Professor Eliot Borenstein Livres

Borenstein argues that the popular cultural products consumed in the post- perestroika era were more than just diversions; they allowed Russians to indulge their despair over economic woes and everyday...

The Russian internet is a hotbed for memes and viral videos: the political, satirical and simply absurd compete for attention in Russia while the West turns to it for an endless reserve of humorous content. But how did this powerful cyber community grow out of the repressive media environment of the Soviet Union? What does this viral content reveal about the country, its politics and its culture? And why are the memes and videos of today's Russia so popular, spreading so rapidly across the globe? Award-winning author Eliot Borenstein explores the explosive online movement and unpicks, for the first time, the role of mimetic content and digital activism in modern Russian history up to the present day.

Exploring the aftermath of the Soviet collapse, this book delves into contemporary Russian culture's engagement with themes of time travel and alternate history. It examines how political movements and theme parks evoke the USSR's legacy, reflecting a complex relationship with the past. Through various narratives, it highlights the ongoing influence of Soviet history on modern Russian identity and societal discourse.

Exploring the significance of The Leftovers in early twenty-first-century television, this book delves into its profound themes, including sacrifice, melancholy, and apocalypticism. It also examines the intricate dynamics of family and the concept of home, highlighting how these elements resonate within the show's narrative and its cultural impact.

The 1970s marked a transformative era for Marvel Comics, highlighting creators who prioritized personal expression and the psychological depth of their characters. This innovative approach not only redefined the capabilities of the comic medium but also expanded the superhero genre, paving the way for significant advancements in the following decade.

"As Borenstein shows in his readings of a range of popular culture texts, the imaginary identities Russians have been trying on since the Soviet collapse reflect an aggressive, often outward-facing self-hatred that allows some Russians to come to terms with their country's standing in the world, the social and economic misery, and the dominance of oligarchism and Putinsim"-