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Loading...5 Reasons Pussy Riot Has Already Won (Video)
- by Kristina Chew
- August 12, 2012
- 7:30 am
1. The Whole World Knows About Pussy Riot
A feminist punk collective has become a “sweeping pop success.” Idov tallies just a few ways:
Madonna has performed “Like a Virgin” with “Pussy Riot” etched n her bare back; covers of “Punk Prayer” are multiplying; the collective’s signature headwear is becoming the new Guy Fawkes mask. There’s even a “chapter” of Pussy Riot in Olympia, Wash., the birthplace of Bikini Kill.
2. They’re Feminists
Idov writes that “Russians remain distinctly uncomfortable with activist women,” with even liberals commenting that “They should let these chicks go with a slap on the ass”:
Of course, if the defendants decided to convey over-the-top remorse (by falling to their knees, crying, etc.), then public opinion and even their legal fortunes would almost certainly turn. But Ms. Alyokhina, Ms. Samutsevich and Ms. Tolokonnikova remain cool, smiling and remote — a “Western” and “unfeminine” attitude. When you’re a woman in Russia, nothing but tears will do.
Samutsevich’s closing statement began by noting that, in such circumstances, a “defendant is expected to repent or express regret for her deeds, or to enumerate attenuating circumstances.” But, in her case and that of the other band members, such is (says Samutsevich) “completely unnecessary.”
3. Pussy Riot’s Performance and Trial Have Revealed a “Stark Divide” in Today’s Russia
The Guardian describes the two sides of that divide: One is “deeply conservative and accepting of a state that uses vague laws and bureaucracy to control its citizens.” The other is liberal “bordering on anarchist and beginning to fight against that state with any means it can.”
Descriptions of the Pussy Riot trial suggest how the cards are stacked against the defense, who was only allowed to call three out of thirteen requested witnesses. Judge Syrova shouted “Question stricken” when the defense attempted to ask its witnesses about their Orthodox faith.
Photo of Nadezhda Tolokonnikova taken on July 4, 2012, by ostromentsky via Flickr
Read more: anti-Putin, art, balaclava, feminism, moscow, Pussy Riot, Putin, religion
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
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Recent Comments from Causes
Nice to read a good story.
From Urban dictionary. "Black on white crime isn't a serious issue, because Spike Lee said that black…
Utter insanity. :(
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68 comments
+ add your ownKeep it riot.
They just got a two year prison sentence!! Shameful.
Pussy Riot has been found guilty. Just read about it on Yahoo! news. They will be sentenced later on today. Sad sad day. But we all know how Russia AND Putin are, right?!!
I am on the fence whether viewing this group is as being a positive or negative in relation to Russia's acceptance of human rights.
Of course, the government hate these girls. As much as I support their cause, I can also understand Russia in controlling them.
Praying for the safety and release of all these women!
Stupid Women !
Aug 17 is only a few days away. I will send powerful thoughts and prayers that Putin does want to be liked by the world and not lose face, so that he will want to appear benevolent and therefore will be leaning towards greatly reduced sentence... Better yet, release them!!
This heavy duty fundamentalism is a scary thing. Not limited to Russia.
I love Art, so i am very very sad that this happened to these young women activist Artists. I pray for their well being.
Pussy Riot Rules!!!
As I'm very well familiar with Russia and I've spent a lot of time there as an exchange student I feel very bad about the declining human rights situation in Russia at the moment. The jailing and trial process performed by the Russian authorities towards Pussy Riot just pinpoint that Russia is moving in the wrong direction: Away from human rights and a free speech towards a much more totalitarian regime.
While in Russia, I lived in a host family (a mother and her 20 year old daughter) and we talked a lot about the situation in todays Russia. This was aprox. 4-5 years ago. The mother stated that she missed the Soviet union because at that time they had food on the table, free health care, free schooling etc and they didn't have to pretend that they had free speech. They knew what to expect. This woman told me that "today you never know, because the documents say one thing but the reality is something completely different".
The Pussy Riot process is just the story we get to know here, but believe me, this is just one of all the tragedies appearing all over Putin's Russia.
FREE PUSSY RIOT NOW!
Thanks.
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