Spearheaded by Ronald Reagan and celebrated the world over, the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic was hailed as one of the great triumphs of the 21st century. This victory was short-lived as the former communist state quickly plunged into economical turmoil. Financial distribution under the old socialist regime provided most with work and the basic essentials due to totalitarian control of the market place. The insurgence of laissez-faire in the early '90s allowed the citizens of Russia to start businesses and purchase property.
Russia's borders after 1991
The fall of the Soviet Union also opened up her borders to neighboring states such as Kazakhstan, Chechnya, and many others whose people flooded into the new Russia for the opportunity to work, even for what were considered "unfair" wages. Since the collapse of communism the gap between the rich and poor grew exponentially with the passing years. Unemployment rapidly rose and Russian's were being replaced by immigrant workers.
Today many of these immigrants are being actively persecuted in a hostile fashion by extremist groups including neo-Nazi's. The atrocities committed by fascist groups include savage beatings, rape, and even executions. Those from Chechnya, Georgia, and surrounding countries are referred to as "Blacks" due to their slightly darker complexion.
In modern Russia, non-white minorities face serious danger due to an alarming increase in right-wing support. Surveys reveal up to 36% of Moscow's inhabitants admit they feel "hatred" toward Chechens, a point-of-view thats only gaining popularity. In 2010, 37 people were killed during acts of racism involving non-white migrants. Those behind the attacks feel the immigrants are edging out white Russians from the work sector and have begun opposing them in violent attacks.
Organized violence against immigrants
The networking capabilities of the internet has given these groups a voice and the ability to spread their message by reaching audiences all across Russia, and now the world. Videos showing upwards of five men beating "blacks" within inches of their lives are more common than expected. Recently, a skinhead group out of Moscow posted a home-video online showing the execution of two immigrants with a handgun.
A sharp contrast to Canada where multiculturalism is valued, Russians see the influx of migrant workers as a direct threat to their livelihood and an attack against Mother Russia herself. With more and more support for these fascist groups, the safety of all those seen as a threat to white Russians economic sovereignty is in jeopardy until the Kremlin addresses a violent modern Russia.
Source:
Der Spiegel - accessed Feb, 13, 2011: 2:37PM
Flo Hahnel - Florian Hahnel (23 years old) Born: Posneck, Thuringia, Germany Live: Alberta, Canada Bachelors of Science Degree - Major in ...
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