VIOLENT PROTESTS, Unhealthy Approach Towards Issues Of Obvious Concern
In most cases, demonstrations evolve among citizens due to unjust socio-economic practices, which are often politically charged, yet depending on its gravity, and if the mass’s demands are delayed, it could result in violent protests. However, the subject act if not for anything has been considered as an act of emotional agitation which aims at expressing citizens’ dissatisfaction and also a counter-effort towards a political and social state of society.
As we know citizens don’t just take to the streets in order to invent a show, hence, such an attempt could end up as a dramatic event. Though, there is this saying that “if the media can’t think of something to write they will invent it” but that isn’t the case of agitation. For instance, in a situation when citizens demand over marginalization is proven far from been address and efforts is made to ensure that their voice is heard, yet, if delayed or overstretched, the masses could feel that there isn’t hope that the subject issues of obvious concern could be shaped anytime soon, and with that in mind, violence could evolve out of the mix precisely when the process has gained a lot of momentum. Further on this, when issues are politically motivated by stakeholders for an obvious and selfish reason, counter efforts against such an outcome often bring about emotional justification from depressed citizens.
“Silence becomes cowardice when the occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly.”― Mahatma Gandhi
“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world…would do this, it would change the earth.”― William Faulkner
Although, there are implications regarding the subject act which is dependent on the degree of individual involvement, such as, when carried out in close proximity with institutions and economic entities. Even as this very act is currently carried out across continents, yet there are implications regarding its harmful engagement. Hence, strict adherence should be a protester’s watchword even at the peak of violent protests.
“Protest beyond the law is not a departure from democracy; it is absolutely essential to it.”― Howard Zinn
When political response towards basic needs appears to be at a low point over a variety of issues, people will have reasons to double down in their pursuit, even at the risk of violating the societal rules, in this scenario, such act of disobedience if not misunderstood should be viewed as a quest for liberty. While for obvious reasons, silence in such a situation is seen as a cowardice attitude precisely when issues of obvious concern demand a vocal approach. It’s also been figured out that intense protests could potentially lead to revolution, and to prevent such from happening a number of protesters end up in jail.
“Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.”― Henry David Thoreau
HARMFUL PROTEST CASE:
A protest which was carried out by a specific set of youths in Kaduna could’ve taken place as it should until the agitators took the angry dog by the ear, and due to its degree of violence, the process was stretched across the military who had ammunition on transit. In the event of such an outcome, the military engaged the set having noticed its defense capability was undermine. In the process of doubling down in this trajectory, a number of lives were lost. While those arrested in the process understood they were either faced with six or twelve month’s imprisonment.
Elsewhere, a ‘yellow vest’ protest which occurred in France due to tax increment witnessed a violent protest which got intensified on every passing day, owing to the fact that the situation of things won’t be changing anytime soon. In view of this, a number of properties were destroyed, and sadly, those arrested in the process ended up in jail.
- What’s your take about violent protests?
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