MESOPOTAMIA NEWS : THE FRENCH SPRING IS COMING UP – BY KARLRE MARKS 3 Dec 2018 – PARIS
Karl SharroVerified account @KarlreMarks
An organic, leaderless protest movement with no clear ideology has emerged in France. I’ve been waiting for this since 2011. Let me explain the French Spring to you.
Karl SharroVerified account @KarlreMarks Dec 1
Firstly, why the colour yellow? In traditional French culture, yellow represents the Mediterranean regions of France which always felt oppressed by Paris. These protests represent ancient regional grievances.
Karl SharroVerified account @KarlreMarks Dec 1
Secondly, why the vests? In the French psyche, the lack of arms represents ‘helplessness’. The protests are about marginalisation and the impotence felt by ordinary people.
A respected Lebanese anthropologist has studied the protests and concluded that the burning of cars represents ‘anger’. These protesters appear to be unhappy about something, and it’s more than just typical French grumpiness.
Karl SharroVerified account @KarlreMarks Dec 1
In overturning cars the yellow vests are symbolically overturning the entire Cartesian premise of France. This is not merely against the authoritarian Macron but a revolt against the centuries old republican order.
Karl SharroVerified account @KarlreMarks Dec 1
Experts are already warning of a ‘domino effect’ leading the protests to spread from France to neighbouring countries. In all of this it’s not clear how we in the East should respond, aside from calling on the French authorities to respect the right to protest.