Russian. They rent houses in Russian regions, communicate with Russians, find work through Russians. Consequently, the level of English is in place - at zero. Business such categories are also conducted in Russian - they deceive workers, evade taxes, etc. Basically, Russian business is designed for the same Russians who do not know English, which means that prices there are too high.

Brighton Beach residents choose free products that are about to expire. Photo: Pavel Terekhov

Example: my friend changed status from a tourist to a student at a Russian lawyer. They took $ 1000. As he later learned from an American lawyer it costs $ 100, because there is a half an hour job to fill out a couple of forms and send.

Those who come after 45. These are people, not only born, but also raised in the Soviet Union. So rebuild the most difficult, almost impossible. They themselves know that they will no longer be "Americans". Therefore, few people are willing to actively learn the language and learn local professions. The choice to live, except in the Russian areas, they do not have. I would call these people the backbone of the Russian areas - Brighton Beach in New York or Sani Isles in Miami. They will be the first to curse America, but they will not go home, of course.

Board game lovers on Brighton Beach. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

Who are they and how did they get here? Some left with the collapse of the Union, some were transported by children, some won the lottery, and some were simply a senior official or a retired oligarch. Based on this they live. Some with the money of children, others with the money of serfs from Russia. There are also those for whom money does not fall from the sky, so they spin as best they can, including deceiving their own compatriots.

How do Russians communicate in America?

Everything is different. Those who live and work in a circle of Americans speak English well.

But residents of Russian communities communicate much more interesting. There is no sense in communicating in English, therefore everyone speaks Russian. But at the same time, in English, English words are inserted through the word. Why is that? Because if every day you hear a word in English, then you simply forget how to say it in Russian. And it's easier to insert an English word than to blunt and recall the Russian equivalent of this word.

For example, during my time at the hotel, a dozen different hotel words stuck to me, such as Check-in, check-out, reservation, maintenance, night runner. Accordingly, I use them in Russian speech as well. Just try to translate “maytenens” in your head in a couple of seconds. I know this is the guy who fixes everything that breaks in the hotel. I’ve never even looked up the Russian equivalent of this word in the dictionary. Or a “night runner” - a guy who runs around the rooms in the evening and delivers everything that the guests lack - towels, paper, etc. How to say this in Russian?

Now imagine the speech of a man who lived 10 years in the Russian quarter. There are exactly 50% English words related to Russian verbs.

There is another example of interesting communication. One aunt worked with me in the hotel, who mixed Russian and English differently. She could speak one sentence in Russian, then two in English, then again in Russian. Or simply came to the company where 2-3 is Russian, and began a conversation with us in English. What for? We did not understand.

How do Americans feel about Russians?

Remember, at the beginning of the post I said that I would call everyone who speaks Russian Russian. So, the Americans do exactly the same. They don’t care whether you are Ukrainian or Moldavian, Tajik or Uzbek, if from your lips they hear “Khshpcht arpsh trnde ukn kart drone” (and this is how they hear Russian), then you are Russian.

When I was going to the States, my parents, zombie square object in the center of the room, were a little shocked.

- How to America? They hate Russians! Do you watch the news?

It’s a shame that our media conducts such active propaganda, and it’s even more offensive that people believe in such propaganda. I think about 90% of Russians will never visit America, so the impression is formed only from TV news. And you know what the news is: “A cunning American from the state of McHampshire has come up with a new way to screw over the Russians! Watch the program “Let Them Talk!” live.

In reality, everything is different. The only thing people don’t like us for is that we are unfriendly. Let's not smile again. In all other respects, Americans, on the contrary, show interest in Russians. For example, when they find out that I am from Russia, they always ask how much I love Putin. This is the standard first question for any American. Then they are surprised when I answer that not much. Well, then there are a series of standard questions - how cold is it here, do I like vodka, etc.

There is absolutely no negativity towards Russians! Or, for example, they often ask the question where I’m from. I say: “From Russia.” “Oh Rasha! Great!

And you should see with what admiration they watch our road wars from the recorders. You won’t surprise them with any blockbusters; they were born into this. Another thing is the video from the camera, where people are waving baseball bats and tire irons, and around there are some strange vehicles from the last century. Then the police arrive, whose physique is more reminiscent of a posse of Winnie the Poohs. For them, it’s like watching a video from a parallel universe.

I recently said to my wife: “Maybe I should buy a bat too, in case I accidentally end up in the ghetto, at least I’ll have something to fight off.”

And she told me: “So they’ll shoot you right away!”

Thought that America is really somehow differently arranged ????

So, maybe someone will not believe it, but the Americans have completely different problems. Russian they nafig not rested. They already have an established lifestyle, with their wages, taxes and other things. They are more concerned about how their president performs the duties. And if we are talking about immigrants, then first of all there is no end of Hispanics. Russian they absolutely do not interfere.

How do Russians treat Russians?

Stills from the film "Brother-2"

This topic is more interesting. Remember the joke about the forums of different countries:

American forum. Ask a question, they answer you.

Israeli forum. Ask a question, you are answered with a question.

Russian forum. You ask a question and for a long time they prove to you what an asshole you are.

Go to any forum about America, and make sure that on 1000% this anecdote is true.

After all, any move begins with the search for information. I want to know how those who have already immigrated live and work. I want to find some useful info, get some useful tips. But, as they say in that joke, advice, besides the fact that you are an asshole, you will not get. This sracha, as in the forums about America, I have never met.

For example, some naive fool would ask: how can I find a job?

Oooo. It will simply be torn to pieces. - Yes, what the hell are you going to America for ?! There are hundreds like you! What is going to do here? Another one in line for benefits! At home, learn first, learn English, get an education, then drive!

Even before arriving, I re-read a dozen forums, watched a hundred video channels on YouTube, re-read a bunch of blogs, in general, prepared for the trip as needed. Almost everywhere the same thought flashed: don’t communicate with Russians in America, don’t trust Russians in America, and stuff like that. This was usually followed by examples of Russians deceiving Russians. Therefore, having carefully studied the material, I decided that it was true - it is better to reduce communication with Russians to a minimum, and all affairs with Russians should be checked a hundred times so as not to fall for another scam.

And after the moment of crossing the border begins a kind of race - rat race. Who grabs the jackpot. Who will settle faster, who will quickly find a job, etc.

After arriving in the States in the first few days, we met several more families who arrived at the same time as we did, give or take a couple of weeks or a month. Communication with such immigrants takes place on standard topics: how did you arrive? and from what city? and what did you do? and here what will you do?

And although we tried not to conduct any business together, we still did not limit our communication. We thought, why not? It’s useful to make acquaintances, maybe someone will help with work, someone else with something else. But it’s important to understand that absolutely everyone thinks exactly the same way. And this is the first call. No one, upon arrival in the states, meets people just for the sake of meeting people. Everyone is looking for benefits. At least 9 out of 10 people. For example, some of our friends, as soon as they found out that I spoke English, immediately began pestering me with requests - maybe you can come with us to the bank to open cards? Or maybe we’ll go to a communications store and get a SIM card? Etc., etc. It seems like simple requests, but on the other hand, when you live in a hotel, eat at McDonald's, and every day you have minus $100-150 out of pocket, you want to first It’s your turn to improve your life, not someone else’s.

Despite all the promises to himself not to do business with the Russians, this is very difficult to do. There is one reason - at first you have practically no local documents, not to mention a credit history. So how does undocumented and history rent a house and find a job? Only in Russian or with the help of Russian. As a result, we got a little bit with housing due to communication with the Russians.

Фото: Depositphotos

The bottom line is, don’t do business with Russians in America. Never! You can communicate, make friends - yes. But as soon as the conversation turns to money - no! There are many examples of how Russians deceive Russians.

Don’t think that every Russian in America is a swindler. There are also honest people who are really ready to help and make new acquaintances.

But I still do not advise you to find out who is a swindler and who is not. Just communicate with everyone, and do not give money to anyone.

Who do Russians work in America?

Of course, there are a lot of IT specialists. I am proud that there are so many good programmers from Russia, and I even envy them a little. These guys earn the most here, and work is found almost immediately, going down the ramp. Well, actually behind this they fly here.

If we talk about small business, then the first position among the Russians is moving (movers / crossings) and cleaning (cleaning). Only a lazy Russian does not open a moving company in America.

Those who are less experienced and do not have the money to start a business simply work in such a company - they are loading / cleaning.

There is a lot of Russian truck drivers. It would seem, well, not the most attractive profession. But no, on the contrary, it attracts with money. Truck drivers get from 5 to 10-12 thousands of greens per month. Based on communication with my acquaintance, who has just unlearned, the situation on the market is as follows.

Фото: Depositphotos

Studying for your license is free, because the company where you will work in the future is obliged to pay for you. After studying for a law degree, hundreds of job offers pour into the mail. As you understand, there is a shortage of truck drivers in the States. Working conditions are also humane. You cannot drive for more than the allotted time - there is a limiter device. The roads in the States are simply heaven on earth, and driving is a pleasure. Full of roadside cafes, motels and other things. The company pays for hotel accommodation on business trips. If you break down on the road, just call the roadside assistance service.

From the stories of my friend, the Russians work like this - they plow a whole month without days off (I don’t know how they manage to deceive the rest system). Then, at the end of the month, take a weekend 3-4 and rent an expensive hotel with a jacuzzi, coke and prostitutes. Like that. In this mode, 2-4 work, then open their company, someone buys houses, etc.

It was the top professions. Naturally, Russians work in all spheres, I just listed the most popular ones.

Material reprinted from blog Hop-hey-usa.

ForumDaily is not responsible for the content of blogs and may not share the views of the author.. If you want to become the author of the column, send your materials to [email protected]

Read also on ForumDaily:

What national traits should a Belarusian kill in himself if he moves to America?

Why, after five years in the USA, I am returning to Russia

Personal experience: 5 things I lost in the USA

Five things that surprise Americans about Russians

Seven things that amaze me about Americans

7 Myths About America 

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.