Earlier this week, HBO premiered a documentary on the controversial feminist punk group, Pussy Riot. The 90 minute film is entitled Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer. Thanks to Mama Daisy's U-Verse, I was able to watch the remarkable story about these brightly-colored balaclava adorned women, who spoke out against the injustices of their government. I was inspired by their brave behavior The documentary is about three members of the music group who faced charges after they ran into the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow. The women performed a risky song about the country's combination of church and state for 40 seconds and were charged with trespassing, inappropriate attire, and disorderly conduct. Because they offended individuals in the Cathedral and in the country of Russia, they were all sentenced two years in prison. The women in Pussy Riot, who believe that their rights as humans were ignored because of the country's connection to its religious foundations, are fighting for a revolution of the country's government and views.
I was awed by the harsh punishments the women faced because of their daring attempt to express themselves. Baring their arms and their beliefs resulted in them in jail; a concept that no American can claim to experience in today's society. It was further appalling that members of a religious organization, Carriers of the Cross, referred to the consequences that the young women would have faced in the 17th Century. The men spoke frankly saying that the women would have been hung or burned, as if to claim that the jail time they faced wasn't price enough for their open expression. It is not the 17th Century. I was dismayed that globally the day when people could be jailed because of adverse opinions to their governments has not passed. (Feel free to call it my "world peace" pageant moment.) The film brought the real world in front of me for a reality check. Pussy Riot has reminded me that the ability to speak out against the government, while we consider it a right, is a privilege that Americans so often forget we hone. It also made me realize the blessing that it is I can use my voice. While I don't believe that America has moved past sexism, classism, or racism, Americans can't claim a culture of silence as their struggle. Whatever the issue may be, there is a protest, blog, or group which represent it. Watching the women on trial forced me to be proud of America; because even if to an empty audience, I will always be allowed to express my opinion. While I will never advocate for disrespect of religious quarters, I consider the plight of the women brave. Their use of their incarceration to highlight problems with their government is another praiseworthy result of their journey. Hopefully, the women will be able to say that their experience made their country better. It has by all means erupted the world in celebration of their performance.
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ATS MagAgainst the Stream Magazine is an urban platform. We edify our readers by finding noble, pure, and true talent and giving it a stage to flourish. While we love bragging about the folks around us, we also tackle urban issues by giving real world solutions. Archives
October 2015
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