Moscow News
http://www.mnweekly.ru/
October 17, 2008
Rich in Russia
By Daria Chernyshova
The world of rich people in Russia appeared with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Lots of enterprising people managed to gain possession of some really cool national enterprises. In the early 90's, they gained these industrial monsters for next-to-nothing and became tycoons. Of course these lucky people weren't chosen by chance; their start positions were better from the very beginning. The people who were handed these lucrative industries had lots of connections and in one way or another belonged to the power elite. That about sums it up on how they got their start. And that is also the reason they are in such disfavor with the majority of Russians today.
The fortunate ones who managed to pass through the obstacles and build their business kingdoms took risks and worked night and day. Yet, privilege helped too, and a minority was in possession of information not available to others: They were aware of market mechanisms and used this knowledge for business. They became rich - and loathed.
Actually, the tradition of despising the rich is an inherent part of the Russian mentality. While the tsar's power was justified as those of the "father and defender," the rich were held in great contempt. ‘They steal and doing nothing for their wealth,' Russians argue. And the rich have opportunities that others can only dream about: They travel, wear expensive clothes, drive gorgeous cars, and buy yachts and real estate abroad. At home, they frequent the best restaurants and live in the best apartments and cottages. There is a prestigious residential area to the west of Moscow, unofficially called Real estate prices there are some of the highest in the world. A rich Russian joke: "Oh dear, why is Mr. Schwarzenegger's cottage so cheap?" Because it's so far from Moscow!"
From the name of the residential area mentioned above derives the name of the government called ‘Rublandia.' a place confined to those who fit the bill: massively rich, famous and in disfavor. But the existence of this term is bizarre from its roots. It implies that one layer of Russian society has its own government! The ‘land' within its name brackets Rublandia with the Netherlands, Switzerland and so on. It means it is separated from the rest of Russia. Who was first to disguise it: the rich, who wanted to stress their individuality, or the poor who couldn't tolerate the rich's extreme wealth? At its broadest definition it implies the very prosperous, regardless of their address.
Today, ‘wealth' and ‘Rublevka' are synonymous. It even may sound shameful to admit that you live on Rublevka, as the response will be as cutting as a cold shower. Although the negative attitude to the rich derives from our past, Russians seem too critical about wealth. Ultimately, the attitude depends on one's ambitions. If you don't match the rich today, what options are available to the lower classes?
One may cry out in an angry voice: ‘Should we follow their corrupt lead?!' Well, that is up to you. Surely, many of Russia's rich applied their knowledge and wits to get where they are today. And the places where they live, the restaurants they frequent, modus vita their lead seems to be the reward.
They managed - so can't everyone?