The State Duma has put forward a proposal to create a «Dostoevsky Card» – an initiative similar to the existing «Pushkin Card» but exclusively for purchasing books by teenagers aged 14 to 18. The idea has already been sent to the Ministry of Culture. It is envisioned that the list of available literature will be strictly regulated. The questions arise: how necessary is such a card, and can it truly stimulate young people`s interest in reading?
The «Dostoevsky Card» is conceived as a personalized bank card for teenagers, to be topped up annually with 10,000 rubles. Members of parliament cite the «strengthening of spiritual and moral values among youth» as the goal of this initiative. However, not all books will be accessible through it. The books must meet yet-to-be-approved criteria and be sold in specialized stores, with a preference for domestic publishers. Ekaterina Kozhanova, Director of Strategic Communications at Eksmo-AST publishing group, expressed enthusiasm for the idea:
Ekaterina Kozhanova, Director of Strategic Communications, Eksmo-AST publishing group:
“We naturally support any government initiatives aimed at stimulating reading activity. The audience aged 14 to 18 actively buys and reads books. We believe that with such support, this interest can only grow, especially in regions where this product might be most in demand.”
The proposed list of books allowed under the «Dostoevsky Card» includes works from the school curriculum, the golden fund of world literature, popular science, historical literature, and books by contemporary Russian authors who have received «positive reviews from the expert community.» Pulp fiction and books featuring propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations, extremism, violence, or cruelty are strictly excluded.
These restrictions appear logical, as the state, by allocating funds, seeks to direct them into a specific channel. The document emphasizes that the project should have an educational and upbringing effect consistent with state cultural policy. However, according to Grigory Mastreader, a podcaster and author of the YouTube channel «Knizhny Chel» (Book Guy), this very imposition of «correct» literature might, conversely, discourage teenagers from reading altogether:
Grigory Mastreader, podcaster, author of YouTube channel «Knizhny Chel»:
“I think dividing books into `worthy` and `unworthy` is a bad idea, especially in the context of imposing certain books on teenagers. One should be very cautious with such an idea. When some high-brow authorities impose literature on schoolchildren and teenagers from above, it often causes rejection; I remember myself as a teenager. Often, students and young people come to reading through lighter literature, books that may not be examples of golden classics, but they nevertheless foster a love for reading.”
Business FM conducted a survey among the target audience of the «Dostoevsky Card» – teenagers – to gauge their opinion on the expediency of such an initiative.
Teenagers` Opinions:
Petr Shumovsky, 11th-grade student, 17 years old:
“The `Dostoevsky Card` will be an excellent addition to the `Pushkin Card,` because in addition to concerts and museums, it`s important to develop at home too. Reading physical books is a great way. I understand that with the `Dostoevsky Card,` just like with the `Pushkin Card,` not everything can be bought; there are certain content restrictions. I think this is done to direct resources into the right channel, so that children buy good books. I will soon be a student and plan to spend this money on reference materials. I will need a verified source for my work.”
Gleb Mikhailuk, 11th-grade student, 16 years old:
“This is a very good and correct initiative, but in my opinion, children should be eligible for this card from 12, not 14, years old, as this is already the age of formed and conscious reading. Moreover, children at this age have more free time. I would spend this money on classical literature, specialized educational literature, art albums, atlases. But, on the other hand, it`s important not to overdo it with restricting the list of literature. I also believe it`s wrong to restrict access to all fiction in foreign languages. Children should have the opportunity to read classic foreign literature in the original. I would like the list not to be limited only to the school curriculum.”
Stepan Kuts, 9th-grade student, 15 years old:
“I like the initiative itself, especially considering the proposed budget. What bothers me more are the book restrictions, as the criteria are not entirely clear. I generally dislike the tendency of the school literature curriculum to limit works only to Russian ones, paying very little attention to foreign literature. Such a restriction on the works for which money can be spent puts obstacles in the way of education, because, essentially, anyone can start reading, but whether everyone can start reading specifically Russian classical literature, from such a limited selection – that I cannot say for sure.”
A survey conducted on the Business FM channel showed the following results at the time of publication: 45% of respondents believe the «Dostoevsky Card» is needed; 29% agree, but without restricting the list of literature; and 26% believe the card is not needed at all.
