Reflections on Sergei A. Polozov’s “MADE IN USA
(Americans and American Life through Russian Eyes)”*
*Cover design, summary on the cover, and subtitle (“Is America guilty of anything in this world?”, or even:
“What America is guilty of in this world?” – both translations are possible for the Russian version of the
subtitle added by publisher) have never been discussed with the author.
My sincere appreciation to everybody who wrote to share their impressions.
S.P.
***
“ I was on Briton these days, and spent my money to buy your new book… Contrary to the introduction,
they sold it in the section “POLITICS” in our favorite store “St. Petersburg”. It is a very useful book,
almost a textbook on American life. I even think about presenting this book to several of my colleagues
who, after having lived in America for ten years did not grasp how American society works. Obviously
they are tightly related to the Russian-speaking communities of Brooklyn and Queens. Almost like in the
old anecdote, when one old lady recently arriving to Briton asks her friend who has already lived ten years
in America: “How do you like America?”. Her friend responds: “I have no idea, we never walk there…”.
D, 47, USA
“I’ve read “America”. Almost drowned in it. There are many detail observations… I like the book as an
instrument (“microscope”) – I took a look at a new world, and even if through somebody else’s eyes, they
looked objectively. It makes you believe, and pushes you to think. But different conclusions and
classifications by the author already tell you what and how to see… About Petukhov… There are many
roosters in this world… (Russian name “Petukhov” means “rooster”, SP). Who cares? And what is the
purpose of argue with them – just to get your hands dirty?.. But background is a part of the “action”,
impacting it… I have already advertised the book to my daughters… For them it will be healthy dose of
humanism…”.
M, 48, Moscow
“… I personally liked it very much. And I think not only I would like it. It has been written in an interesting
way, with a lot of information, and as I think, in an objective way. I had some opportunities to
communicate with Americans both in Russia and abroad (not in USA); and my impressions are very similar”.
P., 49, Moscow
“… After returning home … I read everything from the first to the last letter without rushing, and with great
pleasure… I was so enthralled! You described your impressions very nicely, in a simple way, and with
humor! I found so many familiar, understandable, and interesting things. I learned a lot, and found answers
to some questions. I like your attitude towards people, their country, and their traditions. After my
internship I have changed my attitude toward Americans. I would not say I think better or worst of them; I
always felt normally towards them; but probably I understand them better now. After me, my Mom read
your observations; she is retired, and 75 years old. Sometimes she was surprised, and asked me whether
some things are really true? I explained and confirmed everything I could and knew”.
P., Khabarovsk
“ First, and most importantly – it is interesting. Illustrations based on first hand experience are convincing.
The author’s participation in everyday American life is so real, that you naturally believe everything
described. Writing on behalf of a participant is a brave technique: I saw it this way, I experienced it this
way, I felt it. I see it! And as a result I have my right to express it my way, even if sometimes it is
something subjective… It is sad that the original subtitle disappeared. The new one suggested by the
publisher – is a kind of a primitive bite. Plural pictures on the cover do not contribute much either.
Epigraph from “Levsha” is important, but only one side of many; the whole content of the book is a
complex polygon. It is leading you to very serious thoughts: where is the reasonable borderline between
Russian “free-loading”, and brutal American rationalism?.. There is a combination of incompatible in
chapter 7 – brilliant essay on real life, and a summary of a sharp-edge political pamphlet… Chapter 9 in
general is like a summary of the problem that deserves a special book. Complex in structure and in content,
the essays on education (ch.15) and on mass media (ch.16) are like the whole plot and core of the book in
two chapters: pluses, and minuses; politics, and life; America, and Russia… About Canada and Mexico (ch.
17) – is like running and jumping… Chapters on hunting and fishing should be somewhere in the middle of
the book, but discussion about Russians in America (ch.18), and about Americans in Russia (ch.19) – are
like an obvious conclusion of the book, major idea of which is exactly about them, and about us. There are
places in the book that provoke discussions, but you read the whole book in one sitting. It is great that after
the last chapter there was enough space for three of the very best pages!.. It is a new, good book.”
V., 71, Moscow
"… I have finished your book - "Made in USA". What can I say? I liked it, of course! To tell the truth,
you did not discover America for me :-). It looks like everything described in your book is very natural and
logical (at least from what I can judge based on my own modest experience of communication with
foreigners). But if I concentrate on small details and nuances, I feel the opposite: I have learned so much
new for myself; and if I had to go to the United States tomorrow, your book probably would serve me as a
priceless guide.
One more thing surprised me a lot. When reading your first book "Fasciatus", everything about the
behavior of larks and other wildlife, I felt a great deal of sympathy for all these creatures. That was natural
for me because I always loved animals and have always been very much interested in song birds. But
reading "Made in USA", I started to realize that Americans began to appear pleasant to me!!.."
Z., 33 Moscow
“Here’s how one can write an annotation to this book: “You don’t like America and Americans, but don’t
know why? Always join the popular critique of all things American, but have never been in America or met
any Americans? If so, this book is certainly for you: you will understand what’s really been done in U.S. to
support your non-loving feelings!
If you admire America but have also never been there, than this book is for you as well: you will definitely
find something to help you love America even more!
And if you’re still undecided about your feelings towards America, or don’t want to decide at all, the author
will simply give you food for thought”.
R., 30, Moscow
“I’ve read the book; now my kid is reading it. It is interesting that when I was looking for it, at “Biblio-
Globus” they informed me that the book is in Economy & Marketing section... In another store – in the
Political Literature section... I like the book; I took something from it in the area of pedagogy. In general,
my understanding of The States (after a short-term personal acquaintance with USA, and some rare
communication with Americans) is consistent with the author’s”.
G., 40, Moscow
“Hi. I am now reading your book “Made in USA”, and I like it very much. I always wanted to move to
USA for good, but I can not do it yet… Tell me how to order (is it possible?) “Flag that waived above the
Capitol” (as mentioned in your book), from St. Petersburg, Russia?
Sincerely, and good luck in everything”.
L., 25, St. Petersburg
“ I am an 8-grader… Recently I read your book “Made in USA”. To be honest – I liked it very much!
First, it has been written in such a clear way that even I, a 13-year old boy, understood everything from
beginning to end. Second, you have really changed my opinion about America. Before I knew about it
only based on movies, and from English textbooks (I go to school with advanced study of English, and there
are many texts and good pictures there). I always thought that America is a dream of all people. I knew
only about pluses of this country, but now I understand that not everything there is perfect. When I thought
about America before, I always wanted to live there for a long time. Now I am very much interested, that’s
for sure, but I do not want to live there. It is better to be a tourist. I wanted to write you very much, and
here finally it happened”.
A., 13, Moscow
“My father has read the book “Made in USA”. He liked it very much. He asked me to tell you – it was
interesting”.
S., 40, Moscow
“Dear Sergei, hello. I have read your book “Made in USA”. The book was interesting, but only subtitle
written in English (“Americans and American Life through Russian eyes” – SP) is not right. I.e. you are
obviously not Russian. It would be more correct to write subtitle something like: “… through Russian-
speaking eyes of the former Komsomol leader who is willing to be comfortable with his life. Why you are
not Russian? Because Russians know that “spirit” is first, and it is above of everything else. This part,
unfortunately, is missing in your book. Opposite, probably, to you, I served in the Soviet Army, and was
never a member of any political party. So, excuse me for the comparison (there is a chance you never
knew that), but when one or another “hill-billy” (or, according to your attitude, loyal person, etc) found
himself in the army, he became (as you) excited with the civilization he found there. He is happy that he can
brush his teeth every day. But seeing that you are a professor (to be honest I did not get in what field) I
think that’s enough food for thought. Let me tell you good bye at this point. You can write me if you wish.
I wish you the best. Sincerely...”
+ one week later:
“Excuse me for the first letter written in extremely sharp tone, -- I had some family problems, and they
pushed me off the handle (your book was close, and I was desperate to release my anger, I apologize one
more time)… I definitely will buy your another book as soon as I see it at the store. Couple of words about
myself: I live in Moscow, and I am 42… I write articles at my spare time… You can find them for example
in the American (!) electronics journal… By the way, communicating with editors via e-mail, I was always
treated with polite attitude and welcoming interest, especially considering my below-average level of English.
I wish you the best. Sincerely…”
M, 42, Moscow
“I’ve read the book. It is brave! Aren’t you afraid that “average Joes” will shun you, or just downright
despise you? My impression is that there is very much of the author in the book, but not enough of real life
stories, people’s portraits, their thoughts, feelings… But this is just my impression… And the epilogue is
brilliant. It’s been my great pleasure, and I got a lot of information. Thank you”.
S, 43, Moscow
(original version written in English)
“hi, i'm Y.
I've just finished to read your book about Americans and American Life "Made in USA".
You know, last year i was there in NJ. it was a student exchange program. i spent 4 months there but now i
can say that they were the best months of my life. this summer i also tried to go there but i did not get my
visa (the situation in Moscow US Embassy was very strange).
While reading your book, i feel the emotions i had that american summer. my friends say that can't be. but i
know that it is like this. all these people, all the life there....
i wanna thank you for this book and for my emotions i felt one more time.
Respectfully yours,”…
Y., 21, Moscow Distr.
Forbidden Fruits of America (Russian)
Mikhail Antonov
“Book stand” Weekly Informational Bulletin No. 34 (79), September 22 – 28, 2003. Book reviews
The book “MADE IN USA” has been written very recently, in 2002. Subtitle, provided by the author,
states: “Is America guilty of anything in this world?”. But there is one more subtitle: “Americans and
American Life through Russian Eyes”. This subtitle is exactly the reflection of the core of the book. The
author – Sergei Polozov, professor, specialist in ornithology, lived with his family in USA more than 9 years
and teaches at a Lutheran university in Oregon.
His book is more like a kind of a guide, rather than an accusation of America and Americans. How to
properly use a restroom in America, without seeming inconsiderate; whether it’s possible to negotiate with
the police if you are stopped on the road; how to find a job, and how to behave in an interview; or whether
you should introduce yourself to your neighbors (coming to them with a bottle), and many other questions,
normally solved quite differently in U.S. than in Russia…
Although the style of the author somewhat comes off as a scientific report (impact of his professional
activities), the book is rich in information, and many facts are interesting not only for people who are
planning to go to America.
Possibly a bit annoying is the excessive political correctness (although it is understandable from a personal
perspective). For example, the author defends obese Americans from attacks of Russian mass-media by
saying that they’re not that bad.
But these details do not hinder acceptance of the major point presented by the author: “In today’s world
our contacts with Americans become broader and broader, and it is yet another reason to know and
understand each other better”.
At the same time after 9/11 a lot has been changed. “Even under NKVD (predecessor of KGB, --
S.P.) of the totalitarian USSR nobody could imagine the level of governmental control of the private life of
citizens that’s possible in today’s democratic and totally computerized America”. Countless surveillance
cameras photograph every American citizen in average twenty times per day!
Despite the fact that the author has already lived in America many years, and, probably, will stay there, he
repeatedly cautions to think twice before making your decision to move there, because we are so different.
And this book can help the reader make the right choice.
***
“Dear Sergei,
It was very interesting to read your book about the United States. My wife was there 3 years ago; I was
myself there later: unfortunately it was because of the visa restrictions within the programs available to us.
Despite the fact that both of us visited the same states (Nevada and California), we keep somewhat
different memories. There are many things she liked that I didn't like, and vice versa, but this is, after all,
natural…
Your book is interesting first of all because you write not as a tourist or traveler, but as a person living
everyday American life, and knowing USA from inside. The book is very polite and politically correct; I
believe that you are much tougher about many aspects of American realities (education, how they spend
their time, self-reflection), as well as about Russians in the USA. But you are the author, and we are your
readers, so it is that we agree on some things, but choose not to accept others.
I hope you will write something else about the USA; equally interesting and useful.
Thank you for the book.
Sincerely,”
N., Irkutsk
“… The title of the book does not totally match its content. I would name the book: “The story of how
Sergei Alexandrovitch Polozov from Balashikha traveled to The United States of America, and what was a
result of that…”
K., 53, Moscow