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

[dilpish.livejournal.com]

I was in Chechnya this year) In the near future I'm going to relax with my family to Dagestan. It is safe. Perhaps I can help you to go there. No one there will ban you walk around the city and forced marriage will not)))

Just you influenced by your propaganda)))

Any event can be shown on both sides. That's how we saw it - a very happy young bride marries for love))

Please show me the photo, where you see the misery and despair in her eyes

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Propaganda? :)) The U.S. news media didn't even cover this event. I only know about it from all the chaos on LJ, and on some Russian news sites. The average American knows absolutely nothing about Chechnya or its connections to Russia, much less about its customs and traditions. Misery and despair in the young girl is obvious to me by watching the video of the ceremony, where she looks like she's about to vomit or faint when she signs the documents. These expressions are different from merely being modest. However, perhaps you see things differently. It's fine. In this blog, I share my impressions and opinions, and you can share yours as well. But this does not mean we will always agree. :))