Final Project

Hello everyone!

For my final project, I am looking to piece together a variety of opinions on roles and characteristics of women from the female perspective (which means I'm only looking for other women to help me out, sorry guys!). If you are willing to be part of my project, all I would need is for you to answer a few questions on video and for you to email/send the video to me. It will probably take you about 10 minutes at most and would help me a lot!

I'm mostly addressing this to the students in Russia, as I have access to people in the US, but if you are a student in the US class and want to be a part of my project, too, feel free to reach out!

If you are interested please comment below and I'll give you my email and we can work out the details. The sooner we get started, the better! Thanks in advance!

Hello to all!
In Russia we have some discussions/scandals about sexual harrassment in MEDia. Below is a link in Russian and some in English  about our deputy (State Duma or Parlament) Boris Slutsky. Some women journalists accused him in sexual harrassment in Parlament and after thier statements near the Parlarment were  few pickets with posters - "Violence at home. Violence in Parlament. What next?" (first in the paper below), "Mister Slutsky, a little bit (E. - about touchimg) also accounting" (Amnesty International poster), " Mister Slutskiy, come out! I'm going to touch you a little bit" (boyfriend of one women), " Off your hands from journalists" (media trade union)
https://www.bbc.com/russian/news-43330036
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/02/russian-journalists-accuse-politician-leonid-slutsky-sexual-harassment 
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/11/russian-activists-arrested-sexual-harassment-protest-leonid-slutsky 
https://meduza.io/en/news/2018/03/23/the-kremlin-still-refuses-to-comment-on-the-sexual-harassment-scandal-exploding-at-the-state-duma 
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-parliament-sex-harassment-speaker-volodin-female-reporters-women-farida-rustamova-a8243421.html 

But we don't have an official reaction like Ethical comission in Parlarment on this case :((
So we have a lot to do here.

What`s good, guys? I haven`t wrote anything about me yet, so let me do it now😊

My name is Lisa and I`m 19 y.o. I celebrate my birthday on the same day as french people do - 14th July is La Fête Nationale (Bastille Day) in France – and it`s kinda cool!

I was born in Apatity, small town in the northern part of Russia and spent wonderful 16 years of my life there, but now I live in a dormitory in Velikiy Novgorod and study linguistics. Unfortunately, I don’t have an opportunity to see my relatives very often, because I can go home twice (TT 😂) or once (more likely) a year, during winter or summer holidays. But living in a dorm is not that bad, to be honest it`s even funny, a lot of crazy (and not) things happen every single day!

I have different hobbies:

1) playing the piano (one of my favorite composers is Ludovico Einaudi, his music is incredible!),

2) me + video games = 💖 (Skyrim, The Witcher, Revelation online, Life is Strange and many more),

3) k-pop and k-dramas (I used to watch almost every day, but now I don`t, because I don`t have enough time for it. “Boys over flowers” was endless tho...),

4) youtube videos (mostly I watch letsplays (for example, Kuplinov_play) and some random vids) and various tv-shows (the last show I saw was “The Four” - Zhavia is sooo good!) and etc.

I`m not gonna write the whole story of my life here. But in case anyone is interested, let me know and we`ll probably have a chat on Facebook – I`ll create an account for this purpose 😉

I appreciate your attention and Nice to meet y`all ^-^

Dear Brockport and Novgorod Class Members,



Thanks so much for everyone's patience with our technology glitches on Tuesday.  I am so sorry that it took a bit of time to connect but so glad that we stuck with it so we could see and talk with everyone class-to-class.   There is, I think, a good lesson here, that,  faced with obstacles, good-will, innovation, and strategy prevail.



As follow up to our discussion on abortion, sex education, and gender violence, I want to pose a few questions on behalf of our class members about reproductive health, contraception, sex education, and gender violence  as we understand this in America and Russia. Please reply to whatever question or questions resonate most with your thinking.  Please don't feel obligated to answer all questions.



1. In the US, under the current presidential administration, women across the US are living in fear that Roe v. Wade (the 1973 court ruling that gives women the right to a safe, legal abortion) will be overturned. In Russia, do you feel that the right to a legal abortion can one day be repealed? Or is this not even a concern? Related, what is common consensus on abortion in Russia? Are most people for it or against it?



2.  Did you attend a high school where you had  sex education and did this education include information on  safe sex relationships?





3. Do you think it is fair that the job of preventing pregnancy in both of our countries primarily falls on the woman? Why or why not?

4. In the US and Russia, if you desire birth control ranging from condoms to emergency contraceptives, do you have reasonable access to them? Would you feel comfortable seeking these out or would you feel that there is social stigmas and judgement that may steer you away from them?

5. What are the options for birth control in Russia for children under the age of 18? Can children get birth control without the consent of their parents? In the US and Russia, do you think parental consent is important? 

6.  Grace and Tyler in our Brockport class mentioned this video to me as follow up to Kirill's question about feminists in Russia poring bleach on white males while riding on a subway if the males were “manspreading.”  Here is one video link about this that Grace shared:  

https://metro.co.uk/2018/09/26/student-pours-bleach-and-water-on-mens-crotches-to-stop-them-manspreading-7979562

I wrote to Grace that I have a lot of mixed feelings about this.  The radical feminist act in support of women's equality  and against male dominance and taking up space is courageous. So my initial reaction is a bit of awe. And also gratitude.  Which I feel in solidarity for anyone who fights the fight in such a way. But inverting a power structure never works.  So bad behavior never corrects bad behavior.  And the bleach is a bit violent I think. And I am against any form of violence directed at others. Perhaps some of the manspread is aggressive and could become violent. But it also is sociocultural. So it is learned behavior that may at times be unconscious vs intentional.  Not any less offensive or harmful or excused, but context is everything.  Importantly, what do US and Russian students think about this?

7. How does the Russian government at state or federal levels view gender-based crimes?  What about in the US?  Think about the Brock Turner case here:   https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/09/us/brock-turner-appeal.html

For additional information about reproductive health and justice concerns in the US and global portraits, see the Guttmacher Institute: https://www.guttmacher.org/

Also interesting to this  topic is recent news from Ireland https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/27/ireland-to-start-abortion-law-reform-after-historic-voteAnd from Poland:  https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/23/world/europe/poland-abortion-women-protest.html



Thanks in advance for all your good-thinking here.
Peace and Da sveedaneya

Hello everyone! My name is Dasha and I am 19 years old. I was born on the 15th of May, 1999 in  Velikiy Novgorod is one of the ancient cities in Russia. I am a third-year student. I study english and french. I am trying to do my best to become a good specialist. I have a small family. There are only four of us: mother, father, brother and me.   My mother is a teacher of mathematics. My father is a driver.His job is difficult and requires endurance. My family is the best in the world , they are the ones who always stay by my side. I also have some close friends. I like going out with them, these meetings are rare but unforgettable. We are 6 in the company. We enjoy travelling together and going on picnics in summer and skating in winter. My friends also love visiting me because I always bake something delicious. In my leisure time, I prefer reading and going to the gym or dance classes.
Speaking about myself, I'm friendly and helpful person. Really like to know all of you.

Hi everyone!!!

My name is Alexandra and I’m studying linguistics at the Novgorod State University. I was born in the beautiful city St. Petersburg Russia. When I was 6 I moved with my parents to Germany. A few years ago I wanted to study in Russia so I moved without my parents back to Russia. Last year the University of Novgorod let me to study in Hildesheim, Germany. There I become friends with many people from Italy, China, Japan, France, India,  Mexico, Columbia and United states.

I can speak English, Russian, and German. I like to meet new people and hang out with friends.

Kirill is here!

Hey, guys! My name is Kirill, like Russian Patriarch.  Im 19 years old, but Fallout 2 is still older than me (3 months older than me, to be acurrate.)

I was born in Lensk. This place pretty distant from... everything. Actually I cant remember a thing about being in the city. It was flooded 2 times, so we were kinda forced to move somewhere else.
I've been living in Novgorod the Great since 2001.
I've graduated from school at 2016 and entered the University. I'm living with my mom in the flat, so I need to go 7+ km to the Institute building every day(A circle, going threre and back). I prefer riding a cycle, but the weather is changing right now and I dont think that I can ride a bicycle for a long time.
I usually visit my grandma's place at the shore of Baikal lake on the summer holidays. It takes 4 days to reach the palce by train. Long journey, but worth it.

I spend my freetime playing computer games (Such as Fallout 2 mentioned above. It's a classic RPG and I love it.) I prefer strategies and FPS games), watching films and cartoons. My favorite cartoon is 'My Little Pony:Friendship is Magic'. Some people can say something like:'It(the cartoon) was made for 12 y.o girls, how can you watch it?'I can. This cartoon is good, it teaches you how to manage crises of the friendship.

Before the University, I was engaged in karate for 10 years. But in 2016 I took a break. The study become more complicated and I cannnot focus effectively on 2 things. Sometimes I heed much more time to do hometasks.
 I also like to cook food for me and my mom. I did Spaghetti 3 times.(it's mine, so I can touch it)

I've been lerning English since six years old. Аnd now I am studying German. Rammstein really helps me to do it.
So yes, I am learning English and German with the help of computer games, cartoons and music. I prefer rock music, but ringht now I tend to country music (such as Big Iron). I think that studying languages opens great opportunities to me. I'm thninking about learning Chinese.
I'm glad to meet you all here!

Hello everyone! I'm so sorry it has taken me so long to introduce myself.

My name is Irina, I'm 20 and I'm a student of Novgorod State University. I’m studying linguistics. I learn English and German. I was born in small town called Velikie Luki witch is located in Pskov region.  I've been living in Novgorod for 14 years. Now I live with my grandma. We live in a small apartment on the outskirts. I also have 2 cats and a dog. I have 2 british cats, their names are Basya and Pusik. And I have a Chihuahua called Yuzya.
As for my hobbies, I’ve been doing aerial silk for almost 2 years and I really like it.

As for my character, I would describe myself as kind, positive, a little shy, but I really like meeting new people. My biggest fear is spiders.

I really hope that it would be interesting to study in this unusual atmosphere.

Hello, guys!
Let me introduce myself. My name is Anna. I'm 20. I have been living in Velikiy Novgorod for 3 years, I guess I like to be here right now. But I hope to move to Saint Petersburg, I admire its architecture and atmosphere that prevails in the city.
Speaking about education, I'm a 3rd-year student at Novgorod State University. I study linguistics. I study two foreign languages - English and French. 

The most difficult thing is to tell something objective about myself, but I will try. I can talk the hind leg off a donkey :) My friends always tell me that they lose track of time when they're with me. Sometimes I'm being too sensitive. I value honest and reliable people, who hold opinions and remain true to themselves. 

Hi!  My name is Nax. I live with my mother who is 100% Sicilian and an amazing cook/baker.  I also live with my two dogs, Maisy and Lola. I live in a yellow ranch home with three bedrooms and a living room/kitchen. My family is small and evolving you could say. I would describe myself as hardworking and kind and I enjoy making art, music and writing poems in my spare time. I am currently in a singing group on campus called Sonore. My wish for everyone would be that they could live how they want to without fear of being who they feel they are. My favourite food is mashed potatoes and I like to wear a yellow beanie. I identify as genderfluid and if anyone has any questions about anything like that I'm more than happy to answer them. My favourite flower is a Daisy and that's why my dog's name is so similar. I am very excited to meet everyone in the video chat and hope to learn some new things about life in Russia. 

Hello everyone! It's a great pleasure to read everything you've posted down there. <3 So let me introduce myself.

 My name is Arina, I'm 20 and currently I'm a student of Novgorod State University. Studying linguistics for me is a chance to get close to languages which I like the most. Now I learn English and German, but my dream is to learn Swedish and Finnish.
 I've been living in Novgorod for 2 years and from a view of kind of  a "tourist" here I can say that this small town is so nice that feels like home every time. Now I live in a dorm and it's an adorable experience, like living with all your friends (and possible friends) all together. But as well as I like Novgorod my hometown(which is not so far away) is precious to me and sometimes homesick gets me.
As for my hobbies, like all of us I like reading books, listening to music and watching movies. But not so long ago I've got interested in flowers and making different accessories(really want to advise to someone who is looking for a new hobby, it's unbelievably relaxing).  Aslo taking care of animals is very important for me as I grew up surrounded by plenty of animals.
What concerns my character, it's not so easy to describe. We always expect us to be better than we are. But I thing I'm totally a positive person, I always try to be brave and strong and help others in different situations. I truely believe that when you laugh, you forget about all the troubles and it's the best way to solve them - just let it go C:
I really hope that such an unusual type of working together will be a start of something great!

Follow up on 9/4 Video Conference: Thoughts on Sexism and Gender Based-Violence

Dear Novgorod and Brockport Partners:



Hello and Peevyet!



It was lovely to see everyone today for our  Novgorod- Brockport video conference.  Thank you all for attending and participating in our introductions and discussion on  questions about sex and gender equality as we understand this in America and Russia. And thanks also for you patience with our technology.  Grateful! 



In our Brockport class, we have been  discussing sex and gender identity and on Thursday we are about to talk about  gender-based violence and crimes against women. I am interested in student views about this topic as we study examples in the U.S, Russia, and around the globe.



We have  been reading  the text, "Women Across Cultures," by Shawn Meghan Burn, which sheds light on the global dimensions to gender-based violence. Also, we have talked about language  and media images that reinforce gender inequalities.  I am curious about ways media sources operate in Russia and if you can cite examples of ways media messages can reinforce sexism and lead to intimate partner violence.  


A few years back, I was pulled in by the  "Carry That Weight," project -- see link.
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/22/arts/design/in-a-mattress-a-fulcrum-of-art-and-political-protest.html


More recently, I am following the #MeToo campaign,  and just yesterday, read this VOX piece that really resonated with me on how society continues to simply slap wrists for sexist behaviors. See link: https://www.vox.com/2018/9/10/17826168/me-too-louis-ck-men-comeback


I would like to hear what Brockport and Novgorod  students think about these and/or other circumstances that you might be aware of and want to share with us on this blog as we think about sex and gender equality.  

Thank you again for your participation in our morning and your evening class and for sharing your thoughts here. I am grateful for our partnership and the opportunity to learn from each across time and place.  Until the next time.  

Peace and Da sveedanya.

Barb LeSavoy, PhD

Elena Lukovitskaya

Hi  everyone!
I'm teacher of Sociology and Gender Studies at our University. My research interest is reproductive health and rights, gender aspects of emotionality, gender discrimination on labor market, maternity capital, sexuality, civil society. I like reading, hiking, traveling, play tennis, swimming. This summer I was hiking near Elbrus - highest mountain in Europe (5642m). I've been on 4500 but my husband could rise on the top of Elbrus. It was his dream.
I think that travelling is education. It's expand our world understanding, we became more tolerant to another people.
I don't like injustice. That's why I'm interesting in Gender Studies.

It was nice to see all of you today!
 Good luck!

A Day in the Life: Dylan Folger

     

My name is Dylan Folger, and I am a sophomore at SUNY Brockport, majoring in math. My immediate family consists of my mom and dad, my older sister Brittany, and my older brother Eric. I live in a suburban city that is right in the middle of Buffalo and Niagara Falls called North Tonawanda, either at my dads house or my moms house. At each house I have my own bedroom, and  am fortunate enough to have my own car. My home is cozy and my family is supportive.

I think two words that would describe me are "reserved" and "meticulous." A typical day for me is waking up about and hour and a half before my first class, going to class, and eating meals between my classes. After all my classes arriver, I typically watch a lot of Netflix and do schoolwork, or watch soccer if there's any on. My favorite food has to be pizza. My interests/hobbies include soccer and music.
      -I am: optimistic.
      -I wish: I was a professional soccer player.
      -The one thing that scares me the most is: spiders.

Hey! My name is Kellie Panek and I am a senior at SUNY Brockport. While studying here I live in an apartment with my three roommates Emily, Jaelee and Haley who also attend classes at Brockport. Our apartment consists of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room. Our apartment is an easy walk or bike ride away from the college campus. There’s also an option to take the campus shuttle or drive. I choose to drive to classes every day to save some time. Although am leaving this great campus soon, I know there are great opportunities to come.

Over summers when I’m not attending college, I live at home in the Mid-Hudson Valley in New York, about an hour and a half north of New York City. My family consists of my Mother Wendy, my Father Michael, my Sister Samantha and my cat Buddy. My family is currently transitioning to North Carolina where my sister has lived with her Husband Andy for about three years now. My mom has recently accepted a position as the Postmaster in that area and has also moved there. My parents plan on building a house within the very near future. Although we are divided at the moment we are still very close. Family is the most important thing in my life and I couldn’t imagine not having the love and support of the people closest to me. Although my home is divided at the moment, we are working hard to reunite to find a new home in North Carolina.

I would describe myself as Charismatic and Sarcastic. I care deeply about my friends and family but I like to have fun and be silly too.

My typical day starts with a cup of coffee from my Keurig when I roll out of bed, usually an hour before class. I get myself dressed and I drive over to campus. My first classes of the day start around 9 and then I have quite some time before my next class. During this I usually do some school work, hang with friends and eat lunch before my afternoon classes. After my afternoon classes, I either have softball practice or I go to the gym. Even though I am usually exhausted after practice I usually have enough energy to make myself dinner in my apartment. After dinner I finish up any other unfinished home while I watch a late-night movie and go to sleep around 10.

My favorite food is anything my mom cooks and my favorite candy is a Heath Bar. While I am away at school, other than missing my family and friends, I miss my moms’ cooking.  

I love most anything outdoors. My favorite sport to play is softball but I enjoy soccer, basketball and skiing as well. Camping is my favorite activity to do outside. Nothing is better than relaxing by a fire. While I camp I also enjoy kayaking, swimming, biking, hiking, and fishing. Some of my best memories involve finding little swimming holes in the Catskills and having a blast with my family cliff jumping and swimming all day.

I am loving. I wish I could believe in myself. The one thing that scares me the most is disappointing the ones I love.  

Hi everyone! Happy to meet you all here. My name is Ivan, and I'm a 20 yo student living in the historical cradle of Russia, in a pretty small town called Veliky Novgorod. Currently I'm a third-year student of Novgorod State University. The scope of my interests includes linguistic (especially the field of comparative studies), human anatomy and endocrinology (since I've been working in the sphere of medical translation for more than a year) and fine arts. People think that I'm kind of reserved person, so let it be. I've been learning English since I was 6, and, I suppose, that's what has helped me to develop my personality in different ways. For me every foreign language is a new prism through which I look at our world. I hope that our communication will bring each of us the fruits of multicultural experience.