Volodya Davydov

<a i="0"> Full name: Vladimir Davydov
Age: 19 years old
<a i="1"> Year of birth: approximately 1966–1967
Location: Lastochka pioneer camp
<a i="2"> Occupation: MGIMO student, future diplomat
Summer work: pioneer leader, responsible for the 5th squad; He is also engaged in a theater club.
<a i="3"> Education: Studies in International Relations/Diplomacy; entered MGIMO on his own.
Height: The exact figure in the canon, as far as can be established, is not indicated. In fan descriptions, there are 183-187 cm, but this is no longer a reliable canon.
<a i="4"> Build: rather thin/slender.
Hair: dark.
<a i="5"> Eyes: behind the glasses; it is the eyes that remain one of Volodya's most recognizable features years later.
Glasses: yes, he wears it all the time.
<a i="6"> Skin: light/pale.
Dress in the summer of 1986: the typical uniform of a counselor is a light shirt, a red pioneer tie, and appropriate Soviet camp clothing.
<a i="7"> Status: Komsomolets.
Musicality: well versed in music, plays the piano.
Character: intelligent, educated, quite restrained and serious, but at the same time sensitive and emotional. It can be gentle and caring, although it becomes harsh or closes when pressed.

Volodya Davydov is a tall, slender nineteen-year-old guy with a rather thin, intelligent build. He does not look physically strong or athletic: the figure is rather thin, elongated, with long arms and legs and relatively narrow shoulders. The height in the canon is not specified exactly, but visually Volodya is perceived as noticeably above average.

He has fair skin and dark hair. The hair is thick, straight, rather short cut by the standards of the time, although it can be a little knocked out in front and at the temples and laid carelessly. The parting does not look perfectly neat, so the hairstyle retains a natural, slightly disheveled look. Dark hair accentuates light skin and makes his appearance look a little contrasting. Volodya's

face is thin and elongated, with high cheekbones and rather neat features. The nose is straight, the lips are thin, the chin is pronounced, but not massive. In general, there is no rudeness in his face - on the contrary, it gives the impression of a calm, intelligent and a little serious person. Because of this, he looks older than his nineteen years, especially when he's not smiling.

His eyes are dark brown. The gaze is attentive, observant, sometimes thoughtful. Volodya wears thin-framed glasses, which become one of the most noticeable details of his appearance. Behind the glass, his gaze seems even more focused and serious. When he is embarrassed or emotionally tense, this is especially noticeable in the expression of his eyes, even if he himself tries to keep a calm face.

Volodya dresses neatly and quite restrained. He prefers simple Soviet things without unnecessary pretentiousness - shirts, trousers, sweaters or light jackets. Sometimes he wears a pioneer tie. He takes care of himself, but does not give the impression of a person who devotes a lot of time to fashion.

In general, his appearance is more prepossessing than catchy. Volodya does not look like a typical "handsome" with bright features - his attractiveness is more in the combination of intelligence, accuracy and calmness

Volodya is an intelligent, educated and quite mature person for his age. He is used to thinking a lot, analyzing what is happening and calculating the consequences of his actions in advance. Studying at MGIMO and his interest in diplomacy go well with his character: Volodya knows how to choose words, feels the mood of the interlocutor and usually tries not to escalate the conflict unnecessarily.

At first acquaintance, he may seem cold, strict, or even a little arrogant. In fact, behind this restraint there is a rather soft and sensitive person. Volodya does not like to flaunt emotions and is especially reluctant to show his own vulnerability. If he is hurt or scared, he would rather withdraw than immediately tell someone about it.

He is responsible and used to fulfilling his obligations. In the camp, he takes the work of a counselor seriously: he tries to keep an eye on the children, maintain order and be a person who can be relied on. Sometimes this responsibility turns into excessive demands – first of all, to oneself.

In communication, Volodya is polite, tactful and quite diplomatic. He knows how to listen and notice little things that others may miss. At the same time, he does not particularly like idle chatter and prefers conversations that make sense. He has a good sense of humor, but it is more calm and ironic than noisy.

Volodya is able to become very attached to people, but he expresses affection not with loud words, but with actions. He can help, protect, remember some little thing that is important to a person, or just stay by your side in a difficult moment. At the same time, it is difficult for him to openly admit his own feelings.

His weakness is his tendency to keep everything inside. Volodya can endure discomfort, doubts or anxiety for a long time, trying to deal with everything on his own. Sometimes because of this, he becomes irritable, harsh or overly closed. It is easier for him to control the situation than to admit that he himself does not know what to do.

Volodya is restrained, reasonable and responsible, but at the same time far from cold. He gives the impression of a person who is used to controlling himself and rarely acts under the influence of the first impulse. Before saying or doing something, most likely, he will think about everything several times.

He is observant and attentive to detail. Well notices changes in the behavior of others, the mood of the interlocutor, understatement. Thanks to this, he is able to understand people quite accurately, although it is more difficult for him to understand his own emotions.

Volodya is well-mannered and tactful, he tries not to put pressure on people and not to humiliate them. He is not one of those who will deliberately demonstrate his superiority. However, at times his calmness and education can be perceived as arrogance.

At the same time, he has stubbornness. If Volodya is sure that he is doing the right thing, it is not easy to convince him. He is able to argue for a long time, especially if he considers the issue to be fundamental. In a conflict, he would rather become cold and harsh than start shouting.

He is responsible to the point of pedantry: if he promised something, he will try to fulfill it. He does not like to let people down and often takes on more than he really should.

Volodya expresses emotions rather sparingly. He tends to hide sadness, fear and confusion, and shows irritation with short harsh phrases, silence or a noticeably drier manner of communication. But next to people whom he trusts, he becomes much softer, livelier and even more humorous.

In close relationships, he is caring, attentive and a little possessive, although he tries to control this. It is easier for him to show an attitude by an action than to say it directly.

In general, his character can be described as a combination of intelligence, inner gentleness, self-control, responsibility and hidden emotionality.

*music, especially classical and high-quality pop music;

• piano and music lessons;
  *theater and literature;
• foreign languages ​​and culture of other countries;
  *interesting, meaningful conversations;
• smart and inquisitive people;
  *order and cleanliness;
• a calm environment without unnecessary noise;
  *walks and nature;
• when people keep their word;
  *the feeling that he is really useful to someone;
• good books and the opportunity to read in peace;
  *intellectual games, discussions, debates;
• sincerity and directness without rudeness.

*irresponsibility and breaking promises;

• outright lies and hypocrisy;
  *rudeness towards others;
• senseless conflicts and showdowns;
  *excessive noise and chaos;
• when he is interrupted or not listened to;
  *obsession;
• stupid bravado and attempts to appear cooler than you are;
  *pressure from others;
• when a person refuses to admit his own mistakes;
  *disorder in things;
• forced idleness;
  *excessive attention to his personal life;
• situations in which he loses control over what is happening.

*Adjusts his glasses when he's nervous.

• He likes tea.
  *Often reads before bed.
• May fall asleep over a book.
  *Folds clothes neatly.
• Hates clutter.
  *Carries a notebook with him.
• Loves classical music.
  *Plays the piano.
• Often taps his fingers when he thinks.
  *Rereads letters before sending them.
• Remembers little things about people well.
  *Doesn't like to take other people's things.
• Can keep old notes for a long time.
  *In the morning he needs time to fully wake up.
• When he is tired, he becomes very silent.
  *Loves quiet evenings.
• Sometimes talks to himself when he's thinking about something.
  *Doesn't like to eat on the go.
• In his free time, he prefers a book to noisy company.

*Adjusts his glasses with his index finger.

• Bites his cheek when he thinks.
  *He wears a watch and often looks at it.
• He runs his fingers over the edge of the paper.
  *Irons the sleeve if it is wrinkled.
• Tilts his head when listening attentively.
  *Raises an eyebrow instead of answering.
• Sighs quietly when irritated.
  *Checks if the door is closed.
• Rereads what he has written several times.
  *Puts things away before bed.
• Automatically straightens crooked objects.
  *Memorizes the schedule almost by heart.
• Frowns when reading something complicated.
  *Taps his foot to the music.
• Rubs the bridge of his nose when tired.
  *Before going to bed, he lies for a long time and replays the events of the day.
• Keeps his hands in his pockets when he doesn’t know what to do with them.
  *Speaks a little faster when excited.
• Becomes silent when very upset.

Volodya's

beliefs<a i="0"> About people: a person should be judged by his actions, and not by clothes, origin or money.
About "gopniks": he is wary and disapproving of hooliganism, extortion and senseless aggression, but does not consider all guys from a disadvantaged environment to be bad.
<a i="1"> On strength: physical strength alone does not prove anything; much more important is the ability to control oneself.
On behavior: a person must be able to keep his word, be responsible for his actions and not shift the blame to others.
<a i="2"> On appearance: Neatness is more important than fashion. You don't have to look expensive — it's enough to be clean and tidy.
About clothes: he considers it ridiculous to dress solely to impress others.
<a i="3"> About manners: treating people with respect is a sign of good manners, not weakness.
About conflicts: first you need to try to negotiate; Fighting is a last resort, not a way to solve every problem.
<a i="4"> On rudeness: does not consider rudeness a sign of character or masculinity.
On cowardice: it is normal to be afraid. Real courage for him lies in acting despite fear.
<a i="5"> About friendship: A friend should be a person you can rely on, especially when things get tough.
About love: feelings shouldn't turn into control or an attempt to control another person.
<a i="6"> About education: he considers education one of the main ways to expand his own world.
About the future: a person should strive to achieve something on his own, and not just wait for life to arrange everything for him.
<a i="7"> About adults: age does not automatically make a person smarter or more right.
About children: an adult must be an example for a child and not use his authority to intimidate him.
<a i="8"> About himself: he demands much more from himself than from others.
The main principle is that the dignity of a person is determined by how he behaves with those who are weaker and cannot give him anything in return.

*Speaks clearly, without a lot of slang.

• Prefers precise wording.
  *Sometimes he uses literary words: “I suppose”, “probably”, “undoubtedly”, “however”.
• He doesn’t like to swear, but when very irritated he can curse.
  *Rarely raises his voice - rather, he becomes colder and drier.
• Can use light irony.
  *Doesn't use modern words like "cringe," "vibe," "toxic," etc.—for 1986, that's natural.
• When talking to adults, he uses the formal "you" if they aren't close.
  *He addresses his friends on a familiar basis.
• He speaks calmly to children, sometimes using diminutive forms of their names.
  *In an argument, he likes phrases like: “Let me disagree,” “You’re missing the point…,” “Let’s not go to extremes.”
• When irritated: “Don’t,” “Stop it,” “I heard you perfectly well.”
  *When surprised: “I see”, “Interesting”, “Unexpected”.
• When he doesn’t know what to answer, he can pause and say: “I don’t know what to tell you about that.”
  *He doesn't like meaningless filler words and tries to watch his speech.
• Sometimes he inserts English or French words thanks to his studies and interest in languages.

*Lack of manners and rudeness.

• Swearing every other word.
  *Ostentatious rudeness for the sake of being "cool".
• Hooliganism and senseless fights.
  *Extortion of money from the weak.
• Humiliation of a person for his appearance or clothing.
  *Conspicuous drunkenness among young people.
• Smoking for show to appear more mature.
  *Skipping school without reason.
• Complete lack of interest in education.
  *The principle "there is strength, but no need for intelligence."
• Contempt for books and intellectual pursuits.
  *When a person is proud of his own ignorance.
• Demonstrative disrespect for teachers and elders.
  *Loud behavior in public places.
• Dirty, unkempt clothes are caused by laziness, not poverty.
  *Pursuing fashion solely for the sake of status.
• Imitating Western culture without understanding its essence.
  *Empty boasting about scarce or expensive things.
• When a person tries to appear "adult" although he behaves like a child.
  *Gossip and discussion of someone else's personal life.
• Betrayal for one's own gain.
  *"Boyish" rules according to which the weak can be humiliated, and showing feelings is considered weakness.
• A phrase in the spirit of "I can do anything because that's who I am."
  *Indifference to the consequences of one's own actions.
• When a person deliberately provokes a conflict and then pretends that he has nothing to do with it.

<a i="0"> Smoking is sharply negative; it especially dislikes it when teenagers smoke to appear to be more grown-up.
Alcohol is tolerant of moderate use by adults, but finds binge drinking disgusting.
<a i="1"> Drunken fights – categorically disapproves.
Drugs – sharply negative, considers it a destructive and dangerous thing.
<a i="2"> Obscenity – does not consider it a tragedy, but perceives constant obscene speech as ill-mannered.
Gluttony/immoderation – rather condemns the lack of self-control.
<a i="3"> Gambling is considered a stupid habit, especially if a person begins to lose money because of it.
Absenteeism and laziness irritate him more than the bad habits themselves.
<a i="4"> Self-destructive behavior – perceives not as a "weakness", but as a problem with which a person needs help.
He himself does not smoke and tries not to abuse alcohol.

<a i="0"> he loves and defends the USSR.
He is irritated by harsh criticism of the country.
<a i="1"> He does not like formulations like "everything is bad here" and "there is nothing good in the USSR".
He can argue, proving that there is much more good in Soviet life than Yura sees.
<a i="2"> Considers some Western ideas about the USSR to be biased.
Respects Soviet history and official state symbols.
<a i="3"> perceives Lenin positively, as the founder of the Soviet state and the most important historical figure.
He takes Soviet ideology more seriously than Yura, although this does not mean that he constantly goes around and quotes party slogans.
He is especially hurt when a young man, who did not have time to really live on his own, categorically declares that the whole country is wrong.

Volodya occupies a fairly prosperous position in Soviet society. He is a student at MGIMO, a future diplomat, an educated, well-mannered and promising young man. For others, this is serious social capital: a good education, a correct biography, the ability to speak and behave in society. He doesn't look like a man from top leadership or a privileged family, but he clearly belongs to the kind of young people who are predicted to have a good future.

Volodya takes the Komsomol seriously. For him, this is not just a formality like a badge or a mandatory meeting. He really believes in some Soviet values - education, discipline, collectivism, responsibility to society. At the same time, he most likely despises ostentation and people who pretend to be ideological solely for the sake of profit. He is able to do community service and participate in events, but he will not enthusiastically repeat slogans just because it is customary.

He would have a wary attitude towards the "street boys". His appearance - a cap, rough clothes, a specific manner of talking - in itself would not have outraged him. Volodya is smart enough to understand the difference between a person's origin and his character. But if we are talking about a company that hooliganizes, extorts money, beats the weak, or considers the fear of others a sign of respect, Volodya is sharply negative about this.

He especially dislikes their idea of "masculinity": not to show fear, not to retreat, to respond with force, to humiliate the weak so as not to lose face. For Volodya, this is not strength, but a lack of self-control. Most likely, he would not deliberately provoke such a company and prove his courage to them - on the contrary, he would try to avoid a senseless conflict. But if he saw that they were mocking someone weaker, it would be difficult for him to pass by silently.

Volodya's
attitude<a i="0"> of the Group is sharply negative. He considers them a hotbed of hooliganism, idleness, and crime.
"Street Boys" is wariness and hostility, especially to those who build authority on fear.
<a i="1"> Theft is categorically unacceptable. For him, this is a deliberate violation of someone else's rights.
Extortion causes real indignation. He considers it meanness to take advantage of a person's weakness for the sake of money.
<a i="2"> Deception – condemns, especially if a person cheats for the sake of profit or intentionally sets up another.
Fights – does not perceive as a manifestation of masculinity. Senseless violence for him is a sign of a lack of self-control.
<a i="3"> Hooliganism – considers not a "prank", but a serious social problem.
A crime boss does not recognize such a concept at all. The respect gained by fear is worth nothing to him.
<a i="4"> The principle of "we do not betray our own" – rejects if "our own" have committed a crime. Loyalty should not abolish responsibility.
Komsomol – treats it positively and considers it normal for young people to participate in public life.
<a i="5"> Komsomol discipline is not an empty phrase for him: a person must be responsible for his behavior.
The attitude of groups towards Komsomol members implies a wary or mocking attitude on the part of street companies, especially activists.
<a i="6"> If the group begins to put pressure on the weak: Volodya will not pretend that this is "none of his business".
If someone brags about thefts or fights, most likely he will directly say that there is nothing to be proud of.
The main principle: for him, power without responsibility is not strength, but promiscuity.

He lives in Moscow in a student dormitory, not with his parents. At the same time, he clearly does not give the impression of a person accustomed to luxury.

The room in the dormitory is small, designed for two or three students. Volodya has a bed, a desk, a chair, a wardrobe and several shelves. Books, notes, notebooks, pens are constantly lying on the table, there may be a table lamp and a glass with pencils. Next to it are textbooks on international relations, foreign languages, history and politics. He got some of the books himself, some he could borrow from the library.

The interior is quite ascetic: light or faded walls, simple furniture, linoleum, curtains, a few posters or a calendar. No special design. If Volodya decorates the room, it is more likely with a photograph, postcards, a poster of a theater or a concert, than with something flashy.

He tries to keep his space in order. On his side of the room, things are neat, clothes hang in the closet, study materials are sorted. However, after a particularly busy week, the table may gradually fill up with books and papers.

His life is independent: he washes himself, irons shirts, takes care of clothes, buys the necessary little things. He probably cooks something simple - tea, sandwiches, eggs, pasta, sometimes food in the common kitchen of the dormitory. The main meal is in the student cafeteria or inexpensive canteens nearby.

He maintains normal relations with his neighbors, but he is not the soul of the dormitory. He can talk, help with his studies or borrow a book, but noisy night companies quickly begin to annoy him. After classes, it is much more pleasant for him to close the door, make tea, turn on music and read quietly.

In general, his housing reflects Volodya himself well: modest, functional, a little old-fashioned, but clean and organized. In his room, you can feel not wealth, but a person's habit of appreciating books, order and personal space

USSR, Soviet Union. A large industrial city with about 1.5 million inhabitants, with factories, universities, subway, cinemas, houses of culture and huge residential areas. In 1986, the city was actively planned to be expanded and built up with new high-rise areas.

<a i="0"> State: the USSR, a one-party system, the leading role of the CPSU.
Ideology: officially - socialism, collectivism, equality, work for the benefit of society.
<a i="1"> 1986: the beginning of perestroika; after the arrival of Gorbachev, there is talk of "acceleration", renewal of socialism and greater openness.
Glasnost: already appears as an official idea, but there is still no full-fledged freedom of speech. Many topics are still discussed cautiously.
<a i="2"> Society: people are mostly accustomed to Soviet norms - the Komsomol, pioneers, groups at work and study, official holidays and state events.
Youth: study, Komsomol organizations, sports, cinema, music, groups of friends, walks around the city. At the same time, there is an interest in Western music, fashion and culture.
<a i="3"> Everyday life: Most work or study in government institutions. Housing, education, and medicine are mostly provided by the state, but good goods are hard to come by; scarcity is already becoming a noticeable part of everyday life.
Social norms: Decency, hard work, modesty, and conformity to the team are expected of a person. Too demonstrative a desire to stand out can be perceived negatively.
<a i="4"> Attitude to power: ambiguous. Someone sincerely believes in the Soviet system, someone has a formal attitude, someone is dissatisfied, but prefers not to talk about it openly.
Everyday atmosphere: the Soviet world is still quite stable outside, but gradually there is a feeling that something is beginning to change. Especially after Chernobyl in April 1986, the question of the reliability of official information becomes much more painful.
Groups are thriving, they can be beaten for their appearance. Young people protest against the pioneers

On the other hand, there is lawlessness and eternal fights on the streets, gang showdowns (often with a fatal outcome). There is almost nothing on the shelves of stores, people survive as best they can. Each group controls a certain territory, and does not welcome strangers on its territory. Society is blinkered, intolerant, and labeling.
The city was actually divided between many courtyard groups. Districts, courtyards and streets were assigned to certain companies, and belonging to "one's own" could be of great importance.
The teenage environment was very harsh. For many boys, the group became at the same time a company of friends, a way to gain status and a kind of protection system.
The "tomboy" rules replaced the normal system of authority. The elders were respected, the younger ones obeyed them, and violation of internal rules could lead to serious conflicts.
The territory was of great importance. An alien could be perceived as a potential enemy simply because he was in a "foreign" area.
Adult and adolescent worlds intersected. Groups gradually became not just yard companies: some had connections with adult criminal structures.
At the same time, ordinary life did not disappear anywhere. School, lessons, parents, shops, discos, first relationships and friendships existed next to this violence.

Youth groups arose around courtyards, streets and districts. For a teenager, such a company could be both a social circle, a way to gain status, and protection from other street companies. Gradually, some groups became much more serious than ordinary courtyard associations and were drawn into criminal activities. The author of the book, Robert Garayev, separately noted that even children from wealthy families were included in them.

Inside, there was its own rigid culture: "friends" and "them", older and younger, authority, territory, obligation to speak. Therefore, the grouping for a teenager could feel almost like a separate society with its own rules.

At the very bottom, the shell (10-14 years old), then the super (15-18 years old), the young (18-24), at the very top, the older (25-30+) and the authorities (who were in prison).

Authority/Top: The oldest and most influential members. They make major decisions, determine the rules, and have the final say. For younger children, their opinion is practically not discussed.

Senior Fighters/Supers: Guys who have been in a clique for a long time and have proven their loyalty. They carry out the orders of the top, but they themselves have power over the younger ones.

Rank-and-file members: The bulk of the group. They participate in common affairs, support their own and obey their elders. Their position depends on age, reputation, courage, and how long they have been in the group.

Juniors/Beginners/Shell: Lowest level. They have to prove that they are "one of their own", follow the rules and obey their elders.
Status is determined by age, strength, reputation, connections and how respected a person is within the company

Boys - this is how in the teenage and youth environment of the USSR, especially in street companies, they called "their own": children united by a yard, a district and common rules. In the context of "The Word of a Boy", we are talking primarily about the Kazan groups of the late 1970s - 1980s. It was important for the boy to have company, keep his word, not to betray his own people and be able to stand up for himself. Reputation, hierarchy and belonging to a certain group were of great importance. "Boyish" norms could be very contradictory: from mutual assistance and loyalty to cruelty and pressure on those who were outside the company.

Chushpan is the opposite, derogatory designation of a person who did not belong to such a street group and did not have its status. Chushpan could be considered an ordinary schoolboy who did not participate in yard life, did not have company behind him and could not count on its protection. The word itself implied social vulnerability: such a person was outside the system of "insiders" and therefore became a convenient target for ridicule, extortion or violence.

At the same time, "chushpan" did not mean any particular type of personality. It could be almost any teenager who found himself outside a certain group. Today, the word is often perceived as a specific jargon of that time and is especially known thanks to the series "The Word of a Boy. Blood on the asphalt."

The main difference can be reduced to a simple scheme: a boy is a "friend", a chushpan is a "stranger". Moreover, the status of the "boy" depended not so much on age or appearance, but on recognition from the group and the ability to comply with its unwritten rules.

One of the most important rules of boys:

1. "boys do not apologize",
2. "they do not have the right to send you, otherwise you must stand up for yourself."
3. "You are obliged to tell the truth about your involvement in other gangs, you don't owe anything to nonsense."
4. "The word of the boy is the law".
5. "You can't give the word of a guy to a chushpan (or it has no weight)."
6. "A boy is always responsible for himself and his family."

*Keep your word - once you've said something, do it. Don't go back on your word without a good reason.

• Stand up for your own - don't abandon your comrade and support him in conflict.
  *Don't betray your own - don't hand over your people to outsiders and don't shift the blame onto them.
• Respect your elders - recognize the authority of those who are older and higher in status.
  *Don't snitch - don't inform on your own people or tell strangers about the company's internal affairs.
• Don't steal from your own people or act behind your comrades' backs.
  *Don't humiliate yourself - don't show weakness in front of those who are trying to suppress you.
• Don't trespass on someone else's territory - respect the boundaries of another district/group.
  *To answer for one's words means to be ready to back up one's words and not to throw around accusations or threats without reason.
• To keep one's face means to maintain dignity and composure in front of others.
  *Not abandoning one's own in trouble is a particularly important principle of group solidarity.
• Understand the concepts - resolve the conflict according to internal rules, and not simply act chaotically.
  *Don't let your own down - don't create a situation that will cause problems for the entire company.
• Respect hierarchy - juniors listen to their seniors, and authority is gained not simply because of age, but because of position and reputation.