By Matt Underwood “Block Everything” protests sweep across France, scores arrested.
The “Block Everything” movement, initially born online, has ignited a firestorm of unrest across France. This isn’t just some flash-in-the-pan occurrence; it’s a deep wellspring of discontent that’s been brewing for a while. What’s really interesting is how this movement, which started with right-leaning groups, has been embraced by the left and far-left. It shows how widespread the dissatisfaction has become, pulling in people from all sides of the political spectrum.
The fact that this movement has gained traction so rapidly is telling. It’s as if something has finally snapped, and people are no longer willing to stay silent. This surge of unrest mirrors similar situations in other Western countries, suggesting a shared sense of frustration. The responses to such protests can vary, sometimes resulting in escalating tensions. In that regard, it’s crucial to avoid actions that might further enrage the populace. When the economic well-being of citizens is threatened, things can escalate very quickly. France’s willingness to challenge the status quo seems quite remarkable.
The United States, in contrast, often seems to struggle to take such drastic measures. You have to admire the audacity of the French. They know how to make their voices heard. They have a long history of standing up for themselves. This is a nation that has experienced a remarkable number of government changes in a relatively short period of time. With 11 governments since 1789, France’s political landscape is undeniably dynamic. The country’s smaller size compared to the U.S., may facilitate nationwide organization.
It is worth noting that, America is a vast country. The size alone creates hurdles to coordinated action. Plus, you have huge income inequality. It makes it difficult for people to travel, or move, and just have a stable life. The fact that France seems to have fewer issues with this, might be part of the reason for its success in the face of political turmoil. Stronger employment laws and a more centralized population might also play a part in the overall formula.
We’ve seen how protests can erupt when people feel unheard. And it seems like that’s precisely what’s happening in France right now. If we’ve learned anything from history, it’s that when the people speak, those in power really need to listen.
The history of France is a story of upheaval and transformation. It’s seen republics, monarchies, and empires rise and fall. The longest period of stability was the Third Republic, lasting from 1870 to 1940. If you look ahead to 2028, the current Fifth Republic will be 70 years old, a considerable lifespan for a French government. The French have a different way of playing the game than we do. They certainly have the practice.
Remember, we have two very important components to good government. You need good, caring politicians, and you need the option to remove/recall the bad ones. Neither France nor the United States are doing great at the first one. The US does not seem to be doing great at the second one either.
There’s a lot of talk about political violence becoming normalized, and that’s a pretty worrying trend. It’s a sign that things are breaking down. The idea of political assassinations, or attempted ones becoming commonplace is just awful. The French know how to shake things up.
This leads us to the real question: are we headed for a period of rampant unrest? The answer may well be yes. The best solution is for all sides to engage in dialogue and seek common ground.