Pussy Riot Ski Mask

Photograph of Pussy Riot band in their masks known as balaclavas (Gessen). 

Image Credit: "Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer." hbo.com, Web. 8 February 2016. 

Who/What: The members of Pussy Riot, a Russian band, wear these masks called balaclavas while performing protest concerts that often evoke the involvement of law enforcement (Gessen). The masks themselves are worn by the band as well as by supporters of the band and their political/social motives.

When/Where: Now. The band recently released a music video that continues to demonstrate the band's criticisms of Russian politics (Flintoff), but their protest hasn't stopped at Russia's borders. The Pussy Riot movement has been received in the United States with support from American artists (Amnesty International). The band does not sport their famous balaclavas in their new music video, but the objects continue to be a symbol of the band's message and power. 

Why: These protestors choose to cover their faces in unison, but also sport different colored masks. This choice by Pussy Riot simultaneously gives protesters anonymity and solidarity. With members of the actual band being arrested in recent years, this combination seems vital to their movement. 

Identities: The identities represented with the balaclavas and the Pussy Riot protests include those who support "feminism, gay rights, improved treatment of prisoners and more transparency in the Russian political system" (Gladstone). 

Works Cited:

"Adele, U2, Madonna, Yoko Ono, Radiohead, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Ke$ha, Sir Paul McCartney and Sting Unite With More Than 100 Musicians to Call for Release of Pussy Riot"amnesty.org, 22 July 2013. Web. 8 February 2016. 

Flintoff, Corey. "The Kremlin Is Not Going To Like Pussy Riot's New Video" npr.org, 3 February 2016. Web. 8 February 2016. 

Gessen, Masha. "Pussy Riot: Behind the balaclavas." thegaurdian.com, 24 January 2014. Web. 8 February 2016. 

Gladstone, Rick. "Pussy Riot Members Take Tour to New York." nytimes.com, 5 February 2014. Web. 8 February 2016. 

"Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer." hbo.com, Web. 8 February 2016. 

Shuster, Simon. "Pussy Riot's New Video Targets Corruption in Putin's Russia." time.com, 3 February 2016. Web. 8 February 2016. 

Weissburg, Sharon. "The Ski Mask Effect." buquad.com, 5 November 2013. Web. 8 February 2016.