Barbaric
As much as I enjoy making people laugh as they read my blogs, I’m not always able to do that based on the topic and today is one of those times.
I’m going to try to express my dismay without getting political, so this will definitely be challenging.
Over the past few days, I think most of us have seen videos of rioting in various sections of France. I believe Italy has experienced this as well. At first, I wasn’t sure if they were real or AI generated because that’s the world we live in right now, and probably forever. So, I Googled my questions and the internet was loaded with news stories confirming the rioting.
What has always perplexed me is why so many demonstrations, for whatever reasons they are derived, end up turning violent. The reasons behind them may be completely justified, but what happens next certainly isn’t. I realize there are many peaceful demonstrations and that there are other groups that take advantage of the opportunity and latch on creating the havoc such as what we have seen in France.
When I see store windows being smashed and people storming in and running out with merchandise, I’m sickened by the barbaric behavior and the lack of regard for the store owners and the general public. I saw one video where a looter came out from a high-end store with three handbags skipping with joy at his steal. Whether it’s Joe Schmoe working hard to keep his three-generation grocery store alive or a Louis Vitton store where nobody I know can afford anything, it’s absolutely horrific and completely inexcusable. My heart hurts for these business owners, some of whom may not be able to afford to rebuild, or even have the desire.
And the desecration of our history, beautiful century-old buildings and monuments being burned and filled with graffiti, twists my stomach. These landmarks will never be the same. Going forward, when visiting France, you will never see these places as they were meant to be seen in their original glory. And that makes me feel cheated. I lost my opportunity, which shows me we can’t take anything for granted because it may not always be there regardless of how long it existed.
I don’t understand how demonstrators think they can convey their message once their demonstrations become riots with looting and violence. When we witness the lack of respect for property, history, and people in general, all I can feel is hatred and fear. The purpose of the demonstration has no meaning for me anymore. It’s no longer relevant because I watched human beings turn into vicious, greedy, savages so why should I care about the purpose of their protest.
I went to Europe in May for the first time and got bit by the international travel bug, but now I think I need to stay put and be grateful I got to experience this trip at all.
I think back to everything my parents experienced in their lifetime and I’m saddened that we have not achieved a better world. I pray for peace for all our children and grandchildren. I don’t want to feel hopeless or helpless, but at the moment I do.