Russian Dolls: Russians Do Not Surrender!

Hurricane Irene made it necessary for inhabitants of Brighton Beach to evacuate.  The mayor issued mandatory evacuation, but then found that many Russians refused to leave their homes and neighborhood despite the threat and many risks.  Police were even sent in to make sure residents stayed in their homes and off the streets. The sign above makes it clear why they would not leave: Russians Don't Surrender!!!  

Another glimpse of what Russians are all about thanks to Sheepsheadbaybites.com.

Russian Dolls: Negative Opinions Continue!

picture credit: thephilanews.com

One week after the first episode aired and negative opinions are still forthcoming over Lifetime's new series, Russian Dolls.  How do the people in the community of Brightonn Beach feel about the way they are being represented on the show?  Many are sick over it.  Several new articles today go on in great detail as to the sentiments of the Russians and Jews living in this neighborhood. 

What are they saying?  In their view, the show represents the "low lifes" of the community.  It's painful for many to watch, especially older, female viewers, who are the primary Lifetime audience.  The show portrays them as being materialistic and showing off their wealth.  It does not show the hardships that immigrants face when coming to this country.  The aspects of the Russian stereotypes portrayed on the show, while it may exist in Brighton Beach, definitely represents only the minority of its residents.  Yet, they feel the whole community is being painted with the same brush on the show.

The show barely mentions Jews, which is unusual since most of the cast is Jewish.  The reasons for avoiding the "Jewish" component is unclear.  It may be to avoid even more attacks from the Jewish community or it may be a way of trying to maintain it's popularity with viewers.  The Jewish values are all about living your life with dignity and respect not how much wealth you can acquire and flaunt. So maybe it's better if they don't mention it on the show?

Of course, in the end, it's all about entertainment.  The creators, the cast, the network, will not hesitate to show viewers anything that will generate ratings and money for all of them.  That's the bottomline. If that involves exploiting and portraying their neighborhood, their Russian culture and their religion in a negative way...so be it.  In the end it's all about the almighty dollar.  That's entertainment!

Make sure to tune in for tonight's second episode of Russian Dolls and let's see what critics will have to say abou tit tomorrow: Lifteime @ 10:30 PM ET

Russian Dolls: Brighton Beach Russians Up In Arms!

Welcome to Brighton Beach, little Russia by the sea!  Things have gotten a little stormy since Lifetime began filming it's new reality series "Russian Dolls" in Brighton Beach!  The network rocked the boat when they decided to created a sterotypical Russian reality show based on Jersey Shore!

Why should Italians be the only ones upset at the way they are being portrayed? Jersey Shore had Italian American noses out of joint for the way they were being depicted. Mob Wives had Italian Staten Island residents hitting the roof because they believed the rest of the country would think they were all like the ladies on the hit show. Now the Russians from Brighton Beach, Brooklyn are going to get a dose of reality television when the Russian Dolls hit Lifetime’s airways on August 11^th.

The Russian community is not happy with the way they are being stereotyped in the new show. Ever since taping began last fall, community leaders and residents have been voicing their strong disapproval to Lifetime executives. The show advertised they were looking for the Russian “Snooki” and “Situation” in order to create a Russian version of Jersey Shore where drinking vodka and partying would be the main theme.

Those signing the letter to Lifetime, protesting the new show, include an impressive list of well educated, professional individuals who feel that while Russians have made valuable contributions to society, they are always being depicted in a negative light.

Lifetime has responded to the communities concerns and say they have “toned down” the original idea of the show. Lifetime states that they are using their own “voice” and not that of MTV. The concept of the show is that is it a “multigenerational women’s story about life in the community,” including dating, working, and their relationships. 

But, the Lifetime posters at Brighton Beach, looking for cast members, read: "Are you the Russian Snooki or The Situation? Are you a super outgoing and fun-loving Russian-American that sometimes sneaks kalbaska, pel'meni and vodka from the fridge? Can people hear the Euro/Techno/Russian music blasting from your car before they see you pull up? ... The cameras will roll as you do what you do best - eat, drink and PARTY."

Sorry Lifetime, I am not buying it. You wanted to capitalized on the success of Jersey Shore so you created a slightly different version using Russians instead of Italians. How different is it? First you have the theme of the “beach,” the Jersey shore versus Brighton Beach. Then, when looking for your cast, you specifically say that you are looking for a Russian “Snooki” and “Situation.” Your promo clip, giving us a glimpse into the show has fighting, drinking and flirting. Where is your “voice” Lifetime?  Where does MTV's voice end and yours begin?   Just sayin’!


Picture Credit: bidbrightonbeach.com