In depth 2003 Protopopovs intertview translated

[soogar]

Well, I am Russian-American and Jewish, and I would like to say that I have been living in the US more than half of my life and haven't been back to Russia since we left in 1989. I am very proud of my cultural background (why not ???)b
I found it interesting that Switzerland granted them a citizenship. Swiss are very strict about naturalizing immigrants/refugees - even children born on Swiss land to non-Swiss nationals are not considered Swiss. There are 3rd generation "immigrants" living in Switzerland who are not considered to be Swiss. Last year Switzerland overwhelmingly turned down a proposition to naturalize these non-citizens.

Yana

Well the Protopopovs are a treasure... I think they would be welcome in any country.

A poster made a similar comment about Lautowa and how it was odd that Austria granted her citizenship to compete when they are very strict in that regard. I guess athletic talent and potential for medals (even though that never panned out for Lautowa) tip the scale of citizenship in the athlete's favor.

[Bijoux]

Well, I am Russian-American and Jewish, and I would like to say that I have been living in the US more than half of my life and haven't been back to Russia since we left in 1989. I am very proud of my cultural background (why not ???)but the only passport I hold is American. Similarly to Ptichka, an assumption that is made by most, as soon my accent is heard, is that I am non-American.

Why some immigrants (Jewish in particular) wouldn't consider going back to Russia? Maybe because they were stripped of their citizenship when they left the "motherland"? Maybe because they were discriminated upon based on their ethnicity? Maybe because they only get 3 weeks of vacation (if they are lucky)? Too much hassle getting a visa? Maybe because they were teenageers when they came here and visiting Russia to them would be like going to a foreign country? the list could go on...

I haven't gone back because all my time is spent visiting family in NA and UK. I was never "ashamed" of being Jewish - always proud even if that meant more anti-Semithic remarks. I would love to go back and visit sometime.

Anyways, going back to the topic -

Thank you Ptichka for posting the link and the translation to this fantastic and informative interview. What an inspiring couple.

I found it interesting that Switzerland granted them a citizenship. Swiss are very strict about naturalizing immigrants/refugees - even children born on Swiss land to non-Swiss nationals are not considered Swiss. There are 3rd generation "immigrants" living in Switzerland who are not considered to be Swiss. Last year Switzerland overwhelmingly turned down a proposition to naturalize these non-citizens.

Yana

Yana,

Having done a lot of research for a college course long ago on Soviet Jewish emigres to my city -the first wave in 70's, I know all you say. And with more recent emigres such as you, that is who I refer to. Even though they are working folk with no real interest in FS, or ever going back to visit, they tuned to Olys 2002 and of course thought S&B were best!

While the 'P's' have their moments, I don't think they are unbiased. I truly can be.
I'd agree that Elena and Anton have lovely line, but they always made mistakes, usually Anton. Were this not the case, I'd agree they were a better pair. Jamie and David have great attributes. That one night, they performed the best.

I've helped Soviet Jews. We are spiritual jews, all of us who believe.

[Ptichka]

Even though they are working folk with no real interest in FS, or ever going back to visit, they tuned to Olys 2002 and of course thought S&B were best!

Bijoux, I think the key is that those people were not FS fans. All the Americans I work with thoght S&P should have won, but since they know the first thing about FS, I do not think their opinion matters at all. I do not believe it is fair to compare the opinions of peope who tune in to cheer for their compatriots with people who have devoted their whole lives to the sport.