The Truth About Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

I watched the movie Borat with Taras (a Tandempartner) and his friend Artur from Kyrgyzstan. They're actually both from Kyrgyzstan but Taras moved to Germany (obviously) and Artur to Russia. Although Russian is the official language of both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, both countries also have there own languages Kyrgyz and Kazakh, respectively. Artur can understand both of these language (or at least enough to recognize the language).

The three of us haning out was an interesting linguistic situation. Artur spoke very good English, much better than Taras. We could lose him by speaking quickly. However, he didn't speak much German, so Taras and I (theoretically) could speak German quickly and Artur wouldn't understand. And finally, Artur and Taras could speak any amount of Russian at any speed and I wouldn't have a clue what they were saying. I did learn, several times, how to say "My name is Maggie" and "I am 22 years old" in Russian, but of course, I don't remember.

But anyway, back to the movie. Borat is a movie about a Kazakhstani 'news anchor' who goes to America to report on the 'greatest country in the world'. It's not recommended for the easily offended or the politically correct. Some parts are down-right disgusting, but in general, I think it's very funny. And watching it with people from the region was even better. First I should say that it was basically just Artur and I who watched it, because Taras had to get stuff ready for school. But Artur was the most knowledgable of the two anyway, so it worked out nicely. Now, onto the truth about Borat.

Things that are not accuarte:

1. They are neither speaking Russian nor Kazakh. We have no idea what language (if any) it is.
2. None of the ridiculous things involving toilets are (or would be) true. The have running water toilets and toilet paper in Kazakhstan (and Kyrgyzstan).
3. Pubic hair is not valuable or used as currency.
4. While some people greet each other by kissing both cheeks, it is not as common and used in as many situations as Borat uses it. (it's used a lot in Germany as well)
5. Borat has a lot of hatred for and fear of Jews. This isn't really accurate, but most likely stems from the fact that A) Sacha Boran Cohen (the actor who plays Borat) is Jewish and it's popular with comedians to make fun of your own.
and B) most of Kazakhstan is Musilm so I guess there is some sort of natural differing of opinion.
6. Borat doesn't really look like he's from the region. Artur could tell he wasn't and was just making a poor attempt at it.

Things that are kind of accurate:

1. When Borat ia at the Hotel desk and asks for a room for one night, the desk attendant responds with the price ($115 or something). Borat responds "I'll give you 85," spits on his hand and extends it for a handshake. - This elicited laughter from Artur along with something along the lines of "They do really like to bargain and try to do it a lot". Although the spit on the hand thing isn't super common.
2. When Borat is at the Rodeo talking to some of America's finest about homosexuals, he explains that in his country they put them in prison and kill them. (to which America's finest responds "we're trying to get that done here, too") Unfortunately, this is fairly accurate. Gays are treated very poorly in Kyrgyzstan at least.
3. Borat's distain for gypsies is accurate.
4. Borat often speaks of prostitutes in Kazakhstan. There are a lot of prostitutes in that region. This is another unfortunate truth. A lot of poor women have no other choice.
5. When Borat learns that the woman he is in love with (Pamela Anderson) is no longer a virgin, he is heartbroken. It is illegal for women to have sex before marriage (but only women). In some villages the parents listen in on the wedding night (either in the same room or next door) and then check the sheets for blood in the morning to make sure she really was a virgin. (we didn't go into what happens if she was lying)
6. At the end Borat attempts to capture Pamela in a sack. This is legitimate. If a man wants a woman, he can capture her (even with help from his friends). If he succeeds, she must marry him.

There were parts of the movie to which we didn't pay attention. We never stopped the movie to discuss, we discuss during the movie, so there are things we may have missed (or I may have forgotten). But overall it was a very interesting and entertaining learning experience.