Why are Stalin and Google alike? The Russian internet’s representation of Stalin

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this paper is to examine how the image of Josef Stalin is presented on the Russian internet. The main focus of our study will be the macro images and memes published on social media. This article examines how memes were used to articulate an attitude towards Stalin and his time in modern day Russia. The article touches upon three groups of memes: the comparison of Stalin and Putin, Stalin as a victor in the Great Patriotic war and Stalin as a dictator. It is stated that memes are closely connected with the tradition of soviet anecdotes in form and in themes. It is concluded that three groups of memes analyzed are the new ways to express the political satire. The most direct is the first one, yet the last one is the most striking.