Andrei Platonov, a classic of Russian literature of the 20th century, “The Foundation Pit” (Катлаван), has many novelties, one of which, in my opinion, is the most memorable: переугожденец. That word can be conventionally translated as “over-pleaser”; that is, in the context of the work, a person who says things that are pleasant to hear by “those above.” The novel was published in 1930, and of course it is clear what it is about.
In totalitarian and authoritarian systems, the presence of such super-loving characters is mandatory. Not remembering who were so manifested in Armenia during the past 30 years, let’s talk about the characters that are in front of my eyes. For example, the current Civil Contract MPs are divided into two types. First, those who talk about the past only when they are asked, and secondly, those who, regardless of the topic and questions, build all their speeches on the “analysis” of the events of 1988-2018. These last ones can be called “over-pleasers.” That is, they are generally not required to praise their boss every minute by cursing the past. However, they strive to be noticeable and useful for that same leader, with their hyperactivity. The same division exists among the so-called “extra-parliamentary forces” and the supporters of the current government in general.
The “over-pleasing” type, as already said, is the birth of a certain social organization. The form of that organization is based on two types of structures. First, a sect, where power depends on the leader’s charisma, and second, a barracks, where severe punishments are provided for misconduct.
Sometimes these two types work simultaneously, sometimes separately. But in the civil sphere, in my opinion, both are unacceptable. Whether “over-love” is due to sincere worship or fear of punishment, in both cases it constrains a person, makes him limited, too primitive. Anything outside the “sect” or “barracks” is seen as at least a fatal delusion.
Read also
A person who considers himself a Christian (or even a Christian clergyman) can also act as a sectarian and engage in extreme love. In that sense, the statue of Christ has nothing to do with the Christian faith or even with the development of tourism. It is a statue erected by the feudal lord of Kotayk as a sign of his exaggerated ambitions. It is, after all, the same over-pleasing towards oneself.
It is true that Platonov uses another new word for this: аллилуйщик (one who praises someone or something excessively).
Aram Abrahamyan
