Aug 20

Aug 20 "Putin Is a Killer"

Chicago, Demonstrations, Performance, Protest, Public Declarations

It was hot today, really hot. By mid-afternoon, I felt like I was imprisoned in a sweatbox awaiting interrogation in Russia’s notorious Lefortovo Prison, where Stalin sent Russians during the Great Purge for interrogation and execution. Symbolically, today was therefore the perfect day for Chicago’s Russian community to join other communities around the world to mark the third anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s attempted assassination of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny.

About 200 Russians and Ukrainians gathered at 2:00 PM outside the Wrigley Building for speeches, followed by a march to Millennium Park. Prior to gathering in the sun-drenched plaza adjacent to Michigan Avenue, the early arrivals took cover under the arcade connecting the two towers. In the protective shade, several women painted red tears, or possibly war paint, under anyone’s willing eyes. Like the Ukrainians, the Russians are very good at spicing up their gatherings with political theater.

DIY signs were everywhere once the group traded the shaded arcade for the spacious plaza. The crowd quickly grew in size. Particularly moving were the professionally-made signs that pictured dissidents who Putin had “eliminated.”

The speeches ran short, which was fine. It was just too hot to bake in the sun while speakers recited the obvious. Many in the crowd must have appreciated the brevity.

Following the speeches, the group then proceeded down Michigan Avenue, headed toward Millennium Park. When the marchers arrived at the park, one of the two women “commanders” gave the order; the marchers snapped into formation, lining the sidewalk as opposed to entering the park.

With the plaza that holds Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate (affectionately known as The Bean) undergoing a major renovation, don’t expect to see many demonstrations in Millennium Park during the next several months, if not longer. Perhaps more relevant, I overheard a conversation that noted the hassle of getting a group of demonstrators through the security checkpoint. July’s Ukrainian demonstration immediately came to mind.

That checkpoint didn’t seem to be up and running when I passed by; most likely because today’s flashpoint for potential violence was further north at the Oak Street and North Avenue beaches, where hundreds of thousands of people were enjoying the Chicago Air and Water Show. When I walked along those beaches two hours earlier, the pathways were filled with police patrols and other first responders.

Despite the attraction further north, many Chicagoans and tourists chose to stroll Michigan Avenue. As the demonstrators proceeded down the avenue and then made the return trip back to the Wrigley Building, I noticed passersby taking particular note today. The tell: their posture and the pauses, albeit momentarily. People were reflecting on what is happening in Ukraine. In that sense, today’s demonstration fulfilled one of its missions.

Ironically, the airshow probably helped set the reflective mood. During the demonstration, fighter jets could be heard flying overhead, providing the soundtrack of war for those below. At one point, I jokingly yelled to those behind the lead banner, asking them to position themselves so I could get the Blue Angels into the frame. Unfortunately, no Kismet today.

And how could people not reflect? The organizers had found a guy who could have been Putin’s body-double. His mask was dead-on—I am keeping it in mind for this upcoming Halloween; although Putin’s doppelgänger would not reveal where he purchased his mask.

Even as the march began, Fake Putin was not in my sight lines. Then out of nowhere, he appeared, eventually assuming the center position behind the lead banner, which read “Putin is a Killer.” He was appropriately spattered with faux blood—hands, fingers, face, and white shirt. Menacing gestures added to his portrayal.

After the group made the trip back to the Wrigley Building, the impersonator posed for several photographs. Then suddenly two people grabbed his arms as they marched him into a cardboard prison cell with black bars. For the next 15 minutes, Fake Putin mugged for the crowd. People took selfies with him, flipped him the bird, and generally cavorted with Alexei Navalny’s and Ukraine’s arch nemesis.

After the last selfie was taken, the demonstrators went their separate ways. Stay tuned, however. Next Saturday the Ukrainian community is staging what well could be a massive march and demonstration, which will culminate on the riverwalk. It’s Ukrainian Independence Day. The announcements are promising plenty of media coverage. Hopefully next Saturday will be comparable to today in terms of lighting, meaning that I won’t need to carry a flash.

[Click on an Image to Enlarge It]