Description
Book SynopsisThe Russian internet is a hotbed for memes and viral videos: the political, satirical and simply absurd compete for attention in Russia while the West turns to it for an endless reserve of humorous content. But how did this powerful cyber community grow out of the repressive media environment of the Soviet Union? What does this viral content reveal about the country, its politics and its culture? And why are the memes and videos of today's Russia so popular, spreading so rapidly across the globe? Award-winning author Eliot Borenstein explores the explosive online movement and unpicks, for the first time, the role of mimetic content and digital activism in modern Russian history up to the present day.
Trade ReviewEliot Borenstein's portrait of online creativity in Russia is deft, witty, and thought-provoking, it makes you laugh and it makes you learn. A short book with a big impact. * Catriona H M Kelly, Professor of Russian; Lecturer at Merton College, University of Cambridge, UK *
By plunging into the world of Russian internet memes, Eliot Borenstein offers a visually exciting, highly readable, humorous and, at the same time, truly original and profound history of Russian culture in the first decades of the 21st century. A pleasure for anyone interested in contemporary Russia, this book has unique educational value – any course based on it will be a hit. * Mark Lipovetsky, Author of Postmodern Crises: From Lolita to Pussy Riot, Columbia University, USA *
The author has conducted an in-depth analysis of the CSTO as a case study of post-Soviet integration. He relies on a clear methodological approach, using a wide range of factual data obtained from relevant sources… and theoretical research. The book will be of interest to a wide range of readers, from researchers and students to everyone interested in regional integration issues, security cooperation and functional organisations. * Europe-Asia Studies *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgements A Note on Resources Introduction. Ivan The Terrible Kills Everybody Chapter 1. Getting Memes Wrong Chapter 2. The Soviet Memetic Landscape Chapter 3. Looking Backward: A Meme’s Eye View of Russian History and Culture Chapter 4. Folk Heroes of the Runet Chapter 5. MemeStyles of the Rich and Famous Chapter 6. The Whole World Is Watching Chapter 7. Dance Dance Revolution Chapter 8. Pictures at an Exhibition Chapter 9. Going Viral: The Memes of COVID-19 Conclusion. The Quick and the Dank Index
