The Russian government has implemented a curriculum aimed at instilling patriotism in students from a young age. DW interviewed students in Novosibirsk, Siberia, who discussed their experiences with a newly introduced textbook on patriotism. This textbook, distributed to several schools in Novosibirsk, encourages children to prepare to die for their country and includes controversial views on various topics, including equating homosexuality with pedophilia and criticizing Western culture. The book promotes the idea that dying for one's country is a noble sacrifice, stating, "Love always involves sacrifice," and describes the war in Ukraine as a significant theme. It also asserts that Russia is superior to Western nations and claims that European colonial powers legitimized violence and exploitation. The book neglects to acknowledge the cultures of Indigenous peoples in Russia and presents a narrow view of acceptable religions.
Ilya, a 16-year-old student, expressed his disapproval of the notion of dying for one's country, stating that it serves the interests of political leaders rather than the nation itself. He shared that his political awareness grew after the government blocked access to platforms like YouTube and Discord, prompting him to seek alternative information. He noted that propaganda has become a regular part of the educational experience, with lessons on patriotism and security being integrated into the curriculum. Students are also encouraged to participate in patriotic events, with some facing reprimands for expressing themselves in ways deemed inappropriate by school authorities.
Another student, Alexei, mentioned that many of his peers avoid patriotic events and have become more politically aware due to the government's actions. He believes that the authorities aim to suppress dissent and free speech. Both Ilya and Alexei expressed concerns about the current political climate in Russia and their desire to leave the country after graduation. Dima Zicer, an educator who moved to Estonia, commented on the varying attitudes among students, noting that some align with pro-Putin sentiments while others are critical of the government's narratives. He emphasized the importance of understanding the implications of the educational content being presented to students.