I’m Russian, and I couldn’t care less about it

Nationality, victories, medals—things people butcher each other over. Pride is a sick joke. When someone shouts, “Aren’t you proud to be Russian?” I always think, “Why would I be?” I didn’t choose this. I was tossed into the world with a “Russian” label, born in Kazakhstan—so what? What does that even mean for me?

All these patriots screaming about their ancestors, their glorious history, their great victories... It’s like a crutch. National pride is what people lean on when they’ve got nothing else going. It’s like bragging about a last name you never earned. Why should I feel superior just because of where I was born?

Pride is like a virus. It sneaks into your mind, convincing you that you’re better than someone else just because of your birthplace. It inflates your ego until it’s ready to burst, but inside, it’s just hot air. Pride builds walls between us, turning us into blind, angry fools. It feeds wars, hate, and division, keeping us trapped in resentment. And the worst part? It steals your time. Instead of living in the moment, enjoying life, you waste it on ancient victories that crumbled to dust long ago.

Pride is hollow. There’s nothing behind it. It doesn’t add anything real to your life; it just strokes your ego. You’d be better off chasing something that matters. Life’s too short to be bogged down in the mud of pride. Why puff out your chest over things that happened before you were even born, when you could be living, breathing, and appreciating the fact that you’re alive right now?

Happiness—that’s what really matters. That’s something real. Pride? It’s a dead end. But happiness? That’s freedom. Feeling joy in the little things, being grateful for the time and energy you still have to do what you love, feeling something real—that’s what counts.

So the next time someone asks me, “Aren’t you proud to be Russian?” I’ll say, “Hell no. I’m just glad to be alive. I’m glad I can feel. And I don’t care where I was born or what’s on my passport.” Happiness is what matters. Pride? That’s for those who have nothing else to fill their lives with.