What I absolutely admire is your patriotism! Honestly, that's really great. There is nothing of the kind here in Russia. We had a similar holiday on June, 12. It's newly established, but still... It passed so unnoticed by the masses. The only reason why we notice this holiday at all is that we have a day off. Haven't you got a day off on the 4th of July? I think, indoctrination is a good thing in such issues as patriotism, national holidays, flags, anthems etc.
I think there are many Russian patriots, I see them here on LiveJournal. But most of my readers don't fall into this category. What is the purpose of the Russian holiday on 12 June? Yes, the Fourth of July is a national holiday and most people have the day off from work. There's a big celebration in all major cities, but even small towns usually have a big gathering with decent fireworks.
That' s exactly the point - I don't know anything about the holiday. Even it's official name has changed since its initial establishement some years ago. At first it was called Russian independence day (hahaha, please tell me when ever in history Russia depended on any other country - it was never anyone's colony), now it's called something like The Day of Russia. But it's ok for me, I'm 35 and I was born in a totally different country (USSR). What is really bad, I think, is that today's kids know nothing of the holiday either. I asked. So, what's the sense in establishing a national holiday and not supporting it by cultivating patriotic activities around it? I don't understand our government.
Maybe I asked you this before, but what do you think is the main difference between your life in Soviet times and now? I don't know how you can really cultivate patriotism. It is either felt or not. But it does seem strange to create a new holiday and not have the majority of the population understand or appreciate the meaning of its existence.
I think, the greatest difference is freedom. I am no fan of USSR, I think it was the most cruel experiment. Of course now there are many restrictions and drawbacks, but at least we can choose where to work, what to buy and where to travel. I definitely don't want Soviet times back. As for patriotism - of course it can be cultivated. But it must be done from different sides at once, since childhood. Books, TV, films, songs, traditions, words spoken by famous people....
I think, indoctrination is a good thing in such issues as patriotism, national holidays, flags, anthems etc.
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So it's kind of independence day anyway :)
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