Quadrobic panic in Russia over walking like animals - BBC Trending podcast, BBC World Service

Quadrobics: Craze, Controversy, and the Quest for Four-Legged Speed

Key Concepts:

• Quadrobics: A form of exercise involving walking and running on all fours, often accompanied by animal-like attire.
• Quadrobers: Enthusiasts of quadrobics.
• Therians: Individuals who feel a spiritual connection with a particular animal.
• Moral Panic: The widespread fear, often irrational, that something or someone is a threat to societal values.
• Dehumanization: The process of depriving a person or group of positive human qualities.

I. The Rise of Quadrobics in Russia

• Popularity Surge: Quadrobics has experienced a significant surge in popularity in Russia, particularly among children and teenagers.
  • Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, saw a 50-fold increase in demand for quadrobic-related products in the first nine months of 2024.
  • "Quadrober" was named one of the words of 2024 by the Pushkin State Institute of the Russian Language after winning a public vote.
• Activities and Community: Quadrobers engage in activities such as:
  • Wearing animal masks and tails.
  • Practicing movements on pavements and in nature.
  • Sharing videos and tips on platforms like TikTok and Telegram.
  • Organizing meetups and rambles.
• Maria's Perspective: An 18-year-old quadrober from Moscow (name changed to protect identity) highlights the benefits:
  • Combines play, acting, and exercise.
  • Develops muscle strength, coordination, and creativity.
  • Provides a sense of community and belonging.

II. The Moral Panic and Political Backlash

• Condemnation: Quadrobics has faced strong condemnation from religious leaders and politicians in Russia.
  • Religious leaders view it as dehumanizing.
  • Politicians claim it undermines Russian values and is a corrupting influence from the West.
• Political Figures' Statements:
  • Sergei Lavrov (Russian Foreign Minister) expressed incomprehension after seeing a video of a child quadrober on a leash.
  • Andrei Svintsov (State Duma Deputy) linked quadrobics to the LGBT movement (banned and labeled as extremist in Russia).
  • Gennady Shkil (Russian Orthodox Church priest) suggested treating quadrobers like animals (e.g., denying them toilet paper).
  • Yana Lantratova (Deputy Chair of the State Duma Education Committee) is developing a bill to ban the "propaganda of destructive ideology, including quadrobers."
• "Childfree Ideology" Law: The State Duma passed a law outlawing the promotion of "childfree ideology," and quadrobics is being framed as a similar threat to traditional values.
• Disinformation and Misconceptions: Critics portray quadrobics as an existential threat, encouraging youth to reject their humanity. There are false claims that quadrobers:
  • Live like animals.
  • Eat animal food.
  • Damage property.
  • Attack people.
• Therian Misunderstanding: The concept of "therians" (individuals with a spiritual connection to an animal) is often misunderstood and used to fuel the moral panic. Maria clarifies that therians understand they are people and do not believe they are animals.
• Counterarguments:
  • Margarita Simonyan (Editor-in-Chief of Russia Today) questioned whether banning quadrobics should be a priority.
  • Yulia (mother of a quadrober) called the potential ban "ridiculous" and emphasized that it's just children having fun.
  • Setarko (YouTuber) suggested the controversy is fueled by a generation gap and a convenient forgetting of past childhood activities.
• Distraction Tactic: Some believe the outrage over quadrobics is manufactured to distract from more significant issues, such as the conflict in Ukraine.
• Real-World Harm: The backlash is causing harm to innocent children, who face bullying and even violence for participating in or resembling quadrobers.

III. Kenichi Ito: The Japanese "Godfather" of Quadrobics

• Inspiration: Kenichi Ito was inspired by the agility and speed of patas monkeys at the zoo.
• Record Holder: He held the Guinness World Record for the fastest 100 meters on four limbs (15.71 seconds) from 2015 to 2022.
• Training and Lifestyle: Kenichi trains six hours a day, six days a week, and even moves around on all fours at home.
• Early Challenges:
  • Faced bemused looks and encouragement in the US.
  • Encountered hostility and suspicion in Japan, including being reported to the police.
  • Was almost shot by a hunter who mistook him for a wild boar.
• Training Methods: Kenichi adapted his breakdancing skills to quadrobics. He emphasizes starting with walking and wearing wrist support bands to prevent injuries.
• Perspective on Quadrobers: Kenichi acknowledges that people engage in quadrobics for different reasons, including admiration for animals' physical capabilities and a desire to connect with their appearance.
• Rejection of Negative Claims: Kenichi rejects the claim that quadrobics has a negative effect on young people, citing the example of "bear walking" exercises in Japanese schools.
• Message to Russian Quadrobers: He expresses support for Russian quadrobers and encourages them to continue practicing their passion despite the pressure.

IV. The Future of Quadrobics

• Kenichi's Vision: Kenichi believes quadrobics has untapped potential and hopes it will be welcomed in Russia.
• Bold Prediction: He predicts that a four-legged runner will break Usain Bolt's 100-meter record in around 500 years.
• Current Status: The outcry over quadrobics in Russia has quietened down somewhat, but a ban has not yet materialized.

V. Synthesis/Conclusion

The documentary explores the quadrobics phenomenon, its unexpected popularity in Russia, and the ensuing moral panic and political backlash. It highlights the perspectives of quadrobers, critics, and Kenichi Ito, the pioneer of the sport. While quadrobics offers physical and social benefits to its practitioners, it has become entangled in political and cultural anxieties in Russia, raising concerns about freedom of expression and the well-being of young people. The future of quadrobics in Russia remains uncertain, but Kenichi Ito's message of support and the resilience of the quadrober community offer a glimmer of hope.