What does everyone think of these 'traditional' May Day protests?
From the opinions I've read on the BBC site, people seem divided between thinking the protestors are unwashed hippies or spoilt middle class students, and people thinking they are striking a strong blow for democracy.
Personally, I sympathise with some of the greivances of some of the protestors. Large profit-driven companies exploiting third world labour, etc. Profit profit profit, at all costs, with lives and humans as a low priority.
But I can't agree with protetsors who are just vandals and want to smash something up. Many of them it's just an excuse for anti-americanism.
And all the 'hippies' I've known personally do not practice what they preach i.e. a large proportion of them smoke, and the tobacco industry is one of the worst offenders (including organising football games in Africa to attract teenagers, then giving them free samples of cigarettes!!).
So, in summary, whilst I think some of the aims are worthwhile, and demonstrations of public opinion are to be welcomed, I don't believe large numbers of the protestors are committed to their cause, and for many it's an excuse to dodge work (or uni), have a day in the city, and annoy the police and politicians.
Originally posted by VargWhat are they about?
What does everyone think of these 'traditional' May Day protests?
From the opinions I've read on the BBC site, people seem divided between thinking the protestors are unwashed hippies or spoilt middle class students, and people thinking they are striking a strong blow for democracy.
Personally, I sympathise with some of the greivances of some of the protes ...[text shortened]... n excuse to dodge work (or uni), have a day in the city, and annoy the police and politicians.
Originally posted by Varghow can people protesting be a blow for democracy? people protesting IS democracy-if they couldn't protest, then they could not show there opinions, so there would be no democracy!...
What does everyone think of these 'traditional' May Day protests?
From the opinions I've read on the BBC site, people seem divided between thinking the protestors are unwashed hippies or spoilt middle class students, and people thinking they are striking a strong blow for democracy.
Personally, I sympathise with some of the greivances of some of the protes ...[text shortened]... n excuse to dodge work (or uni), have a day in the city, and annoy the police and politicians.
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Originally posted by CFCThey are about many differnet things to do with capitalism - but the key focus is the impact of globalisation upon the world economy. Arguments can be argues that globalisation of western capitalism has huge implications for the society, economy and environment of the developing world. And to a large extent they are correct in this - unchecked capitalism is not a pretty thing. That said there is a lot of good things that globalisation can offer the greater world as a society that often get overlooked - if we are all dependent on each other that gives us a stong incentive to get along.
What are they about?
Andrew
Originally posted by latex bishopOh. I always thought people protested for no reason. Thanks for the explanation.
They are about many differnet things to do with capitalism - but the key focus is the impact of globalisation upon the world economy. Arguments can be argues that globalisation of western capitalism has huge implications for the society, economy and environment of the developing world. And to a large extent they are correct in this - unchecked capitalis ...[text shortened]... - if we are all dependent on each other that gives us a stong incentive to get along.
Andrew
Originally posted by geniusHey Genius,
how can people protesting be a blow for democracy? people protesting IS democracy-if they couldn't protest, then they could not show there opinions, so there would be no democracy!...
Striking a blow for something is different than striking a blow against something. 'Striking a blow for democracy' means the same thing as 'doing something that supports democracy'.
Originally posted by royalchickenInteresting reading, even just ignoring the corporations.
All of this reminds me a bit of a chart I saw. It listed the 100 'largest economies' in the world, as measured by gross domestic product or gross sales. 51 of them are corporations. Go to
www.corporations.org/system/top100.html
"Tis scary.
So, it seems no-one here is especially pro- or anti- May Day protests then? 😉
Protests against globalisation and capitalism on a bank holiday.
Well you know why that is, because it's the only day most of the protesters can get off from their jobs in the city 🙂🙂🙂
Seriously though, if people want to protest fine.
However, by people I mean adults. I can't stand seeing 14 year old kids (brats) protesting over issues they obviously have little grasp of.
I am not so much annoyed by them but the way they are obviously being manipulated.
Originally posted by LazarausThey are probly either forced to go by there parents or whanted to hold a sign.
....I can't stand seeing 14 year old kids (brats) protesting over issues they obviously have little grasp of.
I am not so much annoyed by them but the way they are obviously being manipulated.
Originally posted by UncleAdamI disagree. I think it is important for the youth of our world to express themselves and their opinions, even if that opinion is not very well founded. I became politically active at a very young age, and without any outside influence other than a personal drive to change the world for the better. I know that I certainly have changed my mind about a "few" things since then, but I feel it was a very important thing for me that I was bold enough to put my ideas out there then. I feel it is largely because of this that I can stand strong about how I feel today.
They are probly either forced to go by there parents or whanted to hold a sign.
While I am not protesting in an fashion, I am strongly against the current unchecked and unbalanced capitalsim of the global economy. If there was even a small movement in my area though, I would probably be involved. Wether I am right or wrong, it is an important issue that effects everyone and should be thought about.
Originally posted by Omnislashwell I have strong opinons now and probly others do to, but most of the kids I know couldnt care less about politics
I disagree. I think it is important for the youth of our world to express themselves and their opinions, even if that opinion is not very well founded. I became politically active at a very young age, and without any outside influence other than a personal drive to change the world for the better. I know that I certainly have changed my mind about a "few ...[text shortened]... am right or wrong, it is an important issue that effects everyone and should be thought about.