Are Russians Becoming Xenophobic?

Xenophobic Chill Descends on Moscow -- David M. Herzenhorn, New York Times

MOSCOW — The huge banner was unfurled on Friday morning outside one of Moscow’s biggest bookstores, Dom Knigi, a grand emporium of the written word on Novii Arbat Street across from a Citibank, a Baskin-Robbins and a Dunkin’ Donuts, and down the block from a big movie theater where the main feature at the moment is “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

“Fifth Column,” the banner declared. “Strangers Among Us.” It showed black-and-white portraits of three of Russia’s better-known political opposition figures and two Soviet-era dissident rock musicians, along with two evil-looking space aliens, one carrying a briefcase marked with the white ribbon that has been the symbol of political protests against President Vladimir V. Putin and the Russian government.

From the moment that Russia’s invasion and annexation of Crimea cast a new, bitter chill over relations with the West, a sinister jingoistic vibe has pervaded this unsettled capital — stirred up by state-controlled television and Mr. Putin himself.

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My Comment: It is true that Russians do not trust outsiders .... I guess this is what happens when you get invaded by the Mongols, Napoleon, Hitler, etc.. But it is also true that Russians have a hunger to travel, they have embraced Western culture .... and many have even made the decision to live abroad .... of which I am one of those. Is this the mindset of a xenophobic .... of course not. But Russia does have it's quacks (see the above video), and like the U.S. and elsewhere .... these "quacks" sometimes get far more attention than they deserve .... especially when covered by the New York Times.