Swedish showtune causing diplomatic protests from Russia

O

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Sthlm, SWE
Joined
Dec 29, 2001
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692
The greatest annual event in Swedish television is Melodifestivalen - the contest to select the national representative for the Eurovision Song Contest.

The song on Youtube - high definition strongly recommended
Source video at svt.se - song starts at 04'25''

The half-time show this year was a techno-pop song stuffed with balalaikas, cossacks, matrushka dolls and other Russian stereotypes. A civil servant at the Russian embassy in Stockholm got enraged, and suggesting the performers to be locked up at an asylum.

http://www.thelocal.se/18336/20090319/

What do you think? Is this show a good summary of Russian culture?
 
Funny, is there a version with English subtitles?

The placement of some of the "Red Stars" was a bit unfortunate, but besides that there was nothing really offensive.
 
There isn't really much to translate, as the song is in mock-Russian and English. The only Swedish phrase means "I have a wish, a wish I have. I have a question, requesting an answer."
 
Lets look at the checklist.

Matrushka dolls: Check
A bear: Check
Tetris: Check
Soviet national anthem: Check
Cossack dancing: Check
Obligatory "До Свидания": Check
Vodka: Didnt see any :(
 
Vodka? Well, the show was intended for a family audience. The intro sketch - where some characters draw guns against others - faced some protests.

However, there was some alcohol involved in the scripting process.
 
How is this a realistic portrayal of Russia? They haven't invaded Poland or the Baltics yet? Or is there more to the video?
 
Is this show a good summary of Russian culture?
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No. Althrough that civil servant needs to calm himself down.
 
Im an ignorant American. Somebody want to enlighten me as to what the hell is going on?
 
This is
.
.
.
AWESOME :lol:

Dancing Bears don't like the competition, I know that well ;)
 
Bobbtjoe said:
Ah crap, I acedently hit reply and don't know how to get back without posting.:sad:
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Just press back on your computer. Should be a cancel button as well, somewhere.
 
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