A group of social activists is calling for a ban on Alexander Pushkin‘s renowned fairy tale “The Tale of the Dead Queen and the Seven Knights” due to what they perceive as LGBT propaganda.
The activists argue that the line “it flowed down his mustache, but did not reach his mouth” carries a hidden meaning that promotes homosexual relationships. They have formally submitted their demand to the Russian Ministry of Culture.
However, members of the Russian State Duma have met this call with a wave of skepticism and mockery. Alexander Sholkohov, the First Deputy Chairman of the Culture Committee, dismissed the complaint as absurd. His colleague, Vitaly Milonov, echoed this sentiment, stating that such concerns were trivial and should be ignored,
This censorship attempt follows recent statements made by controversial Russian activist Elina Zgutova, who claimed that wearing low-slung jeans encourages men to identify with the LGBT community.
Interview with Dr. Elena Soboleva, Cultural Studies Expert, on the Pushkin Controversy
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Soboleva. A group of social activists has called for a ban on Alexander Pushkin’s fairy tale “The Tale of the Dead Queen and the Seven Knights,” arguing that a particular line promotes LGBT propaganda. What are your thoughts on this?
Dr. Elena Soboleva (ES): Thank you for having me. This issue raises significant questions about censorship and cultural interpretation. The line in question, “it flowed down his mustache, but did not reach his mouth,” has been described as suggestive by the activists. However, interpreting literature through a modern lens can often lead to misinterpretations.
TNE: Indeed, it seems that many have responded to this call with skepticism. Russian State Duma members, like Alexander Sholkohov, dismissed the complaint as absurd. Why do you think they reacted this way?
ES: The dismissive response from lawmakers indicates a strong inclination to uphold artistic expression and legacy in Russian literature. Many in the state view this complaint as an overreach that trivializes serious discussions about LGBT rights and literature. The legislative focus on supporting cultural heritage may also make them resistant to what they see as unwarranted censorship.
TNE: This isn’t an isolated incident, as we’ve seen similar controversial statements from activist Elina Zgutova about clothing and LGBT identification. What implications does this trend of censorship have for artists and writers in Russia?
ES: This push for censorship could lead to a chilling effect on creativity. Artists and writers might self-censor out of fear that their work will be misinterpreted or attacked. If literature becomes a battleground for ideological wars rather than a canvas for exploration and expression, we risk losing significant cultural narratives.
TNE: What practical advice would you offer to writers and creators facing this sort of scrutiny?
ES: I would encourage writers to be resilient and to engage in thoughtful dialogue about their work. They should understand the importance of context and seek ways to address contemporary issues creatively, without compromising their vision. Building networks and alliances with fellow artists can also provide support and amplify their voices in the face of censorship.
TNE: As society evolves, do you think future interpretations of classic works like Pushkin’s will change as well?
ES: Absolutely. Literature is never static; it reflects the values and tensions of its time. Future generations will likely continue to reinterpret classic works through new social and cultural lenses. Rather than fearing these interpretations, we should embrace them as they can foster broader discussions about identity, art, and society.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Soboleva. Your insights on the impact of censorship in literature and the ongoing dialogue about LGBT themes are incredibly valuable.
ES: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep these conversations alive—for culture and creativity thrive in the face of challenge.