They consider themselves a part of the Tatar nation. The opposite examples are Kryashens and Nagaibaks Christian Tatars who very often define themselves as ethnic groups separate from Tatars. Among many possible reasons, cultural indoctrination is probably the most important one. Very often Tatar school children in Russian schools become targets of ridicule during history lessons. Such cultural indoctrination usually leads to low self-esteem, an ethnic inferiority complex, and an unwillingness to identify oneself as a Tatar.
Young people are especially susceptible to such indoctrination.
Most teenagers want to identify themselves with everything modern and fashionable. Tatar culture is often very slow to provide such imagery. Especially during the Soviet period, Tatar culture over-emphasized its traditional, folk aspects to the detriment of modern visions. For example, until recently about 90 percent of all songs on Tatar TV were performed to the accompaniment of only one instrument - an accordion. Rock motifs did not exist at all.