Slavic Gangster Style
Theodora Glime
What is Slavic Gangster Style?
If you have ever seen someone wearing a fur hat, an Adidas tracksuit, gold chains, and squatting on the street, you might have encountered a Slavic gangster. Slavic gangster style, also known as gopnik style, is a subculture that originated in the post-Soviet countries, especially Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. It is characterized by a distinctive fashion, music, and attitude that reflects the lifestyle and values of the urban underclass.
Slavic gangster style is not just a way of dressing or acting, but also a form of expression and identity. It is a way of showing pride in one's roots, resilience in the face of hardship, and defiance against the mainstream society. It is also a way of having fun, making jokes, and enjoying life. In this article, we will explore the history, characteristics, popularity, and future of Slavic gangster style.
The History of Slavic Gangster Style
Slavic gangster style emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The transition from communism to capitalism brought many social and economic changes to the former Soviet republics. Many people faced poverty, unemployment, crime, corruption, and instability. Some young people turned to crime or joined gangs to survive or make money. Others adopted a rebellious or cynical attitude towards the new system and its values.
Slavic gangster style was influenced by both the local culture and the Western culture. On one hand, it borrowed elements from the traditional Slavic folk costumes, such as the ushanka (fur hat), valenki (felt boots), telnyashka (striped shirt), and shapka (knitted cap). On the other hand, it incorporated elements from the American hip-hop and rap culture, such as the Adidas tracksuit, gold chains, rings, sunglasses, and sneakers. It also mixed elements from other subcultures, such as skinheads, punks, ravers, and bikers.
The Characteristics of Slavic Gangster Style
Slavic gangster style has several distinctive features that make it recognizable and unique. Here are some of them:
Ushanka
An ushanka is a fur hat with ear flaps that can be tied up to the crown or down to cover the ears. It is usually made of sheepskin, rabbit fur, or synthetic materials. It is worn by both men and women in winter to keep warm. It is also a symbol of Slavic gangster style, as it represents featured or referenced Slavic gangster style in their gameplay, graphics, or storyline. Some of them are realistic and immersive, while others are humorous and exaggerated. Some examples are Grand Theft Auto IV (a crime simulation game), S.T.A.L.K.E.R. (a survival horror game), Metro 2033 (a post-apocalyptic game), Counter-Strike (a first-person shooter game), and FIFA (a soccer game).
Movies and TV Shows
Some movies and TV shows have portrayed or spoofed Slavic gangster style in their characters, scenes, or dialogues. Some of them are serious and dramatic, while others are funny and satirical. Some examples are Eastern Promises (a crime thriller movie), Brat (a crime drama movie), Lilyhammer (a comedy-drama TV show), Borat (a mockumentary movie), and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (a comedy movie).
The Future of Slavic Gangster Style
Slavic gangster style is not a static or monolithic phenomenon, but a dynamic and diverse one. It might evolve or fade away in the coming years, depending on various factors. Here are some of them:
Trends and Changes
Slavic gangster style might adapt to new influences and preferences in the fashion, music, and culture industries. It might incorporate new elements from other subcultures, genres, or regions. It might also modify or discard some of its existing elements that become outdated or unpopular. For example, some Slavic gangsters might switch from Adidas to Nike, from hardbass to trap, or from squatting to dabbing.
Challenges and Criticisms
Slavic gangster style might face backlash or ridicule from some groups or authorities that view it as offensive, vulgar, or criminal. It might also face competition or conflict from other subcultures that have different values or interests. For example, some Slavic gangsters might be harassed by the police, mocked by the media, or attacked by the nationalists.
Conclusion
Slavic gangster style is a fascinating and complex phenomenon that reflects the history, culture, and identity of the Slavic people. It is a way of expressing oneself, having fun, and coping with the challenges of life. It is also a way of attracting attention, making jokes, and creating memes. It has become a global phenomenon that has influenced and inspired many people around the world. Whether you love it or hate it, you cannot ignore it.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Slavic gangster style:
What does gopnik mean?
Gopnik is a Russian slang term for a young male who belongs to the urban underclass and engages in petty crime or antisocial behavior. It is also used to describe the subculture or style of such people. The origin of the word is uncertain, but it might be derived from the acronym GOP (ГОП), which stands for Gorodskoe Obshchestvo Prizreniya (Городское Общество Призрения), meaning City Society for the Care of the Poor, a charitable organization that existed in the Soviet Union.
Why do Slavic gangsters wear Adidas?
There are several possible reasons why Slavic gangsters wear Adidas. One is that Adidas was one of the first Western brands that became available in the post-Soviet countries, and it was seen as a symbol of status and quality. Another is that Adidas was popular among the athletes, especially soccer players, who were admired by the Slavic gangsters. A third is that Adidas was easy to counterfeit or steal, and it was cheap and durable.
What is cheeki breeki?
Cheeki breeki is a phrase that is often used by Slavic gangsters as an exclamation or a catchphrase. It is derived from the Russian slang expression "чики-брики и в дамки" (chiki-briki i v damki), which means "knives out and into checkers", implying readiness for action or violence. It became popular after it was featured in the video game S.T.A.L.K.E.R., where it was uttered by some of the bandit characters.
How do I squat like a Slavic gangster?
To squat like a Slavic gangster, you need to follow these steps:
- Wear an ushanka, an Adidas tracksuit, gold chains, and sneakers.
- Find a suitable spot, such as a sidewalk, a park bench, a staircase, or a car hood.
- Bend your knees and lower your body until your buttocks touch your heels or the ground. Keep your back straight and your arms relaxed.
- Hold a cigarette, a bottle, or a phone in your hand. Look around with a confident or bored expression.
- Say "cheeki breeki" or "cyka blyat" to greet or insult your friends or enemies.
Is Slavic gangster style illegal or dangerous?
Slavic gangster style is not illegal or dangerous by itself, but it might be associated with some illegal or dangerous activities, such as theft, vandalism, drug use, or violence. It might also attract unwanted attention or trouble from the police, the public, or other gangs. Therefore, it is advisable to be careful and respectful when adopting or encountering Slavic gangster style.
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