Recently I saw a sign that read Je ne suit pas française mais je suis parisienne. I’m not French but I’m a Parisian. And even though I don’t live here full time, I feel that way now. Especially being close to the political movement sweeping the city.
What a time to be in Paris! My apartment is about a third of a mile from Place de la République, which I’m sure many of you now have seen on the news.
It is one of the main meeting points for the manifestations (protests) that happen almost every weekend in Paris. I am used to hearing chants and drums as protesters make their voices heard.
So Saturday October 17 didn’t feel any different - until it did.
It was unnerving to see smoke rising over the rooftops from a few streets away. By then I’d started following the news and knew there were some bad actors who were bent on destruction.
Yes, there have been very disturbing acts of looting and burning. If you’ve watched the news, you’ve seen enough images to know some of it is pretty bad. I’m saddened and angry that people felt the need for such violence and for the poor shop owners who now have to rebuild their lives.
If you’ve watched the news reports you’ve seen plenty of these kinds of photos.
But truly that isn’t the big picture. It’s important to remember the protests started with thousands of protesters who marched peacefully for improvements in education.
It’s unfortunate that the violence of a relatively small group has now overshadowed this movement. As a former public school teacher, It’s one I support.
Money for public schools.
Money for the high schools not for the millionaires or the war.
Now Parisians are left to pick up the pieces and figure out how to continue living. Just as we all do. Is it any different in other countries? None of us should point fingers or feel superior.
And just like these city workers, we can start helping to clean up the mess.
What are your thoughts on the protests sweeping the world?