Pussy Riot-Tackling Controversial Issues

In Wednesdays class, we had a discussion about the Riot Grrrl Movement. It was a movement that combined punk music with feminism and politics. Part of our discussion revolved around the Russian punk band, Pussy Riot. They were a group of women ranging in ages 20-33. We watched their performance of "Mother of God, Drive Putin Away” which was the song that led to 3 of the band members arrest and ultimately, two years of incarceration. The song was performed in a Cathedral in Moscow, Russia and the lyrics were very intense. I understand that they wanted to get their point across, however, to perform it in a church where people worship God, was very inconsiderate and upsetting. As a Christian, I feel as though there are plenty of other ways to get your point across. They, as women, feel that their rights are trampled upon, and that sexism is wrong and I’m not saying that I disagree, however, they are trampling on others rights and basically doing the same things that they don't want done to them.

An example of a project that I support them in doing, is the song “I Can’t Breathe” which was written in memory of Eric Garner who was killed by police in New York City in 2014. The song and music video display an accurate depiction of his story and what it is like to be suffocated. I think this song and the music video did a fantastic job of getting his story out there and making bold statement. They didn't have to swear or say offensive things like they did in the cathedral, but their lyrics were still taken very seriously. In my opinion, “I Can’t Breathe” was ten times more powerful than their performance of “Mother of God, Drive Putin Away.” I am in no way against punk music or feminism, however I think it all goes back to the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. There is no use fighting fire with fire, but I am not sure this world will ever come to that realization.