Attention, Russian readers:
If you’re stashing black nail polish, thick eyeliner, purple lipstick, or some spike bracelets, you may be in trouble with the principal, as Russian public schools have started banning “emo and goth” dress from their halls, insisting the outfits encourage suicides.
Besides being ridiculous, the rule is also a bit weird given Russia’s current socio-economic situation:
Right now, Russians are some of the catwalks’ biggest and most enthusiastic patrons. And everyone from YSL to Gaultier and Marc Jacobs have incorporated both goth and emo influences into their work - even Burberry spun their Medieval hardware in the way of My Chemical Romance fans with giant pyramid spikes and blades on their recent round of handbags. And don’t even get us started with McQueen…
Yesterday, a protest was held in Siberia to stop the madness. Somehow, when a cause has to protest in Siberia, we’re not sure it’s getting tons of attention.
posted by guest
Jul 21, 2008 11:20AM
Rich/well-off Russians make up a very small fraction of the country's population and they're concentrated in Moscow, so let's not go thinking that an average person in Russia knows or cares who MJ is. Also, Siberia is a very fast-developing area of the country. Given it isn't 1980 anymore, Siberia is up there on the radar.
I don't think this ruling is ridiculous given the cultural context. Many schools there still have a strict dress code and/or uniforms.