When censorship is good

• Andrzej Poczobut, specially for charter97.org
• 30.07.2012, 0:35

Bi-2 rock band does not know how its attitude towards censorship in Belarus

This statement was said at a press conference by band leader Lyova Bi-2. He honestly explained reasons for his unawareness: “It [Belarusian censorship] has never touched us (Bi-2).”

So, Lyova has not decided yet what attitude he has towards this phenomenon. It's a tricky question indeed. No one can answer it offhand.

Think yourselves.

There is Lyapis Trubetskoy band. They are Belarusians, too. They play rock music, too. But they cannot perform in Belarus.

You-know-who took offence at Mikhalok. Motherland does not welcome them any more. No concerts, no clips on TV. It's a long time since Lyapis could be heard on the radio.

Blockade. Moreover, specially trained people pour mud on you on the Internet.

It seems Lyova is supposed to be indignant and show his solidarity with Mikhalok. They play rock like Lyapis, Lyapis is a Belarusian band, Bi-2 members are Belarusians, too... All people are brothers and rock musicians are sisters.

But this story has the second bottom.

It is called capitalism. Let me explain in simple terms. There is a music market. There are people ready to pay for an opportunity to attend live rock performances...

If Lyapis musicians played as many as they want concerts across Belarus, an average Belarusian rock fan could hesitate what he should do: visit Mikhalok's gig or spend this money on Lyova and his band.

What conclusion can be drawn? Take the crisis into account. Take into account that people have less money. This solidarity with rock musicians and freedom of choice can influence incomes. In a sense that incomes may reduce...

Lyova has a wife (even two, an ex-wife and a current one) and children (three). And he turned 40...

And you begin to think perhaps censorship is not so bad. Especially when it does not touch you.

Andrzej Poczobut, specially for charter97.org