February 18, 2022

Punk Rock, Folklore, and Putin


Punk Rock, Folklore, and Putin
As always, Putin keeps things interesting. Press Service of the President of Russia

On February 8, Putin made a trip to France to speak with President Emmanuel Macron. While discussing the elephant in the room (Ukraine), Putin made an interesting comment in reply to Ukraine's complaints about the Minsk Agreements: "Like it or don’t like it, it's your duty, my beauty. You have to do it, there's no other way." Many found the comments insulting and even obscene, but what exactly was Putin saying?

At first glance, Putin seemed to be quoting the lyrics of the Russian punk band Red Mold. Putin quoting a raucous punk band would be a bit strange, and, as the band would later confirm, the words were actually taken from folklore. Yet "my beauty" is a twentieth-century misogynistic slight from obscene ditty used by male yard workers.

This was certainly not the first time Putin has thrown professionalism into the wind, and chances are it won't be his last. As tensions continue to mount, we can only bet (and hope) that more curious Putin quotes will emerge.

 

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