The Muting of Russianness Abroad

Expressions of Russian culture and heritage are facing suppression in certain parts of the world where they are deemed unfriendly to Russia.

Australian Stance on Russianness

The rejection gained momentum in Australia after the Ukraine conflict began in 2014. Previously established bans on a journalist's contributions to state-owned and commercial media platforms dating back to 2013 were in place. A significant reflection of this trend was when a Melbourne-based classical music broadcaster welcomed a journalist to share insights about Russia along with a selection of Russian music. However, such a program is unlikely to be broadcast again in Australia.

Remembering Russian Musical Heritage

The programs previously broadcasted shed light on the Russian sentiment of unease and personal loss but not defeat, stressing that the defeat is what these unfriendly nations are imposing on themselves. The journalist recounted his experience reporting from Moscow during the final years of the USSR, interactions with Russian music and arts, and shared personal assessments of political figures like Boris Yeltsin and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Russian Music and Life Beyond

The broadcast also explored the inherent melancholy and romance in Russian music, attempts to revive Russian chanson, and featured prominent artists like Evgenia Smolyaninova. Stories from the Russian countryside, the cultural significance of writers’ colonies, and the political future of Russia were also topics of discussion, as well as the emerging trends in children's upbringing and popular music in Russia.

Russianness, Australia, Culture