French police coral and gas protesters

originally posted by: TheRedneck
a reply to: paraphi

Change and raise awareness. Some do make a difference, even when apparently do not.

Mmmm-hmmm.

Can you give me some examples where peaceful protests accomplished this change?

TheRedneck

There are examples in this world of where peaceful protest led to a major change in things.

“Violence as a way of achieving racial justice is both impractical and immoral. I am not unmindful of the fact that violence often brings about momentary results. Nations have frequently won their independence in battle. But in spite of temporary victories, violence never brings permanent peace.”

“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction.”

After all it accomplished, when those who seek justice through violence replaced him, it has reversed much of the progress that was made. Violent protest is never the right solution.



The violent protest will be footnotes in world history, while those who caused real change through peaceful means will go down as the hero's of the ages. Peaceful protest is the most powerful tool for change of them all IMO.

Imagine if the people of France took to the streets in huge numbers in peaceful protest. Their leaders would bow before them and shake with fear.

a reply to: Blaine91555

The Civil Right movement, despite Dr. King's continual cries for peaceful protests without violence, was not completely peaceful. Compared to today I would say it was, but there were skirmishes.

None of that takes away form the fact that it was a needed movement and needed protests. It's just that violence almost always seems to accompany protests... from both sides.

The point I was driving toward, though, since you segwayed me, is that the Civil Rights protests had a realistic and reasonable goal: equality under the law regardless of skin color or class. The vast majority of today's protests i the US seem to have no such goals, with either characteristic; they seem to simply be an excuse to protest. I don't know about France... I am still listening to find out exactly why they are protesting. They may have realistic and reasonable goals.

If they do, the violence surrounding them would be less atrocious, IMO, than if they do not.

TheRedneck

a reply to: TheRedneck

I would not argue with that. Protest has become a pastime infested by the violence for violence sake types. Still, they are a tiny minority of us.

I think this in France, due to it's size, is about a larger issue. The huge gap between the wealthy and the working poor that create the wealth. I think that may be the current equivalent of civil rights that has a "realistic and reasonable goal". In the end, that's what it's always about. Inequality.

The looters and rioters though are not a part of that. They are just the ever present creeps of society who never miss an opportunity to cause trouble, simply for the sake of causing trouble. Their critical thinking skills are not advanced enough to actually represent a genuine cause. They are all about self gratification and me, me, me.

Which I suppose brings us full circle to the French Police are simply doing their jobs and policing the dregs of society.

a reply to: Blaine91555

That is the danger. If, as I claim, protests typically include violence, and if, as you say, protest is becoming merely a pastime for us, then by extension violence is becoming a pastime for us. That is why protests, while a right, should be undertaken with caution. The first question that should be asked before a protest is organized is, "Do I know what I want to happen due to my protest, and is it both realistic and reasonable?" If one cannot give a resounding "YES!" to all parts of that question, then one needs to shut up and stay home until one can do so.

France's protests seem so far to have a lot of support among the French, and even among other bordering countries where similar protests are happening. That tells me more is going on that just someone wanting attention or a pastime. It's just hard to find good, reliable, solid information because for me anyway, I don't know much about the French lifestyle.

I will add one thing to your post: You state that inequality is always the reason, but I would simply add the modifier "perceived" in front of that.

TheRedneck

a reply to: TheRedneck

Fair enough

originally posted by: Wardaddy454

originally posted by: hopenotfeariswhatweneed
a reply to: Wardaddy454

Sure that's only part of the issue, somewhere in there inflation and buying power are tipping it over the edge.

Isn't socialism grand?

It would seem any type of "ism " has it share of flaws.

I always thought the police had the right to do that stuff when buildings and cars are being burned and looting is going on.

In the u.s. certain cultures when it gets too hot out and something gets them angry. They start to burn buildings and riot.

The police are literally told to stand down and let the temper tantrum run its course.

Happens a few times every summer

Never liked watching a group of police watch people riot and steal.

Sends a horrible message to the rioters that each year it will be tolerated