I’m almost embarrassed by the Western media’s attempts to incite hatred for Russia. When I was in the Baltic states last year I laughed at the crazy anti-Americanism of some of the Russian language tabloids for ethnic Russian consumption. I had the sense that the US must be doing alright if the Russians are so preoccupied with tearing us down while we pay Russia little attention. However, things have changed significantly since then.
Just a couple days ago, Britain’s Sky News published one of the most outrageous lies about Russia I’ve seen in decades. After winning the women’s 4X400m relay at the IAAF track and field championships in Moscow, two of Russian victors kissed on the podium — a traditional Russian gesture of affection and gratitude, much like the French custom of kissing people on the cheek. The kiss had no political or sexual overtones; sometimes a kiss is “just a kiss.” However, that didn’t stop Sky news from arbitrarily declaring the kiss to be a lesbian protest against the new Russian law on gay propaganda. It speaks to the depravity of Western journalists that, on seeing two Russian women kiss each other, the first thing that comes to mind is a lesbian sex scene.
While I am all for giving homosexuals the civil rights and protections granted to other people, I am starting to feel pretty uncomfortable about this global gay crusade against sovereign nations. The lies only reinforce my unease. Those who have a truly righteous cause shouldn’t have to resort to deception to advance their agenda, and the case against Russia has been based on half truths at best.
Additionally, the rhetoric has grown so wacky that I wonder whether some of the most strident opponents of Russia are even in their right minds. For example, Stephen Fry has made comparisons to the Nazi regime, saying that holding the Olympics in Moscow is akin to the 1936 games in Nazi Germany. I suppose the implication is that we should prepare for world war III so as to make the world safe for homosexuality. Sorry, you can call me an isolationist or “appeaser,” but I’m not signing up for that. To me, the idea of starting another Cold War on behalf of homosexuality is pure insanity.
It remains to be seen where this will all end, but somehow I doubt attempts to provoke a global clash in the name of homosexuality will ultimately play well in the US. I may be wrong, as the younger generation of Americans is apparently the gayest one yet, but I just don’t see the issue as being all that effective as a war cry. At least I hope not.
