We covered the Russian governments plan to ban goth and emo previously. Now emos have taken to the streets in protest in Siberia.
FP – 20 July 2008:
'Siberian emo fans protest planned ban: report'
Interesting article in Moscow Times
The Moscow Times – 17 July 2008:
'Black Bangs, Piercings Raise Eyebrows in Duma'
Igor Ponkin, one of the bill's authors and a member of the Interior Ministry's public oversight council, described emo culture as a "social danger" that demands measures such as dress codes in schools, Internet regulation and state-sponsored after-school activities.
Ponkin said emo kids exchange photographs showing off their slashed wrists. "This type of behavior is a crucial part of emo ideology," he said.
"Of course there are emo teens who just listen to their music. But our actions are not directed at them but rather at those who also hurt themselves, commit suicide and promote those acts," Ponkin added.
Not all psychologists agree with Ponkin's analysis, however.
"Suicide is not a symptom of emo culture. I work with other teens too, and every group has emotionally troubled kids," said psychologist Inna Cherkova, who has worked with local teenagers, including emo kids, for 15 years.
Many subcultures can, in fact, help children mature into adults, psychologist Alyona Filippova said.
"Many kids seek those with the same perspective and problems and, through this, they can enter general society," Filippova said.
This led to a Guardian report:
The Guardian – 22 July 2008:
'Russia wages war on emo kids'
Of cours th Daily Mail would institute similar measures in the UK.First came the Chechens, then ethnic Georgians, and then maverick journalists. But now Russia's cracking down on a different social group, a demographic they see threatening the very future of their country. These rebels have pierced lips, ridiculous haircuts and too much eyeshadow. They're barbarians in bowler hats, leather jackets and torn-up tights. Yes, emo has come to Russia – and its leaders want no part of it.
Last month the State Duma held a hearing on "Government Strategy in the Sphere of Spiritual and Ethical Education", a piece of legislation aimed at curbing "dangerous teen trends". There, without a clue in the world, social conservatives lumped "emos" together with skinheads, pushing for heavy regulation of emo websites and the banning of emo and goth fashion from schools and government buildings.
Good coverage of this at freemuse:
Government plan to ban emo and goth music
Freemuse,
