The protests, sparked by the tragic killing of a 17-year-old boy by the police, expose the true nature of a dictatorial system that has long masqueraded as a democracy. Evidently, such practices have become customary in what are often referred to as western democracies, which respond to any protest with violence to "settle scores" with the people. This is sign of the failure of Western countries to engage in rational dialogue with their citizens. Therefore, the following aspects warrant careful consideration:
1. Mainstream media in the Western world attempts to portray the French protests as a response solely to pension law reforms. However, the reality is that disillusioned French citizens criticize the "French political system" under any pretext and seize any opportunity to express their discontent. The "yellow vest" protests, which have left a mark on the history of anti-dictatorship movements, further highlight their fundamental issue with the "principles of the French system." These protests have become emblematic of a "referendum" against the tyranny within the so-called free system in France. In an interview with Le Poin weekly, esteemed French historian Annie Forko acknowledges that the current situation is more dire than the protests of 2005, stating, "The protests indirectly contribute to the collapse of the prevailing party political system we find ourselves in today. While the 2005 protests still retained elements of respect for the regime, today, that sentiment has completely vanished."
2. Furthermore, in recent years, Western-associated media insinuated that within Western societies, criticizing the status quo is permissible, and protesters are not subjected to arrests or suppression. However, the events unfolding in France demonstrate that not only are protesters subjected to severe suppression, but court cases have been initiated against them and their families. Consequently, they face imprisonment or social restrictions. Additionally, the illogical statements made by French officials, which blame families for the upbringing of their children and even subject them to severe legal penalties, further underscore the inability of the country's leadership to accept responsibility for their mistakes.
3. One characteristic of the recent rebellion is the significant presence of disillusioned teenagers and young individuals who perceive a lack of clear prospects for their future. The French Interior Minister himself acknowledges that the average age of the apprehended protesters is seventeen years old. A prominent French scientist from one of the country's leading research centers told AFP, "Some discriminations regarding access to jobs still exist and have caused the youth to despair. In 2005, when a teenage girl was killed in France by an illegal immigrant from Algeria, many leftists and the same young protestors today remained silent, but now they are strongly reacting to the murder of Nael Marzouki, a seventeen-year-old teenager of Algerian origin."
4. Moreover, the presence of dictatorship or, as Westerners term it, "authoritarianism," in contemporary French politics, particularly during Emmanuel Macron's presidency, contributes to the discontent experienced by the low-income and vulnerable segments of society. The frustration felt by these social classes towards the prevailing political landscape motivates their active involvement in the protests. Meanwhile, the ruling left-wing politicians have solely resorted to adopting an increasingly confrontational rhetoric against the people. As a result, this has not only exacerbated the societal polarization within France, but also has made it very difficult to contain the crisis.
5. The British newspaper "Guardian" has identified racial discrimination as a significant factor contributing to recent unrest, highlighting the dissatisfaction of ethnic and racial minorities. According to the Guardian's detailed report, young individuals of black or African descent feel marginalized in terms of government services, job opportunities, and educational prospects. Additionally, they experience racial discrimination during police identity checks, intensifying their frustration. Macron's denial of systematic racial discrimination in France indirectly acknowledges the presence of a form of "non-systematic apartheid" within the country. French citizens, interviewed by the Guardian, assert that racism has reached unprecedented levels and has become ingrained at the "centre of the system", extending beyond extreme right-wing movements and affecting the traditional right and even the French government itself. The Guardian also notes that France's education system exhibits severe inequalities compared to other developed nations, reinforcing feelings of discrimination among teenagers.
6. Furthermore, despite frequent rhetoric on freedom for social media users in European countries, significant internet restrictions were imposed during the recent protests. The French Interior Ministry justified this action by citing the need to combat the misuse of social media and online platforms for coordinating illegal activities and inciting violence. Within the European Union, France has the most stringent governmental supervision of cyberspace, and the current situation has further exacerbated these restrictions. Nevertheless, the CEO of Twitter has stated that these limitations are temporary, aiming to address dissatisfaction.
Overall, overcoming this crisis requires the French government and the police to embrace a democratic approach and distance themselves from authoritarianism and apartheid. It is crucial for them to heed the demands of the people, especially the youth, who consider themselves heirs of the French Revolution. Employing harsh tactics against these individuals is detrimental to the country. The French government must recognize and uphold freedom of expression and citizenship rights for its citizens.
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