How would this narrative have changed if this happened in a country of muslims or of people of color

[La Lioness Priyanka]

I read this article and i can't help but think that when these outrageous things happen in white countries (eastern europe, russia) etc, we don't go into a long narrative about the culture and religion of these countries. Instead we talk about the politics that made such things possible.

It is outrageous that this happened, but more outrageous is the lack of outrage when it happens in primarily white, christian countries.


http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/08/17/moscow-lgbt-supporting-feminist-punk-band-pussy-riot-found-guilty-of-hooliganism/

Three members of Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot have been found guilty and convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred. Each band member has been sentenced to two years in prison, beginning from the day of their arrest.

Judge Marina Syrova said the actions of the women had “crudely undermined social order”. She added that the crime was a conspiracy driven by hatred of religion and that the court did “not trust” the testimony of the band members because it would be used as an attempt to “evade justice”.

[obamanut2012]

1. Didn't see this -- just posted another OP

We would be denouncing it, and all hell would break loose because the "savage" and "theocratic" Iranians/Saudis/etc. were doing this.

Guess what? Russia is also pretty theocratic now, and misogynistic, and very homophobic, and a lot of other things. They even have Ex KGB running their country. But, they are white, so it gets glossed over more than it should.

This verdict has sparked an international outrage, as it should, and I hope the US media and government is shamed into also raising hell about it.

[obamanut2012]

2. From Cali's OP in GD:

Prelude to a stiff sentence: The Judge is SLAMMING the members of Pussy Riot:

Last edited Fri Aug 17, 2012, 09:44 AM USA/ET - Edit history (1)

Posting of the video was proof of the band trying to gain publicity by their hooligan actions, the judge has said adding,"They have deliberately placed themselves against Orthodox believers."

She's also said that the "jerking of limbs" during the performance was further proof of hatred towards Christians.
8m ago

"The defendants violated the common rules of behaviour in the cathedral," the judge has said.
12m ago

Judge: Lamps, loud speakers, guitars and balaclavas were all prepared in advance by the band.
13m ago

"They were openly displaying disrespect" not just for those in the cathedral but for all Orthodox Christians the judge has said.

Updated 12m ago
15m ago

The action has "degraded the moral feeling" of the victims the judge has said.


Updated 2m ago
15m ago

The judge has called the crime a conspiracy driven by hatred of religion and the court does "not trust" the testimony of the band members because it is an attempt to "evade justice" and proven to be false.
19m ago

"The court does find a religious hatred motive" the judge has said and has given an interesting reason for this based partly around the argument of Pussy Riot being Feminists.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/aug/17/pussy-riot-trial-verdict-live?newsfeed=true

[Gormy Cuss]

3. Good observation, Pri.

The reporters in primarily white, Christian countries probably don't see any "otherness" as an underlying issue.