Apollo too risqué for Russia?
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The image in the video shows the world famous Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. A statue of Apollo, the Greek god of music, riding his chariot has sat atop the Bolshoi's portico for more than 150 years. In the 1990s, the statue joined the ranks of princes and emperors when it was added to the nation's currency. It now decorates the front of the 100 Ruble note.
This month, Russian lawmaker Roman Khudyakov requested that the Central Bank remove this iconic image. It seems he is offended by the Greek god's clothing – or lack thereof. You see, following a recent theater restoration, a more modest version of the Bolshoi statue was unveiled with a strategically placed fig leaf. Khudyakov noted that the bills don’t match the restored statue and finds them unsuitable for children.
This request, unusual as it may be, echoes a growing conservatism in the Russian government. The parliament unanimously passed anti-gay legislation last year banning "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" to youth. Who knows what the law means? But what we do know is that the fine for a person breaking it is steep – up to 100,000 rubles. That's about $3000 dollars.
President Putin has strongly supported this anti-gay legislation. Something tells us, however, that Mr. Putin won’t be as offended by the lack of clothes. Remember the famous image of the bare-chested macho man of the Urals?
@fareedzakaria on Twitter
I keep having that same dream over and over. You know, the one about living in a Palin free world. But then I wake up... *sigh*
Putin?
Methinks...
Also,,,was Apollo gay?
Lol Joey...too funny! I think Khudyakvic might just be a tad jealous maybe! Possibly Apollo has more to hide than he so thats where the jealousy comes in huh? Lol
Lol ok i spelled his name wrong "Khudyakov" i mean
How can you be jealous of a piece of marble?
Lol @ Joey we arent talking about rational people here...we are talking about a cpl russian people who get their thrills out of killing innocent people just because they can! And its about representation! What the marble represents.
🙄
Lol its ok @ banasy i rolled my eyes also! One day Joey might appreciate my sarcasm huh?
Apollo is the god of Light.. therefore, this man's reaction is 100% Russian. 😉
I thought he was the god of music?
HI how is NATO Art 5 invoked given the death of citizens of member states!
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