Protests, Rioting, AND Looting = what’s the real purpose
What is the real purpose of looting when you’re having a protest? Can someone answer this question logically? Many people protest everyday, everywhere, but you don’t see them swiping stuff that doesn’t belong to them, so what the hell! We all have a right to speak our minds; however, we DO NOT have the free option of taking something that doesn’t belong to us “in the name of” (insert whatever your cause here). Riots, protests, and looting goes back generations, but to fully understand the meaning of each thing, I will break it down for those who don’t know.
A protest occurs when people are dissatisfied against something or someone. Dictionary.com* breaks it down more for you:
‘Noun
1. An expression or declaration of objection, disapproval, or dissent, often in opposition to something a person is powerless to prevent or avoid.
2. Commerce. A formal notarial certificate attesting the fact that a check, note, or bill of exchange has been presented for acceptance or payment and that it has been refused.
the action taken to fix the liability for a dishonored bill of exchange or note.
3. Law. (Upon one's payment of a tax or other state or city exaction) a formal statement disputing the legality of the demand. A written and attested declaration made by the master of a ship stating the circumstances under which some damage has happened to the ship or cargo, or other circumstances involving the liability of the officers, crew, etc.
Verb (used without object):
1. To give manifest expression to objection or disapproval; remonstrate.
2. To make solemn or earnest declaration.’
Now does anyone see where it says during a protest that you may take/steal something from some person or business? I didn’t think so. Granted everyone is entitled to their own way of thinking and to protest; yet, to properly protest something you must do it without causing malicious intent to another person or thing. Sometimes protests get out of hand, and yes, a few bad seeds make the original intent seem highly negative in others’ eyes. As I have stated before, protests go back generations. There have been “sit-ins”, walks, speeches, shouting, “burning of bras”, pickets, and countless others. Yes, some unfortunately did turn violent, but some remained peaceful. It all boils down to whether the protesters AND the police want to keep it that way (calm). Some anticipate relative behavior, no matter what side of the line they are standing. For instance, if an officer or protester appears to be anxious that attitude is going to spread like wildfire until someone takes a stand to put out the flame. We all have something and/or things that we highly believe in, yet, it is up to us to remain calm and remember exactly why we are protesting for our said cause.
A riot occurs when a demonstration begins to turn ugly. This is where my wildfire example comes in at. Once again here are the definitions of the word riot from Dictionary.com *:
‘Noun
1. A noisy, violent public disorder caused by a group or crowd of persons, as by a crowd protesting against another group, a government policy, etc., in the streets.
2. Law. A disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons acting together in a disrupting and tumultuous manner in carrying out their private purposes.
3. Violent or wild disorder or confusion.
4. Unrestrained revelry.
5. An unbridled outbreak, as of emotions, passions, etc.
Verb (used without object):
1. To take part in a riot or disorderly public outbreak.
2. To live in a loose or wanton manner; indulge in unrestrained revelry.’
Riots can occur without a moments notice. They can take the most peaceful protest and bam just like that, in a blink of an eye, the once calm crowd begins rioting. Many may feel this is the only way of getting their message across while others maintain staying the course of remaining diligent in their peaceful demonstration as it can possibly open the eyes to those who want to understand the particular reason for said protest. The old saying “you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar” is true. If people understand why you are dissatisfied with a group they may be more apt to agree, even if it is just a little bit.
This now takes us to the extreme portion of protests and rioting. I like to call it the absurd factor—looting. What is the justness of stealing something all in the name of (said cause)? I don’t get it.
One last time, Dictionary.com’s * definition of looting as follows:
‘Noun
1. Spoils or plunder taken by pillaging, as in war.
2. Anything taken by dishonesty, force, stealth, etc.
3. A collection of valued objects
4. Act of looting or plundering:
Verb (used with object)
1. To carry off or take (something) as loot
2. To despoil by taking loot; plunder or pillage (a city, house, etc.), as in war.
3. To rob, as by burglary or corrupt activity in public office:
Verb (used without object)
1.To take loot; plunder’
Now if you read all the definitions provided you would see that no where does it correlate looting to rioting or protesting. Common sense can also tell you the same thing. It happens worldwide, the news media showcases it on their newscasts. Very rarely will see demonstrations shown on outlets that are of the peaceful nature. This is something that WE must all change. Yes, there is unrest, not just in the U.S., but everywhere. Everyone should be allowed to have their protests, but we shouldn’t showcase the places where people say “Fuck the establishment, I’m taking this rim for my car because I earned it”. No you didn’t, you swiped it and legally it isn’t yours. If you are standing up for a just cause, no matter what it is, you are not entitled to stealing anything that doesn’t belong to you. It clearly shows others that you don’t care about anything or anyone but yourself. In fact, all it shows is you’re a cowardly thief. Yes, I am aware I may be pissing people off, but I do have the right to say what others are also thinking.
For those that are supposed to be the peacekeepers, do your job. Albeit it’s not an easy task what you do everyday, yet, you chose your said occupation. Its like with doctors you agree to do no harm. Granted there are times when it cannot be that way; however, I do believe that if you are called to the scene of a demonstration, keep calm. Not everyone wants to cause a fight or a riot. People want a way to express their voices, so allow them that right. Don’t be nervous (or at least don’t show it). Just as anxiousness feeds off of others so does the nervous behaviors and can branch off to those who may have been calm before.
From the 13th century (and before) to beyond the times of our own lives, there will be protests. It is up to us to take the initiative to show how calm we can be to get our points and views across to others. We shouldn’t let some individuals take away the real reason why one is demonstrating. Take a stand for what you believe, but do it in a manner that people understand. Sometimes, for whatever reason, a calm protest can lead into a riot followed many times by looting. Stealing stuff that doesn’t belong to you for your so called cause is just plain absurd. Yet, we must say also ‘NO’ to the violence portion of the demonstrating. There is enough of that in the world today, why add more!? Let us also take a stand against the news media outlets for their constant showcasing of non-peaceful protests. By this I mean, turn it off- the channel or program. There is so much negative being shown everywhere and being played on radio airwaves that it is just sickening (at least to me).
Until next time, remember to be diligent, and calm, when going for your goals. Peace X!
(Cite from Dictionary.com:)
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/protest
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/riot?s=t
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/loot
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