Asking “What it was like growing up in the Soviet Union?” is like asking “What is was like growing up in the United States?”. You need to specify the decade, because things were very different between them.
You had the fledging new country with the New Economic Policy of the 20s, the terror of the 30s, the post-war recovery of the late 40s and 50s.
Then comes the Khrushchev’s Thaw of the 60s with a relaxed focus on ideology and party’s reach, the period of the 70s which is most often described as “stagnation” where no significant improvements in the daily lives of the people have been made (this is the period most seniors have fond memories of) and the collapse of the 80s – a series of geriatric leaders dying one right after another, only for Gorbachev’ attempt to prevent the total crash to eventually fizzle.
Most english-speaking people active online today would have grown during the 80s – a period of economic collapse with a deficit of basic goods and foodstuff combined with a previously unspeakable level of freedom of press and speech. Few of them are nostalgic for it for the same reason folks aren’t fond of the Great Depression – but ask their parents whose formation years came in a long period of stability and you will get a quite different answer.
What do you want to know?
Growing up was really cool. A lot of time outside with friends doing absolutely crazy things by today’s standards. No fear. The feeling of camaraderie. Sports and arts classes were free and available. We had the illusion that everything was pretty much laid out for you, the illusion of certainty.
If you want to go back to the USSR you are not mentally well
Well i have my grandpas stories. He sadly passed away and i was a small child so i dont remember mich, but his memory shall live on!
He was one of many who lived near cheenobyl, hence why he died with 70 to cancer. He always ranted about how broken the system is, and that even capitalism cares more for its people than the „god darn broken ussr“
Both my parents left Soviet Ukraine to give me a better life in the states so I don’t have to grow up with the conditions they went through. Things I know: McDonald’s is a BIG deal. Practicing Christianity is a punishable offense. Everyone is broke. Levi’s are a BIG deal. Track suits is a very real stereo type. Everyone is racist. I visited Ukraine last year to see old family and visit the village and town my family is from. It was NUTS. My parents would never go back not for any amount of money but they are happy I have gone back so I can understand how well we have it in the United States.