Is pussy the new dick? Spoiler Alert: Yes it is, according to Pussy Riot. Introducing the group’s latest statement, ‘Straight Outta Vagina’…
Pussy Riot has never shied away from extreme controversy, with music their messenger of choice. The Russian feminist punk group faced imprisonment for challenging Vladimir Putin, and has since tackled a broad range of social issues. Indeed, Pussy Riot’s music has tackled everything from Russian corruption, the refugee crisis, and racial inequality.
Now, Pussy Riot is shifting the fun towards feminism. But, this is more pro-woman than anti-man. It’s called pussy power, with notes and lyrics attached.
“My vagina is tough and dangerous
Shakin’ off the major labels
Vagina gonna take the stage
‘Cause vagina got a lot to say.”
Consider this the stump speech for a different kind of vagina monologue. The video was directed by Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio, with appearances by rappers Desi Mo and Leikeli47.
Pussy Riot has a deep opposition to the Russian Orthodox Church, and that comes out in this video. All of which is sacrilegious, but not so shocking. Perhaps back in the 90s this would have been outrageous and worthy of public outcry. Indeed, this is the sort of stuff that propelled the careers of provocateurs like Madonna.
These days, it’s almost PG-13.
And maybe that’s okay. The real point, according to the group, is this:
“Female power and female sexuality are yet need to be discovered. Discussed. Performed. Lived up.
Women were slaves of the world for centuries. Women’s got their right to vote less than 100 years ago. Russia (1917), US (1919), Switzerland (1971). We’re still just about to build another roles, norms, ethics for vaginas owners.
And the owner of vaginas is not some narcissistic stupid orange ape who’d claim that he could easily grab women by their pussies. The owner of vagina is a woman. Who wears her vag as a badge of honour.
Pussy is a new dick, ladies.
Oh bondage, up yours.”