About a Boy: The Story of Vladimir Putin Chapter 2: The Rat
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Oct 4, 2023 Explore the gritty realities of postwar Soviet childhood, where millions grew up in urban courtyards, learning survival skills amid scarcity. Delve into the psychological implications of Putin's 'cornered rat' anecdote, pondering whether he recognizes himself in that metaphor. Witness the profound impact of wartime trauma on a generation shaped by loss and hardship, contrasted with the optimism of American boomers. Discover tales of communal living, daily challenges, and the social hierarchies forged in the dvor, the heart of childhood life.
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The Cornered Rat Story
- Vladimir Putin repeatedly tells the childhood story of chasing a huge rat that cornered and then attacked him.
- He frames that moment as a defining lesson about being 'cornered' and fighting first.
A Generation Marked By War
- Putin was born into a generation shaped by WWII losses and scarcity, the 'age of no fathers.'
- That environment normalized trauma, absence, and survival instincts in his cohort.
No Fathers, Tough Lessons
- Trauma was endemic for Putin's generation because many fathers never returned or came back damaged.
- That lack of stable paternal presence shaped social behavior and expectations for boys.
