Global Voices Season 7 Episode 8 My Perestroika

My Perestroika is the eighth episode of the seventh season of the documentary series Global Voices. This episode explores the journeys of five individuals who grew up during the Soviet era and were brought up to believe in the Communist ideology. As adults, they experienced the collapse of the Soviet Union and the subsequent emergence of a new Russia. Through their conversations, we learn about the drastic changes that occurred during this time and how it affected their lives.

The episode first introduces us to Olga, a schoolteacher who grew up in Moscow. She reminisces about her childhood and how she was taught to love the Soviet system and believe in its utopian promise. She remembers how the Soviet government provided everything, including free education, healthcare, and housing, and how it was considered an honor to work for the state. However, she also reflects on the dark side of the Soviet system, including censorship, repression, and the lack of personal freedom.

Next, we meet Andrei, a musician who grew up in a small town outside of Moscow. He describes how he was inspired by the Rock and Roll movement that emerged in the Soviet Union in the 1980s and how he became the lead singer of a punk-rock band. He also recounts the impact of perestroika on his life, explaining how he had to adjust to the new market economy and the opportunities and challenges that came with it.

The episode also features Ruslan, a successful businessman who immigrated to the United States after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He talks about the difficulties he faced as a young adult trying to make his way in the new Russia, including corruption and the lack of a stable legal system. He also discusses his decision to relocate to the United States in search of better opportunities and how he has since built a successful business.

We also meet Borya, a former member of the Communist Party who worked as an engineer at a Moscow factory. He shares his memories of participating in political demonstrations and how he believed in the Communist ideology. He also reflects on the difficult transition to a new political and economic system and his disillusionment with the new political leaders.

Finally, the episode features Lyuba, a single mother who works as a salesperson at a Moscow department store. She describes her experience of being a young woman during the collapse of the Soviet Union, including the economic hardship and the loss of social benefits. She also shares her hopes and dreams for the future, including providing a better life for her son.

Throughout the episode, we see how the lives of these five individuals have been shaped by the political and economic changes that occurred in Russia over the past thirty years. We see their struggles, their triumphs, and their hopes for the future. We also gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the Soviet system and the challenges of building a new society. My Perestroika is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving personal stories and memories as a way of understanding our shared history.