Putinesque?
The idea of a cult of personality around a political leader is not new. Khrushchev denounced the "cult of personality" built up around Josef Stalin. Sadaam Hussein maintained a cult of personality to bolster his regime. The Kims in North Korea have done the same.So, is Russia likely to produce another cult of personality? Bare-chested, macho man Putin certainly could become a cult hero.
There was a very popular song about him in Russia a few years ago. (See the video with subtitles of "I Want a Man Like Putin.")
United Russia's youth group, NASHI often acts like a vehicle for hero worship of the prime minister.
What do the Russians think?
One-in-Four Russians See Putin Personality Cult
Some people in Russia think prime minister and former president Vladimir Putin is the subject of a personality cult, according to a poll by the Yury Levada Analytical Center. 23 per cent of respondents share this opinion.
An additional 26 per cent of respondents say there is no Putin personality cult in Russia at the moment, but it could be developed. 38 per cent say there are no signs of any such cult...
Russians have named streets, pop songs and vodka after the current prime minister. The latest sign of admiration for Putin is a book of poetry for children called Putinyata...
Polling Data
Do you think Vladimir Putin is the subject of a cult of personality in Russia?
Yes, all its signs are already present
Oct. 2009 23%
Oct. 2007 22%
Not yet, but it could still happen
Oct. 2009 26%
Oct. 2007 27%
No, there are no signs of this cult
Oct. 2009 38%
Oct. 2007 38%
I make it difficult to answer
Oct. 2009 12%
Oct. 2007 13%
Source: Yury Levada Analytical Center Methodology: Interviews with 1,600 Russian adults, conducted from Oct. 16 to Oct. 19, 2009. No margin of error was provided.
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Labels: leadership, politics, Russia
posted by Ken Wedding @ 8:03 AM
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