eSStonia
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eSStonia (/[ɛsˈɛsˈtoʊniə]/) (Russian: эSSтония, or эССтония) is a pejorative neologism expressing anti-Estonian sentiment which appeared in Russia and on Runet the midst of the Bronze Soldier controversy in 2007.
The term, a portmanteau of Estonia and SS, is intended to portray Estonia as a facist or neo-Nazi state,[1][2] referring to the perception in Russia that Estonia glorifies its NAZI past and what Russia regards as desecration of Soviet-War memorials by the Estonian state.[3][4][5] This perception has been called "nonsensical", and usage of the term a "cheap jibe", by Edward Lucas.[4]
Background
The Bronze Soldier monument in Tallinn is considered by Estonians as a symbol of Soviet occupation and repression, and by ethnic Russians in Estonia as a symbol of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War.[6]. The relocation of the monument by Estonian authorities was regarded by Russia to be a desecration of the Soviet-War memorial by the Estonian state.[2][3][4][7][8]
Usage of the term
When Russian youth organization Nashi protested outside the Embassy of Estonia in Moscow in April 2007, some members were carrying signs stating "Wanted. The Ambassador of the Fascist State of eSStonia" ([«Разыскивается посол фашистского государства эSSтония»] Error: {{Lang-xx}}: text has italic markup (help)), in reference to then-Ambassador of Estonia to Russia Marina Kaljurand.[9] Members of the Young Guard picketed the Consulate-General of Estonia in Saint Petersburg in May 2007, holding up pickets with various slogans including, "eSStonia–the shame of Europe!" ([«эSSтония — позор Европы!»] Error: {{Lang-xx}}: text has italic markup (help))[10]
The use of eSStonia in protests by Nashi and the Young Guard led to the head of the Saint Petersburg youth branch of Yabloko to file a complaint with Yury Chaika, the Prosecutor General of Russia, asking for an investigation into a possible breach of Article 282 Incitement of National, Racial, or Religious Enmity of the Criminal Code of Russia.[9][11]
In November 2007, Komsomolskaya Pravda, the biggest selling daily newspaper in Russia, ran a campaign asking readers to boycott travel to Estonia, utilisation of Estonian services and purchase of Estonian goods. The campaign was run under the slogan "I don't go to eSStonia" ([Я не еду в эSSтонию] Error: {{Lang-xx}}: text has italic markup (help)).[12][13][2] Komsomolskaya Pravda later claimed some Estonian experts estimated that boycotts are expected to cost the Estonian economy up to US$363 million annually[14]. In reality the boycotts proved to be more detrimental to Russian business.[15].
Criticism of the term
Edward Lucas called the term a cheap jibe, and noted that along with the term eSStonia, President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves was referred to as IlveSS, and Prime Minister of Estonia Andrus Ansip was referred to as AnSSip.[3]
References
- ^ Silver, Joseph (December 2007). "Technology and Culture in Modern Russia" (PDF). Naval Postgraduate School/Defense Technical Information Center: 61. Retrieved 2008-01-25.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) Quote:Note the altered spelling of Estonia: “eSStonia” makes a reference to the Nazi Waffen SS units of World War II, effectively accusing Estonia of fascism. - ^ a b c "If you're a real Russian, don't have any fun in Tallinn". Tallinn: Baltic Times. 13 November 2007. Retrieved 2008-01-26.
- ^ a b c "An ineffective bully". Economist. 10 May 2007. Retrieved 2008-12-27.
- ^ a b c "The truth about eSStonia". Economist. 16 August 2007. Retrieved 2008-12-27.
- ^ Template:Ru icon Zvegintsev, Valentin (28 April 2007). "ЭSSтония: бойня на костях". Tallinn: Moskovskiy Komsomolets. Retrieved 2008-12-27.
- ^ Johnston, Anthony. "The Memory Remains". russiaprofile.org. Retrieved 24 January 2009.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Template:Ru icon Zvegintsev, Valentin (28 April 2007). "ЭSSтония: бойня на костях". Tallinn: Moskovskiy Komsomolets. Retrieved 2008-12-27.
- ^ Silver, Joseph (December 2007). "Technology and Culture in Modern Russia" (PDF). Naval Postgraduate School/Defense Technical Information Center: 61. Retrieved 2008-01-25.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) Quote:Note the altered spelling of Estonia: “eSStonia” makes a reference to the Nazi Waffen SS units of World War II, effectively accusing Estonia of fascism. - ^ a b Template:Ru icon Boronov, Alexander (21 June 2007). "Между прокремлевскими движениями посеяли рознь". Saint Petersburg: Kommersant. Retrieved 2008-12-27.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Template:Ru icon "«Молодая Гвардия» подсчитала ненужные эстонские товары". Saint Petersburg: Rosbalt. 7 May 2007. Retrieved 2008-12-27.
- ^ Template:Ru icon "Генпрокуратура проверяет «Наших» и «Молодую гвардию» на экстремизм". Novaya Gazeta. 21 June 2007. Retrieved 2009-01-23.
- ^ Template:Ru icon Krasnikov, Nikita (6 November 2007). "Бронзового Cолдата перенесли за счет русских туристов!". Komsomolskaya Pravda. Retrieved 2008-12-27.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Hõbemägi, Toomas (19 December 2007). "Fewer Russian tourists to stay in Tallinn for New Year's Eve". Baltic Business News. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
- ^ Template:Ru icon Kots, Alexander (20 December 2007). "Бронзовый Солдат обрушил экономику Эстонии". Komsomolskaya Pravda. Retrieved 2008-01-25.
- ^ Loktionov, Vasiliy (10 August 2007). "Russia's anti-Estonian economic policy detrimental to Russian business". Nezavisimaya Gazeta. Retrieved 2008-01-25.