I have found - through the ease of this publishing platform - that I have some readership in Russia. This is nice for two reasons:
1) I like readers. Since I have not told a soul about this free-for-all-brain-upchuck of a weblog, I am surprised that people have found it, especially people abroad.
2) I am currently reading and writing about the Pussy Riot scandal in Russia. In my research I have developed an affinity for the Russian activists who, without much attention from the foreign press, have been vying for equality and individual freedoms. In one article I read Анна Зобнина (Anna Zobnina) talked about the surprise and elation she felt when she realized that Russia did indeed have a burgeoning feminist movement. I share this sentiment. Feminism is the first step toward a more pervasive equality because it begins conversations. Racism and homophobia are easily avoidable given that haters tend not to fraternize with people they don't like, for example, it is easy for the government of Iran to completely ignore the global push for gay-rights because they say that no homosexuals exist within the country. But Feminism (with a capital F) is different because everyone knows a woman and therefore it is more difficult for haters to avoid conversation. That is not to say that Feminism is the 'easiest mode' of structural change because it certainly is rout with ire and political tension. What I mean is that historically it has been Feminism that has ushered in other forms of political equality. It was women who got the vote first in the US, a right which was subsequently bestowed on Black Americans. It was women who won the right to serve in the US military, an honor which only this year has been available to gay soldiers. The action of Pussy Riot on February 21st in Christ the Savior Cathedral, was brazen Feminism, well orchestrated and thoroughly planned. This is the kind of event that changes the debate, charging it with religion and forcing it upon a public which may or may not want to broach the topic. Mr. Putin and his fearful government has so far locked up three activist of the group, leaving many more on the street to stoke support, further the conversation and continue to plan actions.
So, to Russia with love. Thank for reading.
1) I like readers. Since I have not told a soul about this free-for-all-brain-upchuck of a weblog, I am surprised that people have found it, especially people abroad.
2) I am currently reading and writing about the Pussy Riot scandal in Russia. In my research I have developed an affinity for the Russian activists who, without much attention from the foreign press, have been vying for equality and individual freedoms. In one article I read Анна Зобнина (Anna Zobnina) talked about the surprise and elation she felt when she realized that Russia did indeed have a burgeoning feminist movement. I share this sentiment. Feminism is the first step toward a more pervasive equality because it begins conversations. Racism and homophobia are easily avoidable given that haters tend not to fraternize with people they don't like, for example, it is easy for the government of Iran to completely ignore the global push for gay-rights because they say that no homosexuals exist within the country. But Feminism (with a capital F) is different because everyone knows a woman and therefore it is more difficult for haters to avoid conversation. That is not to say that Feminism is the 'easiest mode' of structural change because it certainly is rout with ire and political tension. What I mean is that historically it has been Feminism that has ushered in other forms of political equality. It was women who got the vote first in the US, a right which was subsequently bestowed on Black Americans. It was women who won the right to serve in the US military, an honor which only this year has been available to gay soldiers. The action of Pussy Riot on February 21st in Christ the Savior Cathedral, was brazen Feminism, well orchestrated and thoroughly planned. This is the kind of event that changes the debate, charging it with religion and forcing it upon a public which may or may not want to broach the topic. Mr. Putin and his fearful government has so far locked up three activist of the group, leaving many more on the street to stoke support, further the conversation and continue to plan actions.
So, to Russia with love. Thank for reading.