Far-reaching conclusions

(Last of two parts)

This is why in modern Russia inspiring racial hatred and intolerance is an offence under the criminal code. In essence, in my country racism is a crime, which is considered equal with terrorism. For this very reason the wholesale accusation of racism against all Russians not to be tolerated. For example, when football fans misbehaved and lashed out against some foreign visitors during tournaments that were held in Russia some ten years ago, they were all found and held accountable by the police. However, not even a single incident of such behavior was reported during the 2018 FIFA Cup Final. On the contrary, three million football fans from all over the world came to Russia and were very impressed by the Russian hospitality and friendliness.

Throughout all the history of humankind the issue of interaction between people of different races and ethnicities has been a highly delicate one. And while every forest has a handful of sick trees one should not judge a nation based on one brief visit as the author of the articles in question did. It is understandable that Mr. Jose might not have had the best experience, but maybe it would have been a good idea to do conduct some research on racism in Russia before publishing a highly controversial statement based on very scanty experience on the pages of one of the most prominent and well-respected newspapers of the Philippines. By doing so Mr. Jose clearly demonstrated that he simply does not see the forest through all the trees as the saying goes.

In case the author is interested in consulting someone who has spent a long time in Russia, understands Russian culture and has a reach experience of interacting with the Russian people, perhaps he should turn to Madame Annette Ablan, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Belarus in the Philippines.

In fact, there is a way for Mr. Jose to leave his negative impressions behind once and for all. After the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, on behalf of the Russian Embassy I would like to invite him to Russia. He would be able to visit various ethnic communities in my country and maybe even meet with the students from the RUDN University (formerly the Patrice Lumumba University). He would be able to talk to people and determine once and for all that there is no such thing as racism in Russia. It is the best way to help Mr. Jose to get rid ofunfounded obsessions and prejudices.

In conclusion, I would like to point out to the author, that as I see it, the problem is not that the Russian Ambassador is too sensitive, as he put it, but rather that he is very responsible. The accusation of an entire nation of racism requires serious grounds and is not to be treated lightly. It should be supported by something more feasible than a memory of a misunderstanding at a hotel.

As all the eyes of the world are now fixed on the difficult situation that is unfolding in some of the Western countries due to a number of unfortunate policies on race-related issues implemented both in the past and the present we feel that Russia does not deserve to be brought up in the same context. – Natalia Linovitskaya, Press Attache, Russian Embassy