in Soviet Russia, (something) (does something to) you

A humorous reversal of the subject and object of a previous statement, meant to allude to the oppressive regime of the USSR. This kind of joke is known as a "Russian reversal," commonly attributed to Ukrainian-American comedian Yakov Smirnoff. A: "You can choose any career you want." B: "Yes, but in Soviet Russia, career chooses you!" In America, everyone looking for party. In Soviet Russia, Party looking for everyone! You actually listen to your government here? In Soviet Russia, government listens to everyone—through bugs!