Confused, Naive American - Explain Chechen Wedding Scandal!

[peacetraveler22]

We all recognize that there are eccentric and deranged people in all parts of the globe, engaged in questionable behavior which we'll never understand or condone. I once thought of visiting Grozny, so perhaps some of you would even place me in one, or both, of these categories. Remember a few years ago, I wrote this post, asking readers whether it's safe for an American woman to travel to Chechnya? Some of my friends in the Russian blogosphere have been there, and even personally met Kadyrov and told me it was safe. All of them - MEN. You can call me a naive or misinformed American, but I can't understand yesterday's events.

I read the scandalous news that Kadyrov granted special permission for an old Police Chief to marry a 17 year old bride! I will not place a photo of the sad, distraught young woman in my blog to further sensationalize her image. On her wedding day, her eyes completely devoid of joy, as if going to a funeral or gas chamber. You've already seen her expressions, her white dress, and the bejeweled head covering, all draped around the delicate frame of a young woman who likely had no say in the events of that day, or in picking her groom. What a sad existence, I'm sorry I can't imagine it, or respect any region where such actions are considered acceptable, and personally authorized by the leader!! I read a lot of stories and comments about this topic today, and I'm particularly disgusted by the post written by Ilya Varlamov, LJ's top Russian blogger, where he can't understand all the fuss or controversy over the wedding.  How can a modern, intelligent man like him not question this event, particularly when he has a young daughter of his own?

Here in the U.S., we have various religious sects engaged in polygamy, many marrying very young brides. The distinction is that our leaders don't advocate or approve of such behavior, nor does most of American society. On some other news sites, I read comments by a few Chechen females stating that the bride's facial expression was normal, that Muslim women don't show overt expression, even during a wedding. According to them, such action would be considered immodest in strict Muslim families.

What do you think of this scandal? Please help me understand "real" Chechen culture and mentality better, not what well-known bloggers show on their hand held tours, organized by Chechen officials. Yes, I know about the Chechen wars and that it's a Muslim region in the North Caucasus, yet it's still part of Russia. I'm especially interested to hear from any female readers I might have living in this area. Help me restore my faith in this region..

Comments

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I think there are a lot of "witless Russians" also, because they can't understand this situation either, based on comments in many blogs. The best post and reasoning about this is here http://politichanka.livejournal.com/346551.html. I don't always agree with her political point of views, but on this subject I subscribe to every word she wrote in that post. Can you imagine Obama granting special permission for some Senator to marry a girl who just turned 17? It would never happen in this country. Thank God women have achieved a higher level of respect and value in our society.

[seadevil001.livejournal.com]

For a lawyer your argument is incredibly weak. Nor Obama nor Putin would not grant permission for wedding, because those permissions are granted by governors of states and territories. Separation of power, you know.
Next, why so much fuss about legal wedding? Nobody of critics seems to care about underage prostitutes. Most of critics went amoc when law against homosecsual paropagands to minors was passed. But no, legal wedding is horrible! As to bride age, why do not look into Wiki?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_marriage_in_the_United_States
In this country with parental consent 14 years old could and would be married. And no pesky governors to grant permission!
One thing certain - we do not know what that young lady thinks. Her expression means nothing, as people says it would inappropriate to look exulted. All thing considered, she may be quite happy, at leas until scandal broke. Or not. If she was 21 of 41 and forced into marriage, would it make difference?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yes, if she was 21 it would make a difference in most cases. There are always exceptions, but the maturity and emotional level for most humans increases dramatically from 17 to 21. Who said I don't care about underage prostitutes? This also is a form of sex slavery to which I'm opposed. Whether people, or officials, in Russia care about it, I have no clue but I hope so. I said in the post that in the U.S. teenagers can marry, with parental consent, at a young age. Yes, the structure of government is different. So this argument about Obama was flawed logic. You must understand this happens, when you're reading and responding to a lot of comments at 2:30 in the morning. :) I never claimed to be perfect. :))

[rankin-almst500.livejournal.com]

You are very "naive"....) you have no idea what people like "Varlamov" are in this Russia.... and that's why his post about this poor raped girl is incomprehensible to you.... they don't care...

"they" - meaning almost all russian (bloggers or not), and almost all of your russian friends...

they have lost these "marks" as human beings a long time ago... it' normal for them... they will admire you (as american being) and at the same time they will dismiss this girl (because she is not american, bit chechen) - because it's normal for them...

it's very hard to distinguish these signs... it takes a lifetime...

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

You're right, I still don't understand the Russian blogosphere very well, or which bloggers are paid trolls and mouth pieces for the Kremlin and opposition parties. But, it doesn't really concern me. The blog is not my job, nor a source of income. Just a hobby. :)

[rankin-almst500.livejournal.com]

Be carefull... otherwise... later on... you might find yourself in the long list of characters who... "воспевали нацистскую Германию",,,(

right now you don't even understand that you you are traveling back in time... in 1939 already...(

don't be witless with your hobbies....)