I wouldn't ascribe my motivation to patriotism - though, I won't deny that a part of me is brainwashed to believe Russia to be great, and powerful, and blah blah blah... Patriotism is a false banner, and I won't stand under it.

Don't think of Patriotism as being proud about your government. Think of it more about being proud of your culture. It's about being proud of your traditions, your art, and your contributions to the world. It's about loving where you came from and seeing value in your neighbors. Though, you're right to be careful. The line between patriotism and jingoism can become very fine if you let yourself get carries away.

What drives me is the wish to spread the idea that Russia is more than people in the US are lead to believe through idiotic stereotypes in the modern artistic media. "Oh, Mader Ruhsha is always snowy and cold, da! Vi drink vodka and dance prisyadka! Vaen vi ah bord, vi ride our pet bears!"... Greedy cretins who make money out of people's ignorance. It's a shame to see that ignorance propagated.

Judging from this post, you're doing great so far. I can't wait to see more. Just take heart though, not all of us actually view your nation according to stereotypes.