In the global landscape, the figure of Vladimir Putin has come to embody a symbol of masculinity. Videos of him fishing, hunting, and riding horses have been carefully crafted by the Russian state’s propaganda ministry. This hyper-masculine image helps Putin with his domestic and international audiences. This essay will delve into the effects of Putin’s masculinity propaganda and how it has affected Russia domestically and the world internationally.
For starters, Putin’s masculinity propaganda has given Putin considerable power within Russia, molding many people’s views of him. Since all the news channels are controlled by the Russian State, Putin can broadcast anything he wishes on television. One of the ways in which the propagandists give Putin power is by cultivating this strongman image around Putin. Through the cultivation of this strongman image, Putin solidifies his authority as a big macho man and creates a national identity centered around strength and power. This causes a sense of pride and unity amongst Russians, causing many to have nationalist tendencies. In a video by 1420, where he goes around Russia and asks Russians if they would vote for Putin, the answer for most is yes. The reason? Many of them often point to Putin as a strong figurehead who will “[…] Lead them to victory” and help Russia “[…]Take its place in the world” (quotes from the video). This propaganda encourages nationalist sentiments which, in turn, results in a more authoritarian government. This has resulted in what many consider to be fascism in Russia. How so? “Fascism is a far right, authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition[…]” (Wikipedia). Abiding by this definition, Russia could be considered as a fascist nation. As well as this, according to Alexander J. Motyl, one of the characteristics of Russian Fascism is the hypermasculine cult of the supreme leader. Therefore, we can state that Russian propaganda portraying Putin as a masculine figurehead who should be idolized has resulted in the death of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism and nationalism in Russia.
To continue, Putin’s masculinity propaganda has also given Putin considerable power around the world. Putin’s portrayal as a strong and masculine leader has had devastating consequences in places such as Ukraine and Georgia. In these regions, Putin’s portrayal as a defender of Russian values led to him invading these two countries. Putin often intervened in these regions in a manner which was framed as a response to protect ethnic Russians in these regions. This, combined with the rise of nationalism within Russia, has given Putin the go ahead to invade and seize regions from Georgia and Ukraine. However, Putin’s masculine image hasn’t only affected those two countries, but has also affected far-right and nationalist movements all around the world. Many far-right groups have an admiration for Putin and his management of Russia. Due to the beliefs he has regarding LGBTQ rights and religion, many republicans in the United States idolize Putin as a model of a good leader as well as an ideological ally. This is greatly due to the image Putin’s propaganda has crafted. One of a traditional strong man protecting the white nuclear household in Russia from the threat of a gay woke mob. This courting of the Republican party has had devastating consequences on American democracy as well as American politics. Many republicans are (as of April 2nd) opposing a 45$ billion-dollar aid package to Ukraine. This aid package would provide much needed humanitarian aid to Ukrainians. However, due to their admiration for Putin, and their hatred of the left, many have decided to oppose this bill and have it never pass. To summarize, Putin’s strongman image has had devastating consequences on the United States and their democracy and has causes pain and suffering in their neighbors of Ukraine and Georgia.
“You see, Ukraine just kept poking the bear, and poking the bear, which is Russia, and Russia invaded,” said Marjorie Taylor Greene, “There is no win for Ukraine here. Russia is being successful in their invasion.”
In conclusion, the image Putin and his lackeys have crafted has had a very negative impact on Russia and the world as a whole. His portrayal as a brave smart strongman has caused a surge of nationalism to occur in Russia, killing any prospect of a free and democratic Russia. On top of this, Putin’s propaganda has also had devastating consequences on Russia’s neighbors, as has given him support and strength to invade Russia’s smaller neighbors. The image that Putin, as well as many other dictators craft, is oftentimes one of a paper tiger. Although they might seem strong, and flex their military might every year, we can right now, in Ukraine, the true might of the Russian army.
Fight Clubs/Night Clubs 