The news may have just about filtered into the uk by now, although I’m not sure. The British associate the French with striking in the same way they assocoate us with bad food and glassings. You don’t need to report on national character traits…
Apparently, students used to be able to have a 10 minute break to eat cheese and moan for every hour of teaching. Plans to cut this essential break to 5 minutes have met with staunch resistance. 1.5 million French took to the streets on Saturday, with nearly 200 arrests and cheese sauce sprayed on the streets and the hoods of Renault Clios throughout the country. Sunday was a day to take stock, to mourn the loss of cheese past.
Actually, they are protesting against a new employment contract for the under 26s, which lacks the “job for life, can’t be sacked even if caught cracking one off under the desk” security of the current contracts. They do have a point, in so far as the French are massively conservative and cautious in virtually every aspect of life, but I can’t help but feel embarassed when I see the “manifestations”. All the shouting and stopming and singing and self-congratulatory noise making and cheese eating bravado makes my skin crawl. Part of the English condition I suppose. Power to the people? “I’m too embarassed mate, let’s just go and have a cup of tea” (or 10 pints and a messy kebab house mauling?). Contradictory as a whole ? Perhaps.
The french are famous here for particularly militant striking. It is well known that a strike or protest is not authentic over there without some burning cars and pitched battles. I am aware that there is even an extra special hardcore french police unit, recruited from the dregs of society to take part as the force of authority in these conflicts.
It’s strange because in all other areas of disorder and fighting in general, the French are regarded as pansies.
Ah, you are referring to the CRS. Their outfits resemble nazi uniforms and they are armoured from head to toe. Generally regarded as stupid and bigotted, many ‘youths’ join protests purely for the possibility of “cassé du CRS” – hurt some riot police.
chair dining french…
I would love to hear more about this ……
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