Shazia Gulzar
FRANCE is currently witnessing a profound display of public ire, with the entire nation teetering on the brink of chaos. As protests continue for the fourth consecutive day, Paris alone has reported seventy incidents of arson. These flames of discontent have been ignited by a controversial incident involving a 17-year-old Algerian boy and a policeman, leading to widespread unrest. This act of fiery rebellion is not an anomaly but is a normal trend in human protests worldwide now. The question arises – why do protesters resort to burning when angry?
The act of setting things aflame during protests is steeped in symbolism. Fire, through the ages, has been a potent symbol of protection. When protesters resort to arson, it often indicates their despair and frustration at not being heard or acknowledged. Fire ensures they cannot be ignored. It becomes a loud, visible, and often destructive symbol of resistance against what is perceived as oppressive. The flames are symbolic cries for attention, representing the protestors’ passionate demand for change, justice, or simply acknowledgment of their grievances.
Yet, this approach, while powerful in its symbolism, is destructive and dangerous, threatening lives, and property. Burning things in protest can overshadow the cause at the center of these manifestations, detracting from the essential issues protesters are trying to highlight. In France, while the blame was initially directed at one policeman, the nationwide eruption of fires has shifted the focus away from the actual incident, thereby diluting the seriousness of the issue at hand.
A similar narrative played out in Pakistan during the 9th May demonstrations following the arrest of Imran Khan, where the primary issue was overshadowed by widespread chaos, leaving many bewildered about the protests’ actual intent. In Pakistan’s 9th May demonstrations, the gist of the protest was the unjust arrest of Imran Khan but it was lost amidst the chaos and destruction. Similarly, the blame on one policeman in France has ignited a nationwide conflagration, shifting the focus away from the originating incident.
In a world that increasingly recognizes the importance of peaceful and constructive opposition, it is crucial to question these destructive tendencies and explore alternatives to express dissatisfaction. History is replete with examples of non-violent protests leading to significant social and political changes. Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt March and Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington are testament to the power of peaceful protest. Even our Hazara brothers always protest peacefully whenever their community is under sectarian attack.
In the digital age, social media offers a potent platform for protest, capable of spotlighting issues, mobilizing support, and exerting pressure on authorities, all without resorting to destructive acts. While public protests are essential components of democratic societies, allowing citizens to express their concerns and demand change. However, resorting to destructive actions such as burning public property can deflect attention from the central issue and potentially invite stricter law enforcement responses, escalating the conflict.
The road to change is complex and challenging. It requires not just the courage to stand against perceived injustice, but also the wisdom to do so in a way that illuminates the issue, not overshadow it. As France battles its flames, it is a timely reminder for protesters worldwide to ensure that their voices are heard, but not at the cost of obscuring their message or endangering lives and property.
—Shazia Gulzar, Islamabad. The author is the content lead for a Consulting Firm based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
