- The ruble's plunge has made a formerly patriotic Russian hashtag go rogue.
- The slogan #крымнаш (Crimea is ours) has become a popular way for Russians to express their patriotism and support for Russia's annexation of the formerly Ukrainian peninsula — appearing on T-shirts, murals and in the media.
- But Tuesday's financial turmoil sparked the rise of #кризиснаш (the crisis is ours.)
Times change (in a hashtag): from #крымнаш to #кризиснаш- In 2014, #крымнаш has been an exceedingly popular hashtag: During the past 30 days alone, around 12,000 Twitter posts used the tag. (And that's not even counting posts on other social media sites like Facebook, Instagram or Vkontakte.)
- In contrast, #кризиснаш isn't as widespread, but it is telling nonetheless. Social media analytics tool Topsy shows the hashtag taking off on Tuesday, the most crushing day for Russia's ruble so far.
- With its allusion to the older Crimea hashtag, those using #кризиснаш take a stab at the annexation that led to Western sanctions against Russia — which, in turn, have contributed to current economic troubles.
В сентябре устроился на работу, получал $750. Прошло три месяца, сейчас я получаю $350 #КризисНаш- "Found a job in September at $750. Three months later, I'm now making $350."
Объявляю всеобщую истерию! Предлагаю flash mob: собираемся на пл. Ленина, хаотично бегаем с поднятыми вверх руками и орем. #Кризиснаш- "I'm declaring general hysteria! Let's have a flash-mob in Lenin Square, with everyone running around randomly, waving their hands and shouting."
Снял последние 3000 которые были в автомате. Вы не представляете как на меня посмотрел мужик который хотел тоже снять денег) #Кризиснаш- "Took out the last 3000 (rubles) from the cash machine. You can't imagine the look on the face of the man (behind me) who also wanted to get some money."
- "I'd have expected the revival of Russia to go a little differently."
Назад в будущее. После нового года милости просим в 90е #Кризиснаш #рубльживи- "Back to the future. After New Year's, we welcome you to the 90s."
- In contrast to the amused or sarcastic tone in the tweets above, some users also take a more reflective stance.
И оно того вообще стоило? #Кризиснаш pic.twitter.com/CgtWv5sjwO- Adding clippings from news articles on the cost of an E.U.-Ukraine association treaty on one hand and Russia's estimated deficit on the other, this #кризиснаш tweet keeps its comment to a minimum: "Is it all worth it?"
As seen on
themoscowtimes.com
