This news clip from the Denver Post, 5/14/2012, intrigued me for two reasons. Novelists and poets leading the protest, taking a risk, and to me, showing the importance of the written word in Russia. How many of us would be part of a serious protest? Last week's demonstration provoked violent reaction from the police and many were injured and arrested. This week showed a different approach, no banners, just a quiet march. Boris Akunin, a writer was quoted as saying, "The point of this walk is simple. We have to teach the authorities to deal with these people politely and to show respect, but not with a stick." I have read Mr. Akunin's mysteries, set in pre-revolutionary Russia and was surprised to see him quoted as part of this march.
I have a friend who is visiting Moscow this week. I hope to have her as a guest blogger when she returns.
Poetry has always had a special place in countries such as Eastern Europe and South America. Since poetry is ambiguous, allusions to political problems can be written without clear criticisms of current regimes. Pablo Neruda, from Chile was one, although some of his poetry was very direct .
Photo attribution from: The Guardian, 13 May 2012.
Thoughts on poetry, novels, used for protest, song lyrics as well?
love your header pic, and the title. As for protests. yes, I would march if it was something I felt very strongly about.
ReplyDeleteThank you. The picture of Stockholm is my favorite too. Thanks for stopping by my blog, more to come on Russia, just heard from my friend. No mention of demonstrations, just that their luggage was lost for awhile. They go on to St. Petersburg Thursday.
ReplyDeletethis is reminiscent of the 6o's folk music and especially woodie guthrie's wonderful music
ReplyDeleteSo true, Lynn. Perhaps we could do a blog together and put some of the protest songs on a list, using dates, etc. Or some of the poignant poetry from the UK, concerning all the men lost during WW I, Wilfred Owens, I think. For Memorial Day? I'm in. . .anyone else? I bit of a stretch from where i began, but it might be interesting.
ReplyDeleteI think the gentle approach might be the best in any confrontation. Strange that we were thinking about a similar topic at the same time.
ReplyDeleteAnd you must simply give thanks for your position and use the power of your words to achieve a greater peace.
Thank you Francene. I borrowed the globe idea from you. Interesting to see where everyone is from visually. I am still not in a quiet place in my mind, but I am trying and blogs like yours help.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from St. Petersburg. We arrived in Moscow Sunday evening and saw no signs (nor heard about) the demonstrations. Many observations which I will try to write about when we return.
ReplyDeleteWhat a very dignified expression of dissent, a nod perhaps to 'a soft answer turneth away wrath.'
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. You're always teaching me something new! I'd love to read a guest post from your friend. This sounds like a very interesting way to March. It might have looked quite artistic since they were quiet, walking together. It sounds like the perfect kind of protest to be connected to poetry!
ReplyDeleteThanks jabblog and Nikki: Sounds so European doesn't it? Some Russians would like a Velvet Revolution, like they had in Czechoslovakia, but it will never happen. Putin does not want to lose control. Unfortunately, after their "quiet" march, the one following was not so quiet. Tomorrow, a less serious blog :)
ReplyDeleteThe art of poetry is a gift of God. People write about their passions. However political leaders should not assume the rights of controlling what people can write, even if the writing arouses emotions and the danger of up rooting is there. Politicians and country leaders should look into what they can be doing wrong and try and mend their country's problems. Of course writers and poets will protest. They would not be writing in the first place if they did not feel stongly about something.
ReplyDeleteI think the art of the pen is magical and words can be powerful, both for good and evil. I hope this country does not lose this art.
ReplyDeleteReading my comment, the "evil" statement could be misunderstood. I hope this country does not lose the art of the pen, but not to be used for evil, of course. For passion, for understanding, for learning, but not for evil.
DeleteThanks for reading my blog. I would like to follow yours too, as soon as I know how. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteWow. That's fascinating. Usually when you think of poets and novelists protesting you think of them writing poems and novels as political commentary. I like this idea of marching without banners, signs, or voices. Almost as if they've been symbolically deprived of words.
ReplyDelete"Symbolically deprived of words." Thank you Lauren, I may borrow this to write a poem. It does describe what the essence of the protest represents.
DeleteAloha :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great, interesting story... God Bless 'em and I hope they initiate some change...
PS... thanks for the follow, and am doing the same - especially since you've told me the name of the BEST store in France :)~
Now you know where to take your boys when you are in France. Be sure and say "Bonjour" everywhere you go, oh the French are so picky about that.
DeleteI think that would be a very powerful way to protest. There is great dignity in it. I like the way Lauren described it.
ReplyDeleteSongwriters - poets, really - have long been at the head of social protests! I'm not sure if I'd be brave enough to stick my neck out. I mean, it's easy to have a dissenting here, where my rights are fully protected. But if I lived somewhere where protesting could be dangerous? I'm not so sure.
ReplyDelete"Mom" and Stephanie: Thank you for your comments. I agree with Stephanie, I don't know if I would be brave enough to risk getting beaten up and thrown in jail. But, not ever experiencing physical danger, perhaps I would be brave if it were something I really believed in.
ReplyDelete