should I be ashamed of the fact that I'm Russian?

Question

I am a freshman in High School, and when asked where I'm from, I tell them I'm American, that I was born here, and that I don't speak any other languages. The truth is that I was born in Russia, immigrated when I was 5, live by a green card, and speak Russian at home :(


However, you can't tell that I'm Russian. My speech and appearance are perfectly normal. Should I tell everyone who asks the truth, keep lying the way I always have, or tell them that I'm Russian but was born here?

Answer 1

Privet! believe it or not people really like it when youre from another country it's interesting to them especially if you speak the language. all americans are either immigrants or their ancestors are immigrants thats whats great about america. paka!

Answer 2

You should ALWAYS be proud of who you are & of your heritage;HOWEVER, if you still have a greencard,that means that at least 1 of your parents is not a citizen of the USA.

So,having said that,you have to be careful also because some people's only purpose in life is to complain & cause trouble. So if you still have a greencard,that means that you are here legally but as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow,somebody somewhere will do something stupid(like telling a lie) just to try & get you into trouble with immigration.

Getting back to your Q,it is MY honest opinion that you should keep quiet about having the greencard, but otherwise,if ppl ask about your heritage,you can say something like "I'm Russian & was born in moscow...."

If they ask if you're a citizen, tell them yes. as far as any foreign languages,that's upto you.
Don't be ashamed of the fact that you speak Russian, When I went to school(high school) many people spoke a foreign language,myself included.

This shows that you're NOT ASHAMED of who/what you are,but at the same time you're keeping certain personal things private;but DO NOT EVER hide the truth from your friends. Your friends deserve to know the truth.


I wish you well in life.
DAS VADANYA
(think I spelled it right)

Answer 3

What's wrong with being Russian? There's nothing wrong with that. If people kid you about it just laugh along. find out what they are and tease right back. You shouldn't be ashamed of where you came from. Especially Russia. They seem to be quite a strong country. I really don't think americans have problems with Russians. Only that they are strict. But other than that....so what? My grandfather was Russian/Polish and my grandmother was Polish. The others were German. Who cares? And if you were born there you should share about your country so others can learn first hand what you remember. Don't be ashamed. There's no reason to. Russia is a very strong country. And if you speak it that would be fun too. Teach your friends how to say a few things. I think it would be a blast. I went to school with a girl that came from Indonesia. She told us of the things over in her country. The worst part was that at that time her country was at war and that's why she had been sent to America to live with friends. They did it to save her life. It was interesting yet sad. She had many friends too. And her english was pretty good. Her name was a little tough but she came up with a nick name. Don't be ashamed at all. Share with us. That's how we all learn.

Answer 4

I don't see why you should hide the fact that you're Russian at all! I never hide the fact that I'm from Venezuela, despite all of the horrible things going on in the country as we speak.

I was born in Venezuela, immigrated when I was 6, live by a green card, and speak Spanish at home. My friends are aware of my culture, and I have never been treated differently at school because of who I am. Sure, I don't wear a sign that says "I'M AN IMMIGRANT!" but my friends are very aware of my being born in a different culture. In fact, when my boyfriend and I said "Okay, let's get to know each other." one of the first things I told him was that I was bilingual and from another country. It's a big part of who I am. I am as American as anyone else, despite that I speak Spanish at home, or that I lived in a different country. My English is perfect, so many people are pleasantly amused when they find out that I'm not actually native-born. In fact, a lot of them think it's cool that I could help them with their Spanish homework. :)

There's nothing wrong with being Russian, or from anywhere else. There's no need to lie to anyone. I highly doubt that your friends will reject you if you tell them that you're Russian. Personally, my first reaction would be "Cool! Say something in Russian for me!"

Be honest with your friends and anyone who asks. There's nothing shameful about your heritage.

EDIT: As for the whole thing about keeping your green card quiet, I have to disagree. There's nothing shameful about having a green card. Personally, if your best friend asks about your citizenship, be honest. Most likely, there won't be too many questions about that, but don't lie to your friends about who you are. They should know the truth.

Answer 5

Do whatever is comfortable to yourself. If you want to tell people, go and tell. If not, keep quiet. If you feel ashamed of being Russian, is it because of the movie Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan?

That's not a good movie. You can talk about the culture, literature and art of Russia to your friends when you reveal yourself.

While there have been bad experiences like you go to the airports, you stick your Russian passport out at an official, and he treats you like a piece of ----, it shouldn't stop you from feeling proud of your roots.

Be brave, face the world, be proud of your ancestors and stand up for them even if the world think otherwise. Can you do it?

Answer 6

Normal? COmpared to what? Sen. Biden? Brittany Spears? No, you should be ashamed to hide your heritage. Everyone here came from somewhere else. If they have a problem with your elegant rich heritage it is because they don't feel they can measure up.


Great great grandparents from St. Petersburg.
Memebr of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Related to three American Presidents
Family name mentioned in the record of the first census taken in America in 1790

Answer 7

i don't evaluate humiliation or water boarding torture. i've got been with the aid of worse in education and different incidents. Now i might have a challenge if we pass previous that and incredibly inflict severe injuries or maiming. we are better than that. not something incorrect with getting interior their heads yet as quickly as we initiate doing severe harm how could take the tips heavily. while you're being tortured you may admit to something you think of they had to pay attention.

Answer 8

yes...why wouldn't you...that fact that you are Russian makes you different and it keeps you from being just another American. i think that you shouldn't hide that your Russian, most people that i know would love to have a friend that could speak in another language and definitely Russian. BE PROUD!!!!!
:p

Answer 9

You have a very Rich history, your people are ones to be proud of, I very much admire the accomplishments of Russians. Hold your head up high and be proud of who you are and where you come from.

Answer 10

Be proud of who you are.Be open and honest.Say thatyou were born in Russia and came to America to live because of the opportunities there.