The Memory Of Stalin

Since his death and the fall of the USSR, Stalin has always been put in a negative light and for good reason too. He killed millions through the purges, the gulags, and the famines he caused all in the name of progress. But after 2005, the anniversary of the Soviet win over the Nazi forces, people have been putting Stalin in a more positive light. Stalin is seen as a man who put the future of his country ahead of the current one and made “necessary sacrifices,” but how can this be justified? Losing millions of lives, losing freedom and being afraid of your own government is no way to live.

Putin is the current leader of Russia. He has openly stated that he sees Stalin as a hero and so does a large portion of the public. Putin is a very conservative leader and pushes the idea of an authoritarian government so it is not a surprise that he would like Stalin and his methods of achieving his accomplishments. The government has put laws in effect like stricter punishments for protesting and labeling foreign companies as “foreign agents” like spies were in the last century. The government is going towards a much more authoritarian view.

Stalin offered a much better future even though it cost a very hefty price. Now the new generation is seeing a horrible economy and a bleak future, many want a leader who will bring their country back up to greatness. Someone who could bring back the glory USSR had to the current Russia. Even though many do not want another Stalin, many see that he was just doing what was necessary for the greater good in the future.

 Stalin is being reintroduced in fashion, monuments of him are being put up and the school system has tried to show both the positives and negatives of his accomplishments. This has caused a mixed reaction from the public. Some say it is important that we show Stalin from every angle so people can have their own opinion. Others think that it is an abomination that such an evil person could be treated like a hero. Some of the older generation miss the leader being in power. They reminisce about the old Russia, when it was a world power house, it had the world’s best transport system and the stability. When the public was polled about Pussy Riot and if they should be sentenced, only 5% said no. This shows that the public looks for a strict government that controls its people.

Personally, I think Stalin was a monster. There is no justifying killing millions of your own people to make your country stronger. I agree that teaching every side of the argument should be done in schools so people are informed of why people think certain idea but using Stalin and his legacy to push your own political agenda is wrong. Putin is just trying to put Stalin in a better light so he can gain more power and have a stronger government to use.