Real Reason Russians Don't Smile (RUS Subtitles)

[@erinafenix]

Hi all, I didn’t understand why KZbinrs made disclaimers before, now I do lol. Here’s my first one ever: I wanted to thank everyone who watched and left positive comments/shared their experiences. It’s amazing to see everyone who subbed here, I’m so grateful 🥺😢 I’ve been on KZbin for three years and haven’t breached 500 subs until this year 🙏 The disclaimer - this is a small satirical video on a cultural stereotype. It’s 3 minutes of minimal editing and I didn’t expect it to gain so much interest? I would never, ever categorize any group of people poorly based on where they come from. That is close minded and bigoted. This video seemed to have triggered people from all different sides, which was not my intention and it surprises me that it got so heated. People made excellent points I either forgot or didn’t know about to include in the video, but at the end of the day, we’re all human being going through life together and experiencing the same emotions. Wishing you all the best for the holiday season, thanks for tuning in 🙏🙌

[@erinafenix]

Друзья, всем привет ! Хотела здесь продублировать мой русский дисклеймер) Во-первых, рада что Вы здесь, спасибо всем кто подписался, я даже не думала что столько наших будут у меня в подписчиках, прямо волшебство 🙏🥺🥰 спасибо всем за поддержку и в комментариях тоже, это очень много для меня значит 🥹 А теперь более серьезно 😟 Конечно, по настоящему в лицо никто не даст, это у меня друзья шутили, но в видео я тоже говорю что шучу) я выросла в России, у меня прекрасные воспоминания. Каждый год навещаю там родственников, хочу снять видео про все прекрасное и интересное там. НО К СОЖАЛЕНИЮ, это трех минутное видео почему то всем попалось, а я смонтировала его на скорую руку и не уделила достаточно времени. Это мои поверхностные мысли на самую поверхностную тему, вообще казалось мало важным. Да, смех без причины- признак дурачины, и я с этим согласна. Самые лучшие улыбки - это которые идут от сердца. В видео я и говорю что в России мы конечно улыбаемся) Для всех кто читает - пожалуйста не обижайтесь, просто так сняла и получилось что и нашим и американцам не понравилось 😂😢( Вообще на эту тему я сняла ролик потому что меня все время спрашивают - почему не улыбаешься часто? В северной Америка идет романтизация русской культура и для них это загадка, более продуманные и красивые ответы которыми вы поделились со мной уже в комментах) Я еще учусь как на KZbin быть, буду стараться еще больше 😭С Наступающими Празниками🎄🙌!

[@steveryan1799]

Excellent job.

[@erinafenix]

Thank you for letting me know you liked the video and your support 🥺🙏

[@roxximusik8958]

Why not simply forget about pandering to snowflakes, ignore the prats and trolls, and speak the truth as you believe it to be ? You are never going to please everybody, so fight back against this pathetic, yet harmful, woke culture that's engulfing Western society.

[@PauloHenriqueSethEyeCycled]

Yeap, you're not just a pretty face. First of your videos I watched. I am not your typical audience, I think, but your video came in the recommendation boxes after I watched this video with a brave Russian lady kzbin.info/www/bejne/npCvfpeleNqGiK8si=9jK_X3qym7xymQy2 I guess there are even more reasons for why Russians don't smile now than there were in the past. I have to keep reminding myself every day that good people and bad people exist everywhere, so I don't fall into the generalisation trap and target an entire nation and its people with hate, but the consequences of putting bad people in charge are severe.

[@neilreynolds3858]

I'm an American but I was raised with Russians and picked up a lot of Russian values. When a Russian woman smiles at you, it's like the sun came out and you never knew it was dark before. They're incredibly charming but they don't open up unless you're family and you WANT to be family if you know what's good for you. The woman I'm going to marry in two months was raised in the USSR and I fell in love with her smile. She makes the air around her glow when she smiles.

[@erinafenix]

That’s beautiful! Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your engagement 🌹🙏

[@cinny108]

Interesting theory! I grew up in Russia as well, I was taught that smiles are only meant for friends and close ones, because those are the truly genuine smiles, and we don’t want to throw those around to random strangers 😂

[@erinafenix]

Hi Cinny! Thanks for coming along and sharing your experience here :) I’m glad you enjoyed the video ❤️🌹🙏

[@fleatactical7390]

Well that's a value I wish some North Americans would adopt. I am fine with smiling at strangers, but when I do, it's genuine... most people are fake with their public images and it's annoying AF.

[@kontiuka]

I need to move to Russia.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

That reads as rationalization and as a way to say: "We don't smile because we are superior" and that will be the most Rusian thing to believe and the reason WWII started with Rusian bonding with the Germans to invade countries and annex them, and why WW III could start with Rusia bonding with other Country, this time to the East ,to invade and annex countries.

[@TiberiiGrakh]

@@jaimeduncan6167 nazi germany regime was funded and armed by england and usa banksters. and then they sent hitler on the east. read real history plz and not your fake propaganda.

[@asdisskagen6487]

I cannot speak to why Russians don't smile, but there is a consensus among analysts that smiling (and generally being friendly and open) in the US is a result of large groups of immigrants thrown together from many different backgrounds and speaking many different languages. Smiling is universally understood as friendliness so even if you can't speak someone's language, if you smile and nod to them you indicate that you are not hostile towards them. Over time, it has just become part of America's culture to smile and act friendly towards strangers. If I had to guess, I would say that Russians' tendency towards stoicism results from generations of oppressive government regimes. Russians are an incredibly tough people and have endured through significant hardships many, many times. That sort of legacy is going to leave a mark.

[@john_doe_not_found]

Russians smile plenty, just fill them with Vodka. When sober, Russian men have a high macho factor, and smiling is for boys. Men want to be men. Life in Russia is hard, nobody has time for smiles. Tough to smile when you're hung over and hungry.

[@erinafenix]

I didn’t know about the effect of immigrants on the social cues, interesting to consider! Thank you for sharing

[@ChasseurTueur]

Act/pretend friendly :)

[@hefestos002]

In my country we have the phrase "Tu pareces ruso" which literally translates to "You seem russian" and It's generally used to describe someone who does the things the opposite way of how we do things here or the "odd one" It's a caribbean country, so we have hot weather and we pride ourselves on being very welcoming and accepting whoever likes our culture or at least wants to have fun here, so hearing her take on stoicism and how they view it is very interesting. I've read comments on other videos regarding how people on the colder climates have these similar behaviors so I agree with your thinking. Russians have gone through A LOT, but I also believe the weather we all grow up with affects our cultures more than we think

[@erinafenix]

@hefestos002 very interesting ! Thank you for sharing. I’ve myself actually been wanting to explore the theme of colder/warmer climates’ effects on shaping the culture! Appreciate you dropping by here ☺️

[@aracelibasilio7672]

Thank you so much for the explanation. Now I understand why Russians here in Cyprus whom I meet inside the buses or on the streets don't smile back when I smile at them. I'm used to people smiling and greeting you when you meet them around like the Asians, British, Germans and Americans. Smile....Merry Christmas!

[@adhardino9781]

And a happy new year :)

[@orangewarm1]

i once dated a Russian girl. i was wondering if she liked me as she never seemed to be enjoying my company. a smile = enjoyment to me.

[@wnose]

1:12 I had the same culture surprise coming from Asia since smiling at strangers was considered to be fake.

[@erinafenix]

Ohhh, very interesting ! 🤔 thank you for sharing !

[@alonedavid3081]

Now i get what in Japan smile at me when they take a photo with me i am 1.97 tall

[@seanworkman431]

As a caucasian male, I bow my head as a sign of respect and that can then lead to a smile from Asian people.

[@malachyfox1828]

But when in Rome?

[@erinafenix]

When in Rome, do as the Romans do)

[@gauloise6442]

In France, i would also add if you smile to people you come off with "used car salesman" vibes, untrustworthy, fake and manipulative. People will question "What are they after?" It also seems too invasive of the other person's space and trying to get too close to people , it's very overwhelming and makes people uncomfortable. Smiles where you show teeth are reserved for close family and friends. Also people who smile big smiles may be seen as provincials, and neither intelligent nor sophisticated. Alternatively, Americans and Canadians have a way of being friendly with strangers where there is no friendship or offer of friendship, this is difficult for Europeans to understand. Also in America, if you aren't smiling, you are bringing everyone around you down, so there is social pressure to not make everyone else miserable because of your sadness. There are phrases like "smiling through the tears" or "tears of a clown" meaning people who seem happy but are struggling on the inside, but mask it because they don't want to make others unhappy. Not smiling makes a person seem kind of narcissistic and uncaring of other's feelings.

[@josephwalsh7546]

Alternate explanation: Russia lost 1-2 mil people in WWI, 10 mil in Civil War, 12 mil under Stalin, 20 mil + in WWII, country was totalitarian dictatorship till 1990, economy sucked almost entire 20th cent. Summary: When you live in constant horrible circumstances spontaneous smiling doesn't happen.

[@ЕгорТрегубов-щ8ю]

No .

[@thegreenbaizevampire]

True. You don't get a free smile anywhere in Eastern Europe. That's makes it all the more special when you get one, because you know it's genuine.

[@erinafenix]

The genuine ones are the best ones 😊🎄

[@AlfredKriman]

How do you know it's genuine?

[@daydays12]

so you can't spontaneously make people laugh ( strangers) as I did yesterday in a French train? You never hear the expression strangers are just friends you haven't met yet?

[@erinafenix]

@@daydays12 of course you can! If something is funny, no one will hold back their smile :)

[@crazygamingyt7245]

@@AlfredKrimanbecause Eastern Europeans don’t smile at random people

[@ld4797]

Valid explanation on the “show of weakness” concept. Unfortunately experience has dictated that in most cases it is more a show of arrogance. Besides smiling reflects confidence not weakness.

[@daydays12]

Yes! That's right ( smiling usually reflects confidence)

[@Pax_Veritas]

Smiling means lots of things. Sometimes it means begging like a dog. I'm not sure where you are from but customer service in the USA can be like that, the waitress trying to be your friend, smiling, flirting, asking questions, never shuts up or leaves you alone because they want your money, no other reason. Europeans and British in particular can't stand American customer service. We hate fake, we hate the tipping culture, we hate below minimum wage jobs. We think smiling makes you dumb or disingenuous. Give me my steak and my drinks, you can ask one time how the food is after we've tried it, then piss off until I ask for the bill. That is customer service

[@ld4797]

@@Pax_Veritas lol lol lol that is why Karma exists. What goes around comes around.

[@Pax_Veritas]

@@ld4797 I'm not sure what you mean. Karma isn't what you think it is though. There is no right or wrong, good or evil, "bad karma" or "getting what you deserve". There is only ignorance and enlightenment. It's one of my pet hates when people use Karma without understanding what it actually means. It most certainly does not mean justice or righting wrongs as its commonly used. When you are a thought of the universe itself it is impossible for you to do wrong or commit sin (which doesn't exist). How can the universe chastise itself?

[@alanak3210]

More like self satisfied smugness.

[@bencurry5295]

And what concern is it of anyone's if you are smiling,Its what the world needs is smiles,Lots of them.

[@erinafenix]

A little fun informational video for you guys on this random topic :) let me know your thoughts in the comments below. For any of my fellow Russians or Eastern Europeans, I'm curious to hear you theories as well !

[@ognjenstevanovic9858]

I thought that they are sad beacuse glory of Soviet Union died out.

[@erinafenix]

LOL 😝

[@ognjenstevanovic9858]

@@erinafenix i think that's not funny.

[@erinafenix]

Ah sorry hard to tell the tone by written messages! There are some people yes who saw many benefits to USSR, thank you for sharing !

[@ognjenstevanovic9858]

@@erinafenix It's okay, maybe in a future i will try to write messages more clearly.

[@mariannevandenlemmer3428]

I visited Russia several times. At the airport, we were told by our tour guide to shut up at the airport, and NOT SMILE OR LAUGH. The people of the customs might think WE, RICH TOURISTS ( we could afford to travel, so we are rich) ARE LAUGHING WITH THE HARD WORKING RUSSIANS. We had trouble doing so, but we did. Behind us was approaching another group of travelers, and we heard them laugh. The custom people (women mostly) suddenly looked hateful. They let us pass quickly, then they harassed the next group so long, that they must have missed their airplane. Russians are just unhappy and they hate you are happy. That is what I think.

[@ЕгорТрегубов-щ8ю]

No .

[@svartvist]

I fit right in with this general disposition, yet I was born and raised in Western USA. Maybe it had something to do with studying Russian for 3 years in grammar school? Maybe it had more to do with observing how shallow and untrustworthy adults were. People don't say what they mean, nor mean what they say. In my early 30s once I was greeted at work by an associate in the early morning who asked "How are you doing?" So I thought I'd reply with a short response about how I was doing that morning to see if he was sincere. He rebuffed me saying it was just a greeting, and he, nor anyone else, was not really interested in "how I was doing." So I told him maybe he should think about changing his style of greeting. I got along just fine among the natives of Europe a decade earlier. They're more reticent around persons of unknown disposition. I was told while living in Norway people were that way because of the invasion of the Germans in WWII. Since the entire continent is laced with invasions and subjugations, public reserve has become ingrained in their cultures.

[@erinafenix]

Hi, thanks for sharing that experience ! I also wonder if studying Russian for a bit transferred something culturally to you haha, language often shapes how we think as well That work experience sucks, that coworker needs to reassess their greeting for sure 🤔 The different approaches are purely superficial though, and at heart I think we all experience and view things the same way - just the human experience :)

[@maximp9502]

Lol! "it is because you are dont say what you means, and say what you not means..." or some like this... (sorry from my English) - It is words from Soviet movie "Kin-dza-dza"! This is a very specific film, strange but with a rather deep meaning about society. Many educated people like him very much... Maybe, Find it in youtube (kin dza dza english subtitles)

[@taichitao85]

fake smile is what i hate the most

[@jimmyyounger618]

I think there are cultural differences about smiling and courtesies within various U.S. regions as well. The contrast between NYC or Boston vs. cities in Texas or Oklahoma might have the greatest gaps in expression and demeanor toward strangers.

[@erinafenix]

Very interesting point, definitely agree 👍

[@claudinsky611]

It's amazing how cultural differences can bring you closer or apart. to others. In Latin America (in my case Argentina) smiling is a friendly expression of warmth( and it's not fake). Many Russian immigrants are arriving here and now I understand why they are so serious. Thanks for your video. You are very nice

[@erinafenix]

Thank you for taking the time to comment and share about your culture ! I’m happy you liked the video ❤️🙏🌸

[@MicheleDamato-co7vh]

From the day of inception, Russia's people have gone through tragedy misery and everything else you can think of the only time you see them having fun is when they're drinking and even that was introduced by the system to keep them happy.

[@pookatim]

The truth is, countries like Russia, people usually don't smile for a reason while in America, people usually smile but there isn't any reason. We don't really think about it. It seems natural to smile unless you have a reason not to. In America, if you don't smile, everyone just figures you are sad or something. I don't understand the concept that looking stern makes you seem strong. If you stand up straight, make eye contact and smile, you appear confident not weak. WTF Russia?

[@MB-xe8bb]

Maybe psychopaths don't smile, so unsmiling people seem dangerous, which they like.

[@redcanistra]

Все намного сложнее. Когда человек улыбается "просто так", для остальных он посылает смешанные сигналы (если причина смеха или улыбки не очевидна). Со стороны не понятно почему человек улыбается, что воспринимается как придурь или странность. Человек как социальное животное не может не реагировать на эмоции окружающих, и если кому-то весело, то нужно срочно узнать почему, может это важно, может мне тоже будет весело. Не зря говорят "смех без причины признак дурачины". Вы сами можете по себе посудить, ведь когда кому-то очень весело, а вам нет, то вы чувствуете разочарование и обиду. В западных культурах устоялась открытость и дружелюбие, поэтому обратная ситуация (не улыбаться) воспринимается странной. Мол если ты не улыбаешься, то что-то не так, и нужно узнать что, может то что огорчило тебя сделает вред и мне.

[@erinafenix]

Да, все верно, отлично выразились ! Спасибо что поделились 🙏

[@uuuummm9]

Интересно

[@art_video_design]

Открытости там нет. Это улыбка снаражила и закрытость отсороденность от вас внутри.

[@redcanistra]

@@art_video_design что? Не понял ни слова.

[@sensitiveissues3671]

This is the first of your videos I've watched. What you said about showing emotions being considered a weakness in Russia made me kind of wonder🤔. Emotions are part of being human (or probably any other animal). By denying to show emotions, one also becomes less human. That would also explain some political and social realities in Russia.

[@aracelibasilio7672]

Exactly. Well said.

[@erinafenix]

Hello, thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. I did want to respond because I found your comment genuine, but I find there has been a miscommunication between what I said in the video and what you perceived. Showing excessive emotion, or inability to manage one’s emotions does show lack of restraint, and lack of strength. Managing how one feels is, I believe, universally a sign of maturity. Some of the deepest and most touching emotional experiences I’ve read about have been in Russian literature, which reflects the experiences of the people themselves. The values systems across all cultures are different, and as many thoughtful commenters have pointed out to me here, certain external behaviour cues I have discussed in the video customary to cultural stereotype of Russians/Eastern Europeans, is duplicated across many Asian and Western European countries as well. At the heart, all humans have the same values - love, friendship, strength, valor etc. our souls are all made from the same material, and come from the same source. Although this superficial cultural stereotype carries very little reflection on any group of people from any country, I’m glad it opens the door to the discussion. I would also like to duplicate an answer I gave earlier, touching on philosophy of stoicism, which at its core, from the Ancient Greek times, prescribes moderation in one's emotions, without excess in either direction. In contrast to common belief, stoicism encourages enjoyment of life, without burdening oneself with sorrows or attachments to materialism. One of my favourite stories includes a philosopher sentenced to death, before his execution he was playing chess and drinking tea with his friends, stating that although he may die, it does not need to cloud the present moment. To quote from a thought piece online: Stoicism can be epitomized by three essential beliets: (1) that virtue is sufficient for happiness, (2) that other so-called goods should be regarded with indifference, and (3) that the world is providentially ordered by God. Although in later schools of thought these were calibrated or tweaked, the essence remains quite the same. I've gotten so many comments about my use of the word stoic, which does not mean lack of emotion, which I meant in the original sense, that I'll be making an overview video shortly that details the philosophy in more detail.

[@tlonUQBARbabel]

​@@erinafenixBLA BLA BLA..........

[@elleniasiello6271]

Make them all listen to the song Happy . 😊

[@spgtenor]

I agree with the introverted part, since I am an American and not exactly a people person, but the close friends I have I treasure. People here don't walk around smiling, but it is customary to smile and say "hello" especially in smaller communities (not New York). Again, it would be considered rude to not smile and say "Buon Giorno" in Italy if you were walking past someone, especially in a small community. But I think the history of Russia is more indicative to the reason Russians appear dour or angry; the lack of trust, people spying or turning you in, so it is better to not be noticed. I've had many Russian and Ukranian friends, and we have talked in length about this topic. I was able to pick out a Russian man a block away: Walking with the head down, hands behind his back and a frown on his face! But when I went to a Russian restaurant with music, dancing and Vodka, lots of smiles!

[@steveryan1799]

This is quite revealing, and I believe you're right!

[@erinafenix]

Hi Steve! Thank you for watching and dropping by to leave a comment ! Appreciate it 🙏

[@GoldKingsMan]

My Moscow russian teacher would try to smile one time, but it never quite made it.

[@PrzemysawNizioek]

100% True. In Poland (like 30y ago) it was the same. Dont smile, it meens you are weak or want to fool somebody & you wil get punched in the face. You can smile to family & friends only.😑

[@erinafenix]

Interesting, thank you for sharing !

[@bestestindaworld]

All Nordic nations are cold and distant people but when you get closer and get to know them they are warm.

[@briannielsen7176]

Is it easier to control your emotions with or without vodka?

[@daydays12]

For Russians... with!

[@briannielsen7176]

@@daydays12 lol

[@daydays12]

Thanks! You agree? @@briannielsen7176

[@stischer47]

I do not understand this perception that American smiles are fake. Perhaps in some places, especially in the North and the Coasts, but in the south and southwest it's because we are glad to see someone who might become a neighbor or friend. Those who don't - you must have really dreary, sad lives. It takes more muscles to frown than to smile.

[@erinafenix]

Hi, thanks for dropping by. Although different perceptions of different countries exist, these weren’t the points I was making in the video. As I stated earlier, there is a great variety of people all over the world, and I would never categorize one group of people negatively based on where they are from :) Have a nice day !

[@Rick92040]

I think we who are from the US smile because we are genuinely happy.

[@NibsNiven]

@1:30 The fact that somebody would consider walking up and punching a stranger in the face for smiling, even as a joke, explains a lot about why Russians are widely seen as *_psychotic._* I just crossed visiting Russia off my bucket list. Thanks for the warning!

[@daydays12]

Putin is the exact epitome of this...Ukraine smiles and he punches her in the face...a whole culture just there!

[@Mad_Dog_of_the_Regime]

@@daydays12 You got "Putin of the brain", very severe mental condition.

[@roxximusik8958]

Nicely put.

[@heleneculioli-atwood6997]

You don’t have to smile but look friendly. I remember USSR in Moscow and Leningrad. Our teachers were always serious and not much fun and people outside sinister. But it was Soviet era.

[@MB-xe8bb]

Your vocabulary is fabulously easy, especially for a person whose first language was not english. Most english-speakers can't speak as well as you. One wrinkle -- women in business are actually encouraged not to smile too much, because they seem lightweights, not as serious, maybe pushovers.

[@erinafenix]

Hello, thank you so much for your kind words 🙏 really appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment here. Great point about women in business, I didn’t think to cover anything related to differences across genders/different social settings 🙌 for sure it’s something definitely worth looking into 🤔👍

[@olegpristashkin9078]

I was in Russia in a small town 100 km from Moscow. everyone looked depressed and sad. it seems to me that it is not customary for them to express positive emotions to others. it is an element of the Russian mentality

[@bhut1571]

Intersting. Before WW1, my Baba walked from Pinsk to Rottedam and boarded a boat for Canada when she was your age. She married and was pregnant with our grandfathe (also from near Pinsk) who lived here in Canada but sadly volunteered in the Cdn Army at the start of WW1. Then in poverty, she raise my fatheless Dad. We have a number of photos of Baba, but she is only smiling in one. She was a tough lady.

[@erinafenix]

Hi, thanks for sharing your story ! She sounds really strong, that generation had to go through a lot !

[@maximp9502]

Baba, Ded:)) Let me give you a little hint: Baba it is called (hearing) little be hard/rude;). Baba Anya/Katya/Zina and DED Ivan/Kolya/Andrei is fine. But if you don't mention the name, then Baba sounds very rude. Also, the word BABA is often VERY Rudely, disrespectfully referred to more often by his woman (imagine a bandit who says about his girlfriend "this is my baba"). Also, all sorts of slightly rude people call unfamiliar elderly people DED, BABKA. But Babushka/Dedushka it is hearing more gently/friendly if we are talking about our beloved grandparents, or if we are talking about a stranger.

[@AndrzejLondyn]

In the Eastern Europe (in Poland), we think that someone who smiles too often as a loopy person. But I can't even imagine how German could be smiling...

[@erinafenix]

Interesting to know ! Very similar sentiment I find across Eastern Europe. Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@lesleyelalami2562]

They're more stoic, which isn't a bad thing.

[@ManuKian_Hamsters]

As russian i'd say that she says true. If you smile without any reason, people can think that you can't control your emotions. It's ok if you r walking with your friend and joking about something but if you alone then not. Sometimes we even afraid of people who smile. We can't just communicate with extroverts 😅 but it always depends on a person Talking about me, people always didn't like when i'm laughing or smiling without any reason (it was in my childhood). That was in the past so now i try to be more kind with people 😁

[@erinafenix]

Hi, thank you for sharing your experience and I totally agree, joking around with your friend is not an issue haha and yes sometimes some random smiling person can be spooky С Наступающими ! ❤️🎄

[@QBeeZzZy]

If you smile without any reason you are can't control your emotions

[@josephwalsh7546]

NOT smiling conveys just as much ( negative ) emotion as smiling. It says, "Stay away, I'm unfriendly and not to be approached "

[@johnsmith-ht3sy]

As an English gentleman I dont smile because my teeth are embarrassing.

[@seanworkman431]

I hear you, I was in the middle of major dental work when the lockdown hit and it was brutal in Australia, only just made it back to the dentist and had to have ten teeth pulled mostly at the front. No-one gets a smile out of me.

[@carlnauwelaerts4802]

Interesting explanation. I think you are a trustworthy person. Keep up the good work!

[@erinafenix]

Hi Carl! Thank you for dropping by and taking the time to write your comment ! Really appreciate your kind words 🙏🙌

[@carlnauwelaerts4802]

@@erinafenixYou are very welcome. I can imagine that it is not easy for you these days with the Russian invasion in Ukraine. So best wishes for you in 2024.

[@westernwanderer8397]

I have heard phrase, "Smiling like an American idiot." I do think Americans do smile too much and at the inappropriate times. People may think you are simple minded if you walk around with a smile always on your face. I also think of line from the movie "Elf." In the movie the guy asks Buddy the elf/Will Ferrell, "Why are you smiling like that?" Buddy the elf answers, "I just like to smile. Smiling is my favorite." I think this is a lot of Americans.

[@MD-hy9jv]

HAHAHAHAHHAHA

[@daydays12]

If you want to experience a smile culture visit Thailand..It is s pleasant to be surrounded by smiles and niceness - exploited unfortunately by many tourists

[@viktoriyaserebryakov2755]

@@daydays12 That is different. When I speak to the Thai, they smile because they are happy. When I speak to an American, smile is used interchangeably with 'hello'. It isn't real, it is manipulative if you think about it; but it is habitual and ingrained in the culture, so I don't take it personally.

[@hakanliljeberg790]

We are not smiling so much in Sweden either.., but people from the north and south can be quite natually happy since they most often have a safe family-life...

[@paulbrungardt9823]

Erina--You are Beautiful.

[@erinafenix]

Thank you for your kind words ! 🙏

[@douglasstrother6584]

All of the people I've met who grew up in a Warsaw Pact country were very undemonstrative, until you took the time to know them one-on-one. Attracting attention to yourself was considered dangerous.

[@daydays12]

How could you ever get to know them if you can't make contact ( smile joke etc)?

[@viktoriyaserebryakov2755]

@@daydays12 Why do you need to smile to make contact? If you have no contact, for what reason are you smiling? Do you want something from me?

[@daydays12]

It is a spontaneous reaction to something or someone we find agreeable. Watch small children ( in happy families). Have you lost your spontaneity? I am 77 and I don't think I've lost mine... my spontaneous smile expresses , for example, my pleasure at seeing someone I like. I am also perfectly capable of putting on a stern face when confronted by something I disapprove of. @@viktoriyaserebryakov2755

[@vadimbistrov3772]

the reason people do smth or do not do smth is the way they are brought up. So here nobody used to not teach their kids to smile so nobody is inclined to smile due to eternal hardship of local life. Though it started to change last 20 years or so

[@AnatasiaCharlemes]

Thanks for your video

[@erinafenix]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed !

[@icewolf30]

Old Russian proverb "смех без причины - признак дурачины" (laughing for no reason is a sign of stupidity). That explains it. Rather, the question can be asked in a different way: why in the USA everyone smiles, although it is not a real smile, but a fake one?

[@viktoriyaserebryakov2755]

Because more often than not, they want something from you.

[@jorgeespinal6478]

Keep doing what you doing good job. From D.R.

[@erinafenix]

Thank you so much 🥺🙌

[@leonardgibney2997]

Every tribe has its individual characteristics. If you're in Germany yawning or whistling in public is deemed bad manners. Smiling might get you arrested. ( Only joking about that last bit, well only slightly.)

[@erinafenix]

100% agree, very interesting about Germany, I didn’t know haha thank you for sharing 🙌☺️

[@GruenerGummistiefel]

Germans required to go to the basement if any desire to laugh 😂

[@waedjradi]

Some parts of Europe is like this. Even my parents who are immigrants, were like this. They were overly stoic at times and were very good at protecting and sheltering me. I also believe this form of stoicism has a lot to do with the winter and being in the low, low, negatives.

[@erinafenix]

Hmm very interesting, thank you for sharing 🙏

[@Cherishthemoment]

I lived next door to a Russian lady one time for a number of years, I did not know she was from Russia but I always thought she was a very unhappy person, never friendly, never smiling, always kinda Grumpy. Then one day, I was talking to her husband , he was from Canada and he told me she was from Russia.

[@bokka409]

Same in South Slavic lands.We laugh smile when joking and when hanging with family friends.Smiling on street without funny reason people will think of you as clown or crazy. Pozdrav Slavenskoj braći i sestrama❤

[@erinafenix]

Interesting, thank you for sharing !

[@ublarivere6840]

I love the music playing in your video that is wonderful

[@erinafenix]

Thank you 🙏

[@firelordplayz]

It's the same in Croatia and Serbia. Being "serious" is seen as strength. However, none of those people are actually controlling their emotions, but rather suppressing them and we can see proof of that in how much all those people drink and gamble lol. Many are very very miserable and weak which is the exact opposite of strong.

[@TiberiiGrakh]

thats BS. they "serious" cause they laugh when its funny. noone supressing anything in russia, its absurd (dont know about croatia but i doubt it) main reason russians (and many other slavic people) dont smile all the time FOR NO REASON CAUSE IT LOOKS RETARDED.

[@BodilessVoice]

Again, entirely about Sovietism, nothing else.

[@joannageorge7305]

It's called being stoic. Since when are unchecked emotions good for anything?

[@BodilessVoice]

Stoicism and Soviet repression are not the same thing, not even close.@@joannageorge7305

[@daydays12]

Why would you want to be 'strong' in that way? We're all going to die anyway... why not make life as joyful as possible? These unfriendly 'strong' characters are so sad and only half, if that, alive.

[@Kryojenix]

I remember reports when McDonalds first went into China, the management was trying to get the servers to smile, and neither the employees nor the customers understood it, because it seemed disrespectful all around.

[@erinafenix]

Oh wow! That’s really interesting, thank you for sharing this anecdote ! Happy to learn something new about a different culture :)

[@pilbomags488]

I don't smile haphazardly either. I especially can't stand when people open their mouths for photos.

[@apocalypse_authority]

Grandpa didn’t smile because his son was shot in front of him. I dunno, maybe there are other reasons for everyone.

[@Marvel66666]

It's in Germany the same, coolness everywhere. One time a girl ask me in holyday, why I not smile. I never thought about that. Maybe to control every situation. Smiling is very privat level

[@erinafenix]

Hi, thank you for dropping by to share that! I have noticed that with my German friends as well :) interesting to learn more about diffenet cultures! 🙌

[@zoznak1943]

I suppose if I had to live in Russia I wouldn't smile much either.

[@ronchappel4812]

Very interesting.In airports i've seen polar opposite peoples side by side.It's so strange!

[@erinafenix]

Hi, thanks for dropping by ! For sure, it’s just a joking commentary on a superficial cultural stereotype. In every country you’ll find all kinds of different people :)

[@weasel9062]

I've seen Russians get emotional many times. Russian men get angry about corruption in the government, and Russian women get very emotional about their relationships.

[@erinafenix]

For sure, it’s all part of the human experience. This video is just a little joke/commentary on superficial aspects of cultural stereotypes ! I’m against generalizing ANY nation or people’s as a whole in any way 🪷🙌

[@RheinmetaII]

@@erinafenixnice!

[@seanworkman431]

All people get emotional but it is negative emotions that are a waste of time, once one gets to anger, sadness, grief then apathy it is pointless emotion. It takes a lot to learn about how to manage that as a human though it can be done, just don't go to a shrink.

[@daydays12]

Hungarians too...extreme emotional swings ....disturbing to a phlegmatic Brit

[@anasalsubhi6370]

the same with us , the Arabs , at least in the Gulf. I went to the UK when I was 20 and I stayed there fore about 5 years . When I came back many things clinged , it seems, to my behaviour from the western culture, one of these is the smiling and laughing as a way to communicate with people. I gradually learn that this is not the best way to go about with and the reason is exactly what you mention here in the video. people start to think that you are silly or you are not self-contained !

[@erinafenix]

Hi! Thanks for dropping by and sharing your experience ! That is very interesting, I’m glad to learn more about different cultures :)

[@НиколайСимаков-н1ь]

На заставке русская красавица с очень гру

[@НиколайСимаков-н1ь]

Иными глазами

[@elleniasiello6271]

A smile is universal except in Russia. Maybe they don't have much to smile about. 😊

[@EraphaseContemplation]

People do what they want with their faces. Smile or not...Its your choice how you present yourself to the world.

[@erinafenix]

I agree, we’re free to present ourselves as we wish to the world 🙏

[@MB-xe8bb]

But how will you be perceived and judged?

[@TechnoMageB5]

Someone artificially smiling, or apparently smiling for no reason, is viewed with suspicion. "What are you up to? Or are you just stupid?" Think how an American views the smile of the used car salesman as they approach you...or a naïve moron... Contrast that with meeting/greeting a good friend, or sharing a genuinely funny joke, and the smiles come naturally. Here the smiles have context and are considered appropriate. In my experience, the Slavic cultures in general are more warm and friendly than the American or Western European ones, once some familiarity and trust is established. Until then, as you say, the expectation is stoicism - and Western cultures find that stoicism off-putting. Good video. добро Нам дошли од Србија

[@erinafenix]

Hello, Thank you for taking the time to write this well-thought out comment, great points, puts a lot of things into perspective. Wishing you all the best and happy holidays 🙏🎄

[@daydays12]

How can people in such "stoic" cultures makes friends? There must be a lot of loneliness and/or alcoholism

[@erinafenix]

@@daydays12 excellent question that illustrates the common confusion around the philosophy of stoicism, which at its core, from the Ancient Greek times, prescribes moderation in one’s emotions, without excess in either direction. In contrast to common belief, stoicism encourages enjoyment of life, without burdening oneself with sorrows or attachments to materialism. One of my favourite stories includes a philosopher sentenced to death, before his execution he was playing chess and drinking tea with his friends, stating that although he may die, it does not need to cloud the present moment. To quote from a thought piece online: Stoicism can be epitomized by three essential beliefs: (1) that virtue is sufficient for happiness, (2) that other so-called goods should be regarded with indifference, and (3) that the world is providentially ordered by God. Although in later schools of thought these were calibrated or tweaked, the essence remains quite the same. I’ve gotten so many comments about my use of the word stoic, which I meant in the original sense, that I’ll be making an overview video shortly that details the philosophy in more detail.

[@gauloise6442]

@@daydays12 I don't know about Russia, but in France, you make 6 friends when you are 6 years old in grade school and those are your friends for life.

[@daydays12]

Merci, gauloise!! @@gauloise6442

[@roydavis5613]

Could it be because its so f-ing cold there Erina ?????

[@erinafenix]

lol the climate for sure affects the culture, earlier comments pointed it out as well. But I’m currently in Canada and it’s not much warmer here either 😁

[@roydavis5613]

@@erinafenix We could cuddle !!!! 😂

[@2l84t]

A smile makes for a pleasanter day and tends to confuses your enemies.

[@erinafenix]

Good point, we have so many things available to us as humans to make the day brighter, to each their own :)

[@jeremiasmoreno4503]

❤ New sub from LATAM here gorgeous ❤

[@erinafenix]

Mucho gracias ❤️🙏🙌 really appreciate it :)

[@jeremiasmoreno4503]

@@erinafenix 😅 OMG you're so cute, I just imagined you saying that with your accent ❤️ muchas gracias to you gorgeous ❤️

[@jeremiasmoreno4503]

@@erinafenix btw Erina, any beautiful princess like u (a friend) single that interested in hanging out with a Latino guy? I'm 25 btw 😅

[@jmajors5946]

I’m extremely extroverted and like people. I approach life trusting, not in suspicion. I’m convinced smiling improves a person’s disposition and mental health. I’m now 70. I live in hope, not futility. My Christian faith offers this to everyone who chooses to believe the Gospel. I know that I will be smiling on my deathbed. 😁

[@Nerd.Immunity.]

This explains Fedor Emelianenko's demeanour perfectly

[@safedba]

People from monolithic cultures don't have to do this because they have less stress from not living in multi-racial multi-cultural environments. You have to assure each other that no malevolence is intended when you live in multi-racial multi-cultural environments. There's a chronic need to send quick messages of "peace!" when everyone around you doesn't look the same.

[@rodrigo-villablanca-jara]

there are people who are born without affection rather they are born *without a heart*

[@myway3203]

People in Asian countries,Arabic countries and European countries people don't smile to those who they don't consider personal friend. In Arabic countries smiling to someone out door means you flirting . And by the way smiling didn't mean and offer friendship. That exactly show up to us people from North American countries

[@erinafenix]

Excellent point about the other cultures as well, now that I think about it, within my friend group I have quite a bit of people from the backgrounds you mentioned, and their smiling habits are similar to mine ! Thank you for dropping by and sharing :)!

[@myway3203]

@@erinafenix I lived long time in one Arabic country where was multicultural medical staff, so I know in person about some of their tradition and cultural habits, because I was very curious for listening and learning about

[@Molech996]

In Cyprus and Greece everyone smiles and acts happy,but I don't.

[@jinnbuster4753]

Smiling is infectious. If more people smiled, people would feel better and maybe stop invading other people's countries.

[@jbhann]

This is my second response to your statement. KZbin deleted my prior comment because it had facts which exposed the crimes of the 44th US president. I’ll probably have to put this in two comments in order to prevent youtube from deleting the comment. Barack Obama smiled almost all the time…

[@jbhann]

Ah, so youtube doesn’t approve of the word _"droned"_ and the word _"bomb"_ being used together in a sentence, because they deleted that comment just 18 seconds after posting it.

[@jbhann]

Anyways…barack obama smiled all the time, and drone….

[@jbhann]

Well, commietube deleted the word _"bomb"_ in the last comment. This is seriously turning into 1984.

[@jbhann]

I’ll reword it so the filth at youtube don’t get offended. Barack obama smiled almost all the time, and he _"tossed pretty flower pedals"_ onto innocent civilians, more than any US President combined.

[@luigicirelli2583]

I have an answer: they smile because they believe to have control over their lives

[@МаксимСоколов-д4я]

Why is Google advertising this video to me as "sponsored"?

[@erinafenix]

Hi, there’s a new KZbin promotion program, and I put a little money on three of my videos, including this one. This one took off for some reason, but that’s why it crops up on Google as sponsored !

[@JerryPolanco-y5y]

People who don't smile are considered conceited in America, but russians are taught to be rough and tough since childhood which leaves little room for smiles in Russia.

[@daydays12]

To be Rough and tough. What an aim in life!

[@DeuceBiggerHo]

Interesting thanks😊

[@erinafenix]

Glad you liked, thank you for taking the time to let me know 😊🤗

[@АлександрКлим-ь9н]

С Наступающим новым годом

[@erinafenix]

Спасибо большое ! И Вас, с Наступающим Новым Годом и Рождеством! 🙏🎄🎉✨🎈

[@neon2422]

if someone smile to much for you its mean he want something from you....

[@AngelFox-mi4tt]

Why would you smile if nothing's funny at the moment?

[@erinafenix]

Yes exactly, or if you’re genuinely happy with your loved ones, the smile just comes naturally 🌹

[@daydays12]

You smile at other people to show an interest them..maybe as a prelude to talking to them. Which dark unsmiling place do you hail from?

[@Pramodsingh-yd7eq]

I'm big fan in India🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 love you❤❤❤❤❤

[@erinafenix]

Thank you 🙏

[@Pramodsingh-yd7eq]

@@erinafenix 🙏🙏

[@plowhand5591]

I don’t know how anyone (even Russians) could see your beautiful face and not smile. It saddens me that people think that being stoical is superior to displaying friendliness.

[@erinafenix]

That’s very kind of you to say, thank you! I don’t think it’s considered superior per se, and every place has a variety of different people and approaches, I personally can’t say one is better than the other. This video is mostly a little joking commentary on a superficial stereotype haha

[@daydays12]

me too. life is too short....what a lot they're missing through their so called stoicism.. The number of friends I've made ( in France) from just being nice to strangers!

[@alimuchenik9807]

Hi! Regards from Argentina! I fell in LOVE with my Americans from the very first moment I stepped in USA's soil. Those bright smiles with a thousand teeth! Their non-verbal language! ❤ Once you get to know a people's culture and characteristics, you can't avoid loving them. That happened to me with Russians, Ukranians, German, Austrians, Greek, Australians, Slovenes, Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, a Afrikans.

[@erinafenix]

It’s so true, getting to know the people leads to understanding which leads to appreciation and love ❤️

[@corveramoenglish7275]

Hi Erina, As an introvert that grew in a the Caribbean, I can picture the shock of many cultures on regards to the lack of smiles when interacting, but I simpathize with the Russian attitude towards others regarding the greetings and smiles. It is important not only for the mind but to the soul as well to be genuine with our interactions and its exhausting to just be "smiling politely". A genuine smile is a precious token of appreciation that gets cheapened when everything you do is smile everywhere. I appreciate your video and you sharing with us this piece of cultural knowledge. My best wishes to you and your channel. P.S. Your mind and politeness are very refined, including your way of replying to others from what I have read. You are quite a catch, like the most refined silver crystal

[@erinafenix]

Hello, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, I am very grateful to learn more and that you found it quite relatable :)! I do agree, a genuine smile is the most precious of them all, and at the core of human experience we should always value individual freedom. If one desires to comport themselves one or the other way, that should be always respected, as long as it’s not harmful to others. Thank you also for your very kind words and encouragement, it means more than I can even express. Your kindness and thoughtfulness in the response is a true gem in itself 💎🙏

[@timothee1494]

Отлично помню как мне в детстве говорили: "Смех без причины- признак дурачины". Это закладывается человека с самого раннего возраста, и попробуй потом переучи себя, когда это поколениями вколачивается от отца к детям.

[@erinafenix]

Каждый человек делает так как ему комфортно, я не вижу надобности в переучивание в данной сфере ☺️

[@hwd7]

You have a beautiful smile, I can relate as I worked in customer service and some mean girls would tease about why I dodnt smile , Im not Russian, but, why should I smile especially when some girls tease me about it?

[@erinafenix]

Thank you, very kind of you. I’m sorry you had that experience with the mean girls ! Good point, I agree, we smile when WE want/decide to, not when people around us dictate it

[@KathyandGaryPawson]

I WAS lucky enough to have visited Russia several times. (Never again however). The thing that made me saddest was that other than my 3 Russian friends, (who took us around for a week), EVERYONE seemed on edge, suspicious & frightened, & OF COURSE NOBODY smiled except with close friends, sometimes & in private. As an old man, from here, I found that very sad to witness.

[@MalhaIIa]

privileged you are getting into my recommendation. the algorithm must be on crack.

[@erinafenix]

Haha what do you mean? I’m a bit surprised the algorithm picked up this video as well actually

[@MalhaIIa]

@@erinafenix quite sure you trigger some highly popular tags that the algorithm think it understand where it is unable to sort various subjects and just round up videos based on a few factors. i watch a lot of youtubers, very few young women. like all of it is political. you may know misha and ashley, those are only two i really watched anything from. misha is also from russian decent, and with all the other russian recommendations i get that are either political or music. this video of yours trigger a couple basic tags and proves how immature the algorithm is. and no, i don't get many recommendations from young blonde youtubers. none at all actually, but you broke the ice. and i think it is the russia part that caused it. which is very strange. there's nothing political about this video and youtube really should know im no simp. no offense, but am sure you understand a lot of the attention you get is solely based upon your looks. thats not why im here. so yeah, youtube have shown you now. hot girl + hot subject = success. i guess. congratulations! is in order. will end this with i would very much like to have it different where videos are not recommended for the authors gender/looks, but by the subject and well... quality. in equality. so many can only dream of what youtube have done for you now, or what you have made youtube do for you? no matter. well done.

[@viaaustralia5388]

You have a nice smile- I don't smile coz I have a terrible one- hahaha

[@Дракон64]

О чем говорит эта мадам подскажите пожалуйста???

[@erinafenix]

Здравствуйте! Говорю про разницу в культуре между Северной Америкой и Россией/Восточной Европе, и что у нас посерьезнее и просто так/так много не улыбаются, по разным причинам.

[@bokka409]

U Americi Kanadi i zapadnoj europi ljudi se smiju i smješkaju a ne kao kod nas Slavena Rusa Poljaka Čeha Hrvata...

[@Дракон64]

@@erinafenix senx you

[@rperlberg]

If you walk down the street smiling in Russia you get punched in the face? Sounds like a really dangerous place.

[@erinafenix]

Noooo, I’m just joking around :) it’s a lovely place with great food actually ! I’ll probably make a video about Russia for real instead of joking around next time !

[@valerietaylor9615]

I like the fact that Russians and other Eastern Europeans don’t smile much. Even Western Europeans, such as the French, don’t smile nearly as much as Americans do. They think it looks phony and insincere to go around grinning at total strangers. I’m American, but I don’t smile that much, and am often taken to task for it. I’m partly of Slavic descent, so perhaps there’s a genetic component to my usually dour expression. 😠

[@karlosgrizz356]

La vida es muy corta para no sonreir. La risa aunque muchos no lo crean cura la depresión. Pienso que es muy importante no perder el sentido del humor, que muchas veces se pierde por la falta de libertad, por presiones económicas, por guerras, que modifican la forma de ser de una sociedad. Por suerte hoy podemos ver claramente estas diferencias entre una y otra sociedad, gracias a las redes, que nos permite distinguir nuestros defectos y virtudes.

[@maximchijevsky5136]

Simply Smile, not to someone, is indeed rear effect. Thinking about it in English, helps to realize many things in Russian reality.

[@ulibarriL]

I've never been to Russia, so I can neither confirm or deny the stereotype. What I can say though is that as an American growing up (and mind you, it was still the USSR at the time), Russians never smiling wasn't an impression I had of the people there. Russia was perceived to be a giant land of perpetual cold, and the climate forced them to be tougher and hardened. There was always something about their national anthem that enforced this impression, and always hit a spot in my heart despite not being a citizen, but rather just a sympathetic human being. I was always and still am enamored by how gorgeous the woman are, but part of what has left that impression on me is the fact that the images I've seen of them nearly always had them smiling.

[@daydays12]

Where did you see these images of smiling , presumably young, Russian women?

[@ulibarriL]

@daydays12 Everywhere. But you can see for yourself by simply googling "Russian women" or "beautiful Russian women"

[@IanK369]

I like to smile because I'm American, but I also appreciate the Russian stoicism.Those people don't mess around.

[@IanK369]

@@daydays12 What on Earth do Trump and Putin have to do with this conversation? If I didn't know any better, I'd swear you're looking to start shit.

[@erinafenix]

Hi Ian, thank you for sharing your comment, I have the same viewpoint as you, where I appreciate both cultures :)

[@IanK369]

@@daydays12 I think you're just being weird for the sake of being weird. Please stop.

[@daydays12]

Delightful reply. Thank you. Keep smiling and have a nice day. @@IanK369

[@daydays12]

A rather impolite reply, if I may say so. @@IanK369

[@Rai2M]

No one would punch you in the face for smiling on the street. It's a complete bs. And yes, being a russian citizen who lives in Russia i do know what i'm talking about. Yes, we do not smile a lot but the reasons are completely different.

[@erinafenix]

Привет, спасибо что написал! Специально пишу на русском, если кому то будет интересно почитать еще. Да, по настоящему в лицо никто не даст, это у меня друзья шутили, но в видео я тоже говорю что шучу) я выросла в России, у меня прекрасные воспоминания. Каждый год навещаю там родственников, хочу снять видео про все прекрасное и интересное там. НО К СОЖАЛЕНИЮ, это трех минутное видео почему то всем попалось, а я смонтировала его на скорую руку и не уделила достаточно времени. Это мои поверхностные мысли на самую поверхностную тему, вообще казалось мало важным. Да, смех без причины- признак дурачины, и я с этим согласна. Самые лучшие улыбки - это которые идут от сердца. В видео я и говорю что в России мы конечно улыбаемся) Для всех кто читает - пожалуйста не обижайтесь, просто так сняла и получилось что и нашим и американцам не понравилось😂😢 Я еще учусь как на KZbin быть, буду стараться еще больше А С Наступающими Празниками ! 🎄🙏

[@daydays12]

Putin does it all the time..... if you want examples I can give you examples....