We have all heard of political protests. Recently these events have been happening more and more through out our country and the world. But why?
Is it simply that the powers that be have started treating civilians differently? Creating poverty as the rich grow richer? Or have we, the people, been lead to believe that our opinion is important to the bigger picture yet we still feel silenced? Maybe the greed that has grown in our societies has led to us wanting more and more and when we don’t get what we want we stomp our feet and attack. Video games and films meets reality?
Who knows, but one thing is for sure, people are speaking out and acting in ways that would only have been a figment of someone’s imagination 50 years ago.

Take for example the Russian protester, Pyotr Pavlensky. This man has become renowned for his actions within protests. Heard of Pussy Riot? If not, please look into them, the story is just amazing, and no, I promise I am not tricking you here. No porn advertised within this blog thank you.
Well, (swiftly getting back to point), when Pussy Riot found themselves locked up, in the government’s attempt to silence them, riots broke out all over the world.
What did Pyotr do? He sowed his lips together… Of course.
When the people of Russia tried to stand against the government and the oppression they constantly face many people lined the streets to send a message.
What did Pyotr do? He wrapped his body in barbed wire outside the government building.
And now? Well, he nailed his scrotum to the cobblestone pavement in the centre of Moscow Square. Sat fully naked for all to see. He is said to have done this is as an act of protest against Russia’s descent into a, “police state”.

Now this sparked my question, when is too far really… too far? To what extent should people be able to express themselves? There has to be a line. Surely?
Personally, I don’t have any feelings opposing his protests. I think it’s an extreme way to express yourself but surly for this man to feel he must act in these ways to get his message heard we should be looking at the people in suits standing over him attempting to silence his words?
The only part I take issue with is the location. The fact families, children of all ages would have been exposed to that makes me feel uncomfortable. Should parents be expected to be shielding their children’s eyes from a naked man with his scrotum nailed to the pavement in the middle of their holiday? I think it’s safe to say no to that one.
What a bizarre situation the audience must have found themselves in! I wouldn’t have been able to look away. I’m a sucker for a good story.

Of course, we are told, (please take note of the word told) that we are able to express ourselves, speak and act freely but when does the time come when you just have to say, ‘You are so far past the line you can’t even see the line! The line is a dot to you!’. Little Friends quote there.

I think, it’s completely down to opinion. If my friend tried to nail their scrotum I think I would sit them down, give them a coffee and have a wee chat hoping that they would forget all about it, (you can tell I’ve never dealt with a scrotum popping protester before). However, if someone who spent their life protesting felt like they had no other avenue to make people listen had a friend considering this then maybe they would encourage it. I guess it all depends on point of view like most things, well, pretty much everything.

What do you think? How far would you go?