Gopnik

Gopnik Aesthetics is a fashion style inspired by the lower-class subculture of post-Soviet Russia. It features tracksuits, Adidas, vodka, hardbass and squatting.

History
Gopniks are a subculture of young men and women who come from poor and working-class backgrounds and live in suburban areas of Russia and other former Soviet republics. They are often associated with delinquency, violence, nationalism, and anti-Western views. They are also known for their distinctive style of clothing, music, and behavior.

The origins of gopniks can be traced back to the late Russian Empire, when almshouses for the destitute were created by the Bolshevik government after the October Revolution in 1917. These almshouses were called GOP, an acronym for Gorodskoye Obshezhitie Proletariata (City Commune of the Proletariat). Some of the residents of these almshouses became involved in criminal activities and formed gangs that terrorized the streets. They were called gopniki, a slang word derived from gopat', meaning "to sleep on streets".

The subculture of gopota (the collective noun for gopniks) gradually emerged underground during the later half of the 20th century in many cities in the Soviet Union. It was influenced by various factors, such as urbanization, industrialization, social inequality, political repression, and cultural isolation. Gopniks developed their own language, values, and codes of conduct. They also adopted elements from other subcultures, such as skinheads, punks, and hippies.

The peak of the gopnik subculture was in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, during the collapse of the Soviet Union and its associated rise in poverty, unemployment, corruption, and crime. Gopniks became more visible and widespread in the post-Soviet space, especially in Russia and Ukraine. They were often involved in drug trafficking, racketeering, robbery, vandalism, and hooliganism. They also clashed with other groups, such as ethnic minorities, immigrants, police, and rival gangs.

Gopniks are characterized by their distinctive appearance and behavior. They typically wear Adidas or Puma tracksuits, which were popularized by the 1980 Moscow Olympics Soviet team. They also wear leather jackets, caps, sneakers, and gold chains. They often eat sunflower seeds (semki), drink cheap alcohol (samogon), smoke cigarettes (papirosy), and squat (prisyadka) in groups outside blocks of flats or schools with their heels on the ground.

Gopniks are also fond of listening to Russian chanson music, specifically the blatnaya pesnya subgenre, which is a form of urban folk music that deals with themes of crime, prison life, love, and betrayal. Since the mid-2010s, gopniks have been associated with hardbass music in internet memes and viral videos. Hardbass is a genre of electronic dance music that features fast tempo, distorted basslines, and Russian vocals.

Gopniks have diverse political views, ranging from leftist to far-right to neo-Nazi. Some gopniks have Russian nationalism or Pan-Slavism as their primary ideology. They support the Putin administration and oppose Western influence and liberal values. They also express hostility towards ethnic minorities, immigrants, LGBT people, and feminists.

However, not all gopniks are violent or criminal. Some gopniks are simply young people who adopt the gopnik style as a form of identity or rebellion against mainstream society. They may have aspirations for education or employment and may participate in social or cultural activities.

The gopnik subculture has faded for the most part in the late 2010s. This is due to various reasons, such as economic development, social mobility, cultural integration, law enforcement, media exposure, and internet access. However, youth gangs (such as the A.U.E.) that resemble gopota still exist in Russia and in other Slavic and Baltic countries.

Gopniks are a fascinating phenomenon that reflects the history and culture of Russia and other former Soviet republics. They are a product of social change and political turmoil. They are also a source of controversy and creativity. They are criminals or just misunderstood: Who are Russia’s gopniks?

Beliefs
Gopniks are a subculture of young men and women who come from poor and working-class backgrounds and live in suburban areas of Russia and other former Soviet republics. They are often associated with delinquency, violence, nationalism, and anti-Western views. They are also known for their distinctive style of clothing, music, and behavior. But what are their beliefs? What do they think about themselves, others, and the world?

Gopniks have diverse beliefs that vary depending on their individual experiences, preferences, and affiliations. However, some common themes can be identified in their worldview. These include:

- A sense of alienation and resentment towards mainstream society, which they perceive as corrupt, oppressive, and hypocritical. Gopniks feel marginalized and excluded by the political and economic system, which they blame for their poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities. They also distrust the authorities, such as the police, the courts, and the government, which they view as hostile and abusive. They often express their discontent through acts of defiance, protest, or vandalism.

- A sense of loyalty and solidarity with their own group, which they consider as their family or tribe. Gopniks form strong bonds with their fellow gopniks, who share their values, interests, and struggles. They often belong to gangs or crews that provide them with protection, support, and identity. They also adhere to a code of honor that dictates how they should behave towards each other and towards outsiders. They value courage, strength, respect, and generosity among their peers.

- A sense of pride and nostalgia for their cultural heritage, which they regard as superior and authentic. Gopniks identify with the Slavic or Russian ethnicity and history, which they celebrate through symbols, rituals, and traditions. They also appreciate the artistic expressions of their subculture, such as Russian chanson music or hardbass music. They often reject or mock the influences of other cultures, especially Western ones.

- A sense of realism and pragmatism in their approach to life, which they see as harsh and unpredictable. Gopniks do not have high expectations or ambitions for their future. They live in the present moment and try to make the best of what they have. They are adaptable and resourceful in finding ways to survive and enjoy themselves. They are also cynical and skeptical about abstract ideas or ideals that do not match their reality.

Gopniks are not a homogeneous group that shares a single set of beliefs. They are a diverse and dynamic subculture that reflects the complexity and diversity of Russia and other former Soviet republics. They are also a product of social change and political turmoil that shaped their generation. They are a challenge and a contribution to the society they live in.