As a guide, I often show foreigners around Moscow. Along with telling them what they want to know about the city's history (although, to be honest, I soon end up answering questions about Putin, The Pussycat Dolls and the Anti-homosexual law), I listen to them talk about their impressions from my beloved country. And, sadly, the thing that seems to imprint itself in their memories the strongest is Russia's Scary Lady Syndrome.
Let me explain. For some reason, in almost every establishment there is a really scary middle-aged woman running the whole thing. She is mean, she is loud, she is usually ugly, and, if your well-being depends on her in any way, she will own you until you cry. She's a lot like a dementor - sucking all the happiness out of you, making you believe for a moment that you are the dumbest person in the world.
The question is: where do they come from? What I mean is, in the Soviet Union times these women were simply appointed on these positions as most suitable candidates (strictness and a deadly glance were appreciated back than), but by now most employers have realized that it's best to make their customers happy, not miserable, and try to hire adequate, friendly people. Even in governmentally funded institutions, surprisingly enough.
But here comes a shocker: somehow, those pretty young girls that are now hired as secretaries, train attendants, low-level governmental officials turn into scary ladies over time. Time passes, they don't move up the career ladder, or, if they do, that happens with great difficulty, so they want to enjoy what little power over others they have as much as possible, so, eventually, they turn into the monsters we all fear and hate.
And it's really sad, because they are the ones people arriving to Russia have to deal with the most, and the fact that they are what they are ruins the foreigners' impression of our country. To be honest, it ruins my impression of our country. We can't expect anyone to want to travel around Russia while these women are there to spoil the fun. We either have to turn them into some kind of attraction or make their lives a little more tolerable.
Let me explain. For some reason, in almost every establishment there is a really scary middle-aged woman running the whole thing. She is mean, she is loud, she is usually ugly, and, if your well-being depends on her in any way, she will own you until you cry. She's a lot like a dementor - sucking all the happiness out of you, making you believe for a moment that you are the dumbest person in the world.The question is: where do they come from? What I mean is, in the Soviet Union times these women were simply appointed on these positions as most suitable candidates (strictness and a deadly glance were appreciated back than), but by now most employers have realized that it's best to make their customers happy, not miserable, and try to hire adequate, friendly people. Even in governmentally funded institutions, surprisingly enough.
But here comes a shocker: somehow, those pretty young girls that are now hired as secretaries, train attendants, low-level governmental officials turn into scary ladies over time. Time passes, they don't move up the career ladder, or, if they do, that happens with great difficulty, so they want to enjoy what little power over others they have as much as possible, so, eventually, they turn into the monsters we all fear and hate.
And it's really sad, because they are the ones people arriving to Russia have to deal with the most, and the fact that they are what they are ruins the foreigners' impression of our country. To be honest, it ruins my impression of our country. We can't expect anyone to want to travel around Russia while these women are there to spoil the fun. We either have to turn them into some kind of attraction or make their lives a little more tolerable.
Or, 30-50 years from now, we'll end up staring at THIS at every turn.
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