France Descends into Authoritarianism Following Protests (scheerpost.com)

submitted 1 year ago by shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml to c/worldnews@lemmy.ml

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[+] Showroom7561@lemmy.ca -40 points 1 year ago

What do you expect when "protests" involve widespread destruction of private property, looting, fires, and vandalism?

[-] BarrelAgedBoredom@beehaw.org 18 points 1 year ago

Riots are the voices of the unheard. The French govt has a long and proud tradition of violently oppressing protests. Things in France have been contentious all year over a variety of issues. What exactly are the French people supposed to do? A letter writing campaign to stop having their rights stripped away? Sit quietly outside of Parliament and ask nicely to stop being oppressed? Politely ask that the pigs only crush their neck a little? If you abhor disruptive and violent political action done by the people, surely you've found the non-violent alternative that works better. What is it?

[+] Showroom7561@lemmy.ca -7 points 1 year ago

Riots are the voices of the unheard.

Protests can be.

Riots are criminal attacks against innocent businesses and residents, which contribute nothing to any cause, and only results in aggressive reactions from police and governments.

The French govt has a long and proud tradition of violently oppressing protests.

This is truly unfortunate, and I do sympathize with protesters.

What exactly are the French people supposed to do?

Not hurting innocent people and local businesses would be a good start. There cannot be an effective protest without the support of the community. If you're burning down the community, then you've only made more enemies.

It may be helpful to learn (based on studies) what methods of protests work and why.

If a protest can't be effective, then it's a waste of time.

[-] BarrelAgedBoredom@beehaw.org 9 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

You do understand that, when being discussed empirically, nonviolent protests often includes riots and looting right? Here you go.. I'd also like to add that your own source states that violent protest is effective. And that nonviolient, nonnormative protests are better at garnering public support. They article states the author personally believes those protests may be better at introducing change. Not that it is. They think it might. For a more thorough look into things here's a video that's worth your time and consideration.