Seeing symbols of Russia’s communist past is not uncommon in Moscow, such as the Lenin, the communist logo, and the communist star. They’re everywhere, from Red Square to subway stations across the city including Komsomolskaya, Prospect Mira, and Taganskaya.
However, as I was slowly advancing in line to enter Lenin’s mausoleum in Red Square, I noticed that old-fashioned, patriotic, marchy music was getting louder. When I turned around, there an old man holding a small boom box next to another carrying a huge communist flag.
They were leading a small group of mostly other men of the same generation, one of whom was holding a portrait of Stalin! They were all chanting proudly but of course, I didn’t know what what they were saying.
By the time I got my camera out and ready, they had finished and parked themselves right in front of Lenin’s mausoleum entrance. Because of this and the fact that I had to keep moving in line to see what’s left of Lenin, this is the only shot I was able to get. ↓
A communist comeback?
I couldn’t get over what I was seeing, especially the huge communist flag and the man carrying a portrait of Stalin next to the man waving a smaller communist flag.
Now, I completely understand if anyone thinks less of me for what I’m about to say, but I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when I saw this…even as I quickly captured this shot…and I still can’t figure out why. Every time I tell this little story, I start laughing.
WHY?! Why have I been reacting this way? Granted, this is definitely the best expect the unexpected moment I’ve had while sight-seeing, but still…laughter?!
Maybe it’s because I can’t imagine why any thinking Russian would actually want to go back to the communist era, so I told my students about this and asked for their opinions.
They were surprised and a few even snickered at this photo, and they quickly came to the general conclusion that these communist supporters were not negatively affected by communism and thus, don’t realize what going back to communism would mean.
They also said that the only thing about the communist period that was better than life now was the health care system. Otherwise, they said that you’re crazy to want to go back to that time.
What do you think?
How would you have reacted to this sight?
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