The Great Los Angeles Russian Invasion: Separating Fact from Borscht (#FauxNewsFearMongering)
Ever since Hollywood types traded scripts for sanctions, whispers of a Red Wave crashing over Los Angeles have been swirling. But fear not, comrades (or should I say kale comrades, this is LA after all) because we're here to sift through the babushka tales and get to the bottom of this whole "how many Russians in LA" business.
From Czars to Stars: A Brief History of Russians in LA
Let's dispel the myth that Russians just showed up recently in shiny black Volgas, blaring Eurodance music. There have actually been Russians in LA since the 19th century, lured by the promise of sunshine and, presumably, a never-ending supply of tacos (because who can resist?). However, the big influx came in the 1970s and 80s, with many Soviet Jews escaping religious persecution. These folks landed in West Hollywood, which soon became known as "Little Odessa," famous for its bustling Russian markets and enough fur coats to rival a Siberian winter.
Numbers Don't Lie (But Politicians Do): How Many Russians Are We Talking About?
Now, onto the real question: just how many Russians are there in LA? This is where things get murkier than a Siberian swamp after a borscht spill. The 2010 census puts the number around 300,000 people with Russian ancestry in the greater Los Angeles area. But that counts everyone from babushkas who haven't spoken a word of English since arriving to your yoga instructor who vacationed in St. Petersburg once.
For a more precise picture, we can look at West Hollywood, the heart of LA's Russian community. Here, estimates range from 11% to 20% of the population claiming Russian ancestry. Translation: a healthy amount of Russian influence, but hardly a Soviet takeover.
So, Can We Relax About the Russian Invasion?
Absolutely! While there's a vibrant Russian community in LA, it's more about enjoying a plate of pelmeni than plotting world domination. In fact, these folks have become an integral part of the LA tapestry, enriching the city with their culture, food (seriously, have you tried piroshki?), and, let's not forget, their legendary dance moves at weddings.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Diversity, Not the Fear
So next time you hear someone fretting about a Russian invasion of LA, remind them that the only thing these folks are invading is our hearts (and maybe our kitchens with the delicious smells of stroganoff). Los Angeles thrives on its diversity, and the Russian community is just one thread in this beautiful, multicultural fabric.
