This post was originally published in 2012—yet the issues and dilemmas are far from resolved. If anything, from China to Russia to a range of authoritarian regimes, they are becoming more widespread and vexing.
The Russian protesters known as Pussy Riot continue to suffer at the hands of President Putin’s police state.
Following their conviction on charges of “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred”, two of the three women are being transported to isolated prison camps in undisclosed locations. The court rejected their requests to be imprisoned in Moscow, near their young children.
As a strong supporter of the individual rights of the Pussy Riot members, I posted the update on social media.
One of my friends responded: “Personally, I would not fight this battle knowing I have little children that depend on me, psychologically and physically. To each his own.”
Unacceptable Dilemmas
My friend’s reaction went to the heart of the practical dilemma imposed by tyrants such as Vladimir Putin. Should you take individual action against the state apparatus? Acting alone, or in a small group, you’re likely to fail. Operating in a large group is not an option. Your impact may well be minimal, or non-existent.
You may be putting everything in your life at risk. You may face jail time. You may be tortured or psychologically abused. You may be separated from your family and friends. You may lose your livelihood. You may lose your home.
Would you do the sensible thing, overlook a principle to protect your life and loved ones? Or would you put everything at risk for the sake of a principle?
Unreasonable Decisions
The vast majority of people will be inclined to accept the status quo. The risks and costs of change are simply too great. The benefits of change are too nebulous.
A few people will disregard the sensible choice. They will be entirely unreasonable.
In the service of an ideal, they may well make the lives of their loved ones more difficult. That may include young children, as in this case. Or old parents. Or others whose well-being may be directly affected as much or more than the person making the choice.
The quandary brings to mind the observation of Francis Bacon: “He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief.” Expand that statement to include women as well as men, and it resonates into the 21st century.
Put Putin On Trial, Not Pussy Riot
As outsiders weigh the choices made by the Pussy Riot demonstrators, there is an ineluctable tendency to judge them in personal terms. The certainty of such judgment might be seen as one of the consequences they face.
What must not be minimized or overlooked, is that the Putin regime has imposed this grievous dilemma. That is where the focus of judgment should be. It would be ironic if the immorality of Putin’s actions were shrouded by the play of differing views of and speculation about the dissidents’ family lives.
Progress Depends on the Unreasonable Person
George Bernard Shaw well said that progress depends on the unreasonable person.
If we wish to encourage others to be unreasonable in this sense, we’re asking them to serve more broadly. In turn, we should back them up, help them serve in ways we all benefit from.
One hopes and prays that the young children of the Pussy Riot mothers are well cared-for. So, too, one hopes and prays that they will come to comprehend their mothers’ choices as courageous.
What About You?
How do you make life-altering decisions about who you should serve, and how you can best serve? Such issues are thrown into sharp relief in the Pussy Riot situation, but they are no less real in common experience in our careers and personal lives.
How do you determine your service obligations and opportunities at various stages of your life?
How would you advise others to weigh their own decisions?
Who Are You Serving? How Can You Best Serve?
Pussy Riot | Unacceptable Dilemmas, Unreasonable Decisions