The following story does not reflect the personal beliefs of me, the writer. I do not believe that Stalin could be considered a hero to any person or nation. What follows this introduction is a biased and one-sided view of semi-factual events in Russian history. Furthermore, because it is written in the point of view of a propagandist in the mid to late 1950s in Soviet Russia, it does not necessarily stay true to actual historical facts.
The aim of this piece is to show how the Soviet Union changed public opinion toward itself by changing history. Furthermore, this piece meant to be able to be read and understood by all people. It has put a simplistic spin on what is, typically, one of the bloodiest and most oppressive governments to ever exist in human history.
Again, this is not aimed to be used in the contemporary world but is, instead, an example of one of many tactics used by the USSR to sway public opinion. I do not advocate for radical left-wing government bodies, communism, or Stalinist Dictatorships. I realize the words in this story can be easily taken out of context and used to slander my name. So please don't.
Every year, the head Commissar announces who the Hero of the Soviet Union is. Over the years, there have been many heroes to mother Russia. One may ask, “How may I become a hero to my people?” The answer is simple, all one has to do is look back on our history.
A Time of Oppression
Long ago, our land was an unhappy one. Ruled by an evil and cold King, called Czar, he abused the people. We were forced to do things that we did not want to do. To Czar, the people were worth nothing. He made us fight in a large war against another evil King. His name was Kaiser.
Kaiser was always mad. He loved fighting and so he started a great big war by attacking a small and defenceless Kingdom called Serbia. Czar did not like this for he liked small Serbia. He decided to make us fight Kaiser and his army so he could help his friends. To make sure the people did not runaway, Czar made his servants lead them and force them to fight. But Czar was foolish. Kaiser had great armies and many machines, and Czar did not have these things.
Czar was very stubborn. Many Russian people were sent to fight Kaiser and his machines. Few would return. While the people fought, Czar employed a sorcerer named Rasputin. Czar's son was very ill, and only Rasputin could heal him. In exchange, Rasputin asked for Czar's wife. Czar refused. But Rasputin was very powerful. He cursed Czar, Czar's family, and everyone who would rule Russia in the future. Czar was very foolish, though, and he did not believe Rasputin.
Meanwhile, the people fighting Kaiser grew very tired and wanted to go back to their families. So with their last little bits of strength, they attacked Czar's servants and began to return home. The people had freed themselves from war with Kaiser. But at home, Czar continued to fight with Rasputin. In his anger, Czar told Rasputin that he would hurt his family if Rasputin did not do as he was told. From then on, Rasputin always listened to Czar.
When the people returned from the war, Czar was furious. He did not know the people had stopped fighting so he was surprised to hear they had come home. Czar ordered Rasputin to enchant some of the people so they would listen to him and keep fighting. Rasputin failed. A great hero had risen and the people became too strong for even Rasputin to control. The hero had watched the madness that Czar had caused and he wanted to end it. Comrade Lenin had come to save the people.
Praise of the Proletariat
Lenin united all of Russia against the evil Czar. Together, they called themselves the Proletariat, Champions of the common people. Lenin and the Proletariat went to Czar's palace and demanded he treat them better, for they were his people. Czar said no and had his servants chase away Lenin and the Proletariat.
The next day Lenin and the Proletariat returned and asked Czar to treat them better. Czar said no and, again, had his servants chase away Lenin and the Proletariat. Lenin had learned a valuable lesson. He learned that Czar was stubborn, and would never obey his people. He also learned that Rasputin was helping Czar. So Lenin came up with a plan.
Lenin invited Rasputin over to his home to have dinner. Rasputin came, suspicious of Lenin.
“Would you like a drink?” asked Lenin.
“Why yes,” said Rasputin.
