The Image of America in the Soviet Periodicals During the Perestroika

The main purpose of this research is to identify and analyze the key images of America, the reason for their appearance and development, how and where they were represented in Soviet periodicals during the years of perestroika. To achieve this goal, the process of forming and transforming the image of America was studied and the tools of their representation themselves were analyzed. The main trends in the representation of America in Soviet periodicals were also identified in order to understand which methods and tools of representation were really influenced by the specifics of the period, and not the personal views of the people who created them. Therefore, the following tasks were set: to study the process of formation and transformation of the image of America in Soviet periodicals during the years of perestroika; analyze and compare the tools for representing the image of America in Soviet periodicals; identify and analyze general trends in the representation of America in Soviet sources; compare the conflicting images of America, their interactions, and their reasons. Due to the specifics of the topic, period and selected sources, this work was written based on research in the field of historical imagology and the category of the Other in history. Though, the image of enemy was still transparent in mass culture, it was circulating as much as its equivalents and alternatives. The idea of partnership with America and its positive image were more believable as a result of the realization of collaboration between both countries in different spheres (politics, economics and culture as well), humanitarian assistance and attempts to establish peaceful contacts. It is possible to distinct following images of America: America as a partner, peaceful America, humanlike America, etc. Sources display regular common acknowledgement of mutual cultural and professional exchange and exchange of experience as appropriate actions. Even the fact that USSR has something to learn from USA is acknowledged. Moreover, Americans themselves are represented as common people, who are not so different from Soviet citizens, having same needs and wants. The demonstration and accentuation of similarities gave start to overcoming “the otherness”. Moreover, it even expanded the ambiguity of the America’s image as a result.