Historical Stereotypes of Foreign Travelers about Russia of the XIXth century

Abstract

Principles of mental interaction of Russia as one of the powerful states of XIXth century with western countries form the foundation of issues that are being reviewed in this article. Throughout the study it was uncovered that the characteristics of dialogue were largely predefined by stereotypes that formed in the conscience of Europeans back in previous centuries. Realities of XIXth century only made foreigners more confident in their correctness. Viewing Russia as uncivilized, savage and barbaric country was predefined, first and foremost, by the political order of the country. Autocratic power, serfdom, absence of legal culture these factors, in the minds of foreigners, were enough of a basis to treat Russia and an uncivilized country. To verify these conclusions, the article uses statements and expressions of foreign travelers and writers, who visited Russia in the XIXth century. With various degrees of loyalty to the existing regime, they were unanimous in evaluating Russia as a second-grade country, having nothing of their own, only blindly copying the achievements of western culture. This, however, did not prevent them from treating the simple folk compassionately, acknowledging its talents and believe that someday it will liberate itself from its slavish obedience. Analysis of contemporary foreign studies on Russia, conducted by the authors, shows that perception stereotypes about our country, which formed in the XIXth century, are long-lasting and of stable nature. To change their vector in a desirable direction that is positive for us is one of the important tasks for the society of Russia, and it must be solved to set up constructive dialogue for the purposes of our personal safety and stable development.