If you haven’t heard of Pussy Riot, you’re probably missing out. Pussy Riot isn’t your regular girl band, they’re a Moscow based punk rock band whose songs cover issues from LGBT rights to feminism. If you’re an advocate for either of those things, this band might be worth checking out.
Their musical career kicked off on a controversial note just a year after the group formed when they performed their song “Punk Prayer” in Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ. The band was eventually arrested but they took a stand against the patriarchy and gained support from musicians like Madonna and Paul McCartney. They’re the rebels with a cause that you wished you’d known about sooner.
Feminism inspired the formation of the band. The members wanted to take a stand against sexism and the government’s say on women’s rights and their bodies. Their support of the LGBT community has always been strong; so strong that they even got arrested again for showing their support at a banned Gay Rights Rally in Moscow in 2011.
The riot grrrl movement had a huge influence on Pussy Riot being a feminist based punk rock band. To get a little more background on that movement and Pussy Riot, you can take CSCL 1301W right here at the U! This course delves into the study of subcultures and it’s influence in society with a section that’s dedicated to woman and subculture. You can even fulfill a Lib Ed and Writing Intensive requirement while you’re at it.
If you’re looking for a more lax approach, you’re in luck. Pussy Riot is performing at the Turf Club on March 10th in Saint Paul. Grab a few friends and hop on the light rail to experience some punk rock feminism.