Pussy Riot – I Can't Breathe

They stood up to Putin and the Russian Orthodox Church that condemned them. They were jailed and beaten, whipped in public by Cossacks hired as security, and had chemicals thrown and sprayed on them. They are not particularly loved by the general public in Russia. This is their first song in English. It's a tribute to Eric Garner, a poor black man in New York City who was murdered by the police for selling cigarettes.

The end of the song should slay you.

In their words:
This song is for Eric and for all those from Russia to America and around the globe who suffer from state terror––killed, choked, perished because of war and state sponsored violence of all kinds––for political prisoners and those on the streets fighting for change. We stand in solidarity.

Thanks to Judith Jorrisch for the heads up and the words.

New Pussy Riot

This became an international story: Russia's iconic ex-con feminist punk band Pussy Riot performs at the Olympics and gets whipped and otherwise abused by Cossack Militia. Here's the just released video.

Thank heavens for social media.

These Are What Subversives Look Like?

 World renowned subversives and Putin critics Pussy Riot seen here awaiting trial in a cage. 

So, this unassuming three represent a threat to a world nuclear power? 

In that way they're not so unlike that black seamstress who refused to give up her seat on the bus or the Tunisian street vender who protested by setting himself on fire to began a multi-nation chain reaction. It's awesome how much power can be wielded within the relatively small human scale of big ideas. As Ghandi proved, one person's idea––in his case, non-cooperation––can be a weapon sufficient for destroying an empire when transferred through enough bodies. Below is another small idea, here projected through loud voices and loud guitars, laid at Putin's trembling feet by the three women above. He's right to tremble. 

Let's hope there are more ideas to come.

Anyway, this is what Pussy Riot sounds like. The language is Russian but the attitude is clear. Go sistas.

An update to their story in their own words, here: People fear us because we're feminists.