It is actually quite easy in Russia: just repeat what TV says and you will blend in perfectly with everyone else. It takes an effort to disagree with the propaganda there: you will be frowned upon if you don't act like everyone else. But the system is made such that it is very easy, almost natural, to go with the flow [of the Putin's regime].
Venice has as many tourist traps as any other old European city. But you can easily avoid them. It is not a tourist trap per se; there are many residents going about their normal lives.