Protest In Moscow Is Becoming ‘Celebritized’

After weeks of Sunday protests in the Russian capital against the disqualification of opposition candidates for the city council, on August 10 famous actors, artists, and rappers started to join the demonstrations. While the participation of well-known artists in protests is hardly unknown in Russia (e.g., Pussy Riot), some observers say that there’s a new level of “celebritization” indicating that demonstrations against the Putin government are becoming fashionable. – The Moscow Times

Belgian Festival Could Be Removed From UNESCO Cultural Heritage List For Use Of Blackface

A character called Le Sauvage, covered in black face makeup, is featured on one of 22 floats in a traditional parade as part of the Ducasse d’Ath, held in late August in a small town in Wallonia. A letter from 14 anti-racist groups as well as academics and activist asking UNESCO to de-list the festival describes Le Sauvage as “adorned with all the humiliating signs that our racist societies have projected on to black people throughout history.” Some locals in Ath are reportedly puzzled, as they consider the character one of the parade’s most popular. – The Guardian