Vive la resistance! Never has it been known in modern history that a section of a community so absolutely rebel against the order of the day. Riots all over northern Parisian suburbs, and even last night in central areas, have proceeded for ten nights straight. Assuredly, more riots are to follow. The spirit of the Resistance seems to have embedded itself in a paradoxically vicious manner with members of France's economically deprived North African community. Such is the effect of the perceived meaningless loss of life, no matter the number. Two or two million, the emotional effect is the same. These actions mark a totally frustrated and deprived set of people. Yes, the violence is their own fault, but the rage of those particular individuals could be seen as intoxicating.
Comparatively, the student reputation of being politically active and making their voices heard does not even register. If our lives were truly changed for the worse, if first years were made to live on the streets due to Southside's demolition, if tuition fees were so high that only those with actual "Inheritances" could go into higher education, we would act decisively. And if necessary, angry or hurt enough we would all fight (and indeed burn) like those that are doing the same in France, perhaps as we speak. It is a harsh reality to bear, but if we or society take enough from people, the equal and opposite reaction to pain spirals out of control. Don't get me wrong, I'm not "inciting" to anything sinister. But what a spectacle it would be for students to find some real excitement in their lives. Heroes are made only when the circumstances are there for true courage to show. Yet there is no modern war that affects all today, no great cause to rally the masses, no idea to change the governance of life. Each shade of grey masks the opportunity for glory. Perhaps we should be happy. It means that for the most part our lives are taken care of, and that each day we are assured of a mundane existence. No evil to fight, no cause to be won.
Over the horizon, however, there is much turmoil. Natural disasters and war are commonplace. One could not be blamed for asking "what is wrong with the world?" Its inhabitants and its habitat. There, people are moving. Insurgencies, repression and truly beautiful acts of compassion often draw well off boredom-heads like ourselves to areas where we can feel some special kind of life. There is no hope for ultimate success, with shockingly little faith in our leaders to govern well, let alone to achieve world peace, its nigh on impossible. But what a life to live! It sure as hell beats the essay I have to write now that's already late and had 20% deducted. Damn the stress.
