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Dr Joseph Downing is author of “French Muslims in Perspective” (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-16103-3) and “Social Media and Security” (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-20734-1). He is senior lecturer in politics and IR at Aston University. Previously he was fellow in nationalism in the European Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science, and Marie-Curie fellow at the Laboratoire méditerranéen de sociologie, CNRS, Université Aix-Marseille Marseille and the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He is an expert on French politics and security and social media and politics. Joseph Downing received his PhD from the European Institute, London School of Economics in 2014. His thesis ‘Between Policy, Recognition and Rioting: Analyzing the role of urban governance, historical commemoration and public culture in defining inclusion in Marseille, Paris and Lyon’ involved significant fieldwork in France. He was awarded the AHRC block grant “European Languages and Culture” full scholarship for the 2009-2012 period and taught widely on security, politics, sociology and international relations at the LSE.
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How the Shooting of a Teenager Unleashed Decades of Brewing Discontent in France
Riots erupted in Nanterre, Paris, after the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M., echoing the unrest of 2005 and highlighting unresolved issues of hypermarginalisation, discrimination, and police brutality in French suburbs. Despite President Macron's economic focus, he lacks a coherent policy for the suburbs, and his administration faces criticism for police actions and an inability to engage with decentralized protestors. The Council of Europe condemned French police for excessive force, and Macron's response to Nahel's death, while more conciliatory than former President Sarkozy's during the 2005 riots, still faces scrutiny.
France riots: when police shot a teenager dead, a rumbling pressure cooker exploded
Riots erupted in Nanterre, Paris, following the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M., highlighting deep-rooted social issues in France. The unrest recalls the 2005 riots, with unresolved problems of poverty, discrimination, and police brutality. President Macron's response has been criticized for lacking a coherent policy to address these issues, despite his attempts to calm tensions. The Council of Europe has condemned French police for excessive force, and the decentralized nature of the protests complicates resolution efforts. The article underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to tackle long-standing social grievances.
France riots: when police shot a teenager dead, a rumbling pressure cooker exploded
Riots erupted in Nanterre, a Paris suburb, following the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M., highlighting deep-rooted social issues in France. The unrest recalls the 2005 riots, driven by unresolved problems like hypermarginalisation, poor housing, and racial discrimination. President Macron's administration faces criticism for lacking a coherent policy to address these issues, while police brutality remains a significant concern. Macron's response to the current crisis contrasts with former President Sarkozy's inflammatory remarks during the 2005 riots, but the decentralized nature of the protests complicates resolution efforts.
France riots: when police shot a teenager dead, a rumbling pressure cooker exploded
Riots erupted in Nanterre, Paris, after the police shot and killed 17-year-old Nahel M., highlighting deep-rooted social issues in France. The incident recalls the 2005 violence in French suburbs, driven by poverty, discrimination, and police brutality. President Macron's response has been more conciliatory compared to former President Sarkozy, but his administration lacks a coherent policy to address the systemic problems in the suburbs. The Council of Europe has criticized French police for excessive force, and the decentralized nature of the protests makes them difficult to control.
A Pressure Cooker Called France
The article discusses the deep-rooted social issues and police brutality in France, highlighted by the recent police shooting of a 17-year-old in the suburbs of Paris. It draws parallels to the 2005 riots and criticizes President Emmanuel Macron's lack of effective policies to address the problems in marginalized urban areas. The Council of Europe has condemned the French police for excessive force, and the article underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to tackle the longstanding issues of social inequality and police violence.
France riots: when police shot a teenager dead, a rumbling pressure cooker exploded
Riots erupted in Nanterre, a Paris suburb, following the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M., highlighting deep-rooted social issues in France. The unrest recalls the 2005 riots and underscores ongoing problems like police brutality, poor housing, and racial discrimination in French suburbs. President Macron's response has been more conciliatory compared to former President Sarkozy, but systemic issues remain unresolved. The Council of Europe has criticized French police for excessive force, and the decentralized nature of the protests complicates government efforts to address the crisis.
France riots: when police shot a teenager dead, a rumbling pressure cooker exploded
Riots erupted in Nanterre, a Paris suburb, following the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M., highlighting deep-rooted issues in French suburbs. The unrest recalls the 2005 riots, driven by poor living conditions, discrimination, and police brutality. President Macron's response has been more conciliatory than former President Sarkozy's, but his administration lacks a coherent policy to address these systemic problems. The Council of Europe has criticized French police for excessive force, and the decentralized nature of the protests complicates resolution efforts.
France Violence: The Complex Relationship Between State, Muslims In Recent Unrest
Recent riots in France's poor suburbs have highlighted complex issues of discrimination, social marginalization, and policing philosophy. The French state's Islamophobic policies and discrimination based on ethnicity and residence have exacerbated social mobility challenges. The unrest is not solely due to discontent with state policies, as French society's discrimination problems are deep-rooted. Police brutality in France is a widespread issue, affecting all racial and ethnic groups, and the country's policing philosophy, which is seen as state-centric, contrasts with the UK's community-based approach. French Muslims, who are diverse in their views and social positions, are both victims and enforcers of law and order, with many serving in security forces. The riots have affected Muslim business owners and workers, with some losing their livelihoods. The majority of French Muslims seek the same opportunities as other citizens, desiring jobs, family, and education, and do not condone the unrest or destruction of community resources.
The Riots In France Point To A Complex, Deep Rooted Problem
Riots erupted in Nanterre, Paris, following the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M., highlighting deep-rooted social issues in France. The unrest recalls the 2005 riots, with unresolved issues of poverty, discrimination, and police brutality. President Macron's response contrasts with former President Sarkozy's inflammatory remarks, but his efforts to address the crisis face challenges due to the decentralized nature of the protests. The article underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to tackle systemic social and policing issues in French suburbs.
Paris riots: When police shot a teenager dead, a rumbling pressure cooker exploded
Riots erupted in Nanterre, a Paris suburb, following the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M., highlighting deep-rooted social issues in France. The unrest recalls the 2005 riots and underscores unresolved problems like hypermarginalization, poor housing, and racial discrimination in French suburbs. Police brutality remains a significant concern, with the Council of Europe condemning excessive force. President Macron's response to the incident contrasts with former President Sarkozy's inflammatory remarks, but his administration lacks a coherent policy to address suburban grievances. The decentralized nature of the protests complicates government efforts to de-escalate the situation.
Behind the riots in France, decades of police brutality and hypermarginalisation of the suburbs
Riots erupted in Nanterre, a Paris suburb, following the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M., highlighting long-standing issues of police brutality and hypermarginalisation in French suburbs. The unrest recalls the 2005 riots and underscores unresolved social and economic disparities. President Macron's response, though more conciliatory than former President Sarkozy's, has been criticized for lacking effective policies to address these deep-rooted problems. The Council of Europe has condemned French police for excessive force, and the decentralized nature of the protests complicates government efforts to quell the unrest.
Why France has erupted in riots
Riots erupted in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, following the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M., highlighting deep-rooted social issues in France. The unrest recalls the 2005 riots and underscores unresolved problems like hypermarginalisation, poor housing, and racial discrimination in French suburbs. President Emmanuel Macron's response has been more conciliatory compared to former president Nicolas Sarkozy, but his administration is criticized for lacking a coherent policy to address these issues. Police brutality remains a significant concern, with the Council of Europe condemning the French police for excessive force. The decentralized nature of the protests complicates government efforts to manage the situation.
Critical Security Studies in the Digital Age
The book under discussion analyzes the impact of social media on security studies within international relations, emphasizing the need for inter- and multi-disciplinary approaches. It highlights that social media allows users to challenge and reshape security narratives using diverse symbols and idioms, including local contexts and football club symbolism. The book critiques the topography of social media, arguing that it is neither strictly hierarchical nor entirely egalitarian, but rather a dynamic and unpredictable space where individuals can influence security debates. It also addresses the critical security studies' concept of emancipation, suggesting that while social media enables broader participation in security debates, it does not necessarily translate into actual emancipation from existing power structures in the offline world.
French Muslims in Perspective
The article discusses the challenges France faces in integrating its Muslim population into a secular society with a Catholic majority. It critiques the traditional conflict-focused narrative between Muslims and the French state, offering a perspective that considers the intersection of Muslim faith with other identities and the active roles of Muslims in French civil society, politics, and media. The rise of Islamophobic discourse, particularly from Marine Le Pen's far-right Front National party, is highlighted, alongside debates on Islamic clothing. The book 'French Muslims in Perspective' aims to provide a nuanced view of French Muslims' lived experiences and is targeted at academics, policy makers, and practitioners in various fields.
Worked as a translator/fixer/guide/expert on this documentary
Paris Riots: When Police Shot a Teenager Dead, Rumbling Pressure Cooker Exploded
Riots erupted in Nanterre, a Paris suburb, after the police shot and killed 17-year-old Nahel M. The incident has sparked protests and highlighted long-standing issues of police brutality and social discrimination in France's suburbs. President Emmanuel Macron's response has been more conciliatory compared to former president Nicolas Sarkozy's inflammatory remarks during the 2005 riots. However, Macron's administration is criticized for failing to address the root causes of social unrest and relying on police force to manage political opposition. The Council of Europe has also condemned the French police for excessive use of force.
The spring issue of the Progressive Post magazine is now available!
The latest issue of the Progressive Post magazine focuses on progressive ideas for a fairer Europe, the role of progressives in governance, the conflict in Ukraine, and women's political contributions. A comparison of living and working conditions in the US and Germany shows Germany ahead in several aspects. The issue also discusses gender equality in the EU labor market and the need for qualified workers for a competitive clean economy in Europe.
Paris riots: When police shot a teenager dead, a rumbling pressure cooker exploded
Riots erupted in Nanterre, a Paris suburb, following the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M., highlighting deep-rooted issues in France's suburbs. The unrest recalls the 2005 riots and underscores unresolved problems like hypermarginalization, poor housing, and systemic racism. President Macron's administration is criticized for lacking coherent policies to address these issues and for relying on police force to control opposition. The Council of Europe has condemned French police for excessive force, and Macron's attempts to calm tensions have been seen as insufficient. The decentralized nature of the protests complicates government efforts to manage the crisis.
Paris riots: when police shot a teenager dead, a rumbling pressure cooker exploded
Riots erupted in Nanterre, Paris, after the fatal police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M., reminiscent of the 2005 unrest. The suburbs face hypermarginalisation, with poor housing, schooling, and racial discrimination. President Macron's economic plans exclude the suburbs, and his two terms lack coherent policies for their issues. Police brutality is criticized by the Council of Europe, and Macron's response to Nahel's death contrasts with former President Sarkozy's during the 2005 riots. Macron's attempts to calm tensions are noted, despite some missteps. The decentralized nature of the protests presents challenges for negotiation and underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to social issues and police brutality.
A Pressure Cooker Called France
The fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old named Nahel M. in the suburbs of Paris has highlighted deep-seated issues reminiscent of the 2005 civil unrest. Decades of hypermarginalization in French suburbs have led to poor housing, education, and racial discrimination, fostering discontent among youth. President Emmanuel Macron's failure to address these issues, despite his economic focus, has been criticized. Recent police brutality, condemned by the Council of Europe, and the government's reliance on police to quell political unrest without addressing underlying social problems, have exacerbated tensions. The decentralized nature of the protests complicates the government's response, underscoring the need for a comprehensive strategy to address long-standing social challenges and police brutality.
France riots: when police shot a teenager dead, a rumbling pressure cooker exploded
The article discusses the outbreak of riots in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, following the fatal police shooting of a teenager named Nahel M. The author reflects on the historical context of such unrest, linking it to the 2005 riots and the persistent issues of hypermarginalisation, poor living conditions, and racial discrimination in French suburbs. The piece critiques President Emmanuel Macron's lack of a coherent policy to address these issues, despite his economic ambitions for France. It also touches on the problem of police brutality, noting criticism from the Council of Europe and the failure of successive governments to reform policing. The article contrasts Macron's response to the current crisis with that of former President Nicolas Sarkozy during the 2005 riots, acknowledging Macron's attempts to calm the situation despite challenges such as the decentralized nature of the protests.
Paris riots: when police shot a teenager dead, a rumbling pressure cooker exploded
Riots erupted in Nanterre, a Paris suburb, after police fatally shot 17-year-old Nahel M. The incident, under investigation, has sparked widespread protest and anger, reminiscent of the 2005 violence in Paris's suburbs. The situation highlights deep-rooted societal issues.
When police shot a teenager dead in Paris, a rumbling pressure cooker exploded
Riots erupted in Nanterre, Paris, after the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M., reminiscent of the 2005 unrest. The suburbs face hypermarginalisation, with poor housing, schooling, and racial discrimination. President Macron's economic plans exclude the suburbs, and his two terms lacked coherent policies for their issues. Police brutality is criticized by the Council of Europe, and Macron's response to Nahel's death contrasts with former President Sarkozy's during the 2005 riots. The decentralized nature of the protests complicates government response, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions to social disparities and police violence.
The European Commission's Digital Services Act: A safer digital space or a threat to freedom of speech?
Joseph Downing discusses the implications of the European Commission's proposed Digital Services Act package, which aims to create a safer digital space by regulating illegal content and misinformation online. The article raises concerns about freedom of speech, the role of unelected officials in setting content standards, and the practical challenges of content moderation. It also highlights the potential commercial impact on social media companies and the difficulties of enforcing such regulations given the ease with which users can migrate to less regulated platforms. Furthermore, the piece touches on the Europeanisation of social media regulation, exemplified by France's compliance with EU legislation despite national resistance. The article questions the effectiveness of the EU's regulatory efforts and the democratic processes within the EU.
Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron: beyond the bromance, what was discussed at their summit in Paris?
The renewed cooperation between British prime minister Rishi Sunak and French president Emmanuel Macron marks a significant improvement in Franco-British relations, which had deteriorated under Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Sunak's clear stance on Macron being a firm friend has been met with relief on both sides of the Channel.
Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron: beyond the bromance, what was discussed at their summit in Paris?
The summit between British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris marked a renewal of Franco-British cooperation, which had deteriorated under previous UK leadership. Key discussions included managing small boat migrations, military cooperation post-Aukus, and energy collaboration. Sunak committed £500 million to France for a migrant detention center, though its effectiveness is questioned. Military ties were reaffirmed despite past tensions, and both nations emphasized the importance of interoperable military equipment. Energy discussions focused on developing green infrastructure, though challenges remain due to reactor defects and strikes. The summit highlighted the potential for strengthened relations, but lasting impact depends on translating personal rapport into deeper cooperation.
Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron: beyond the bromance, what was discussed at their summit in Paris?
The summit between British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris marked a renewal of Franco-British cooperation, which had deteriorated under previous UK leadership. Key discussions included managing small boat crossings from France, military cooperation post-Aukus submarine affair, and energy collaboration. Sunak's commitment to give France £500 million for a migrant detention center is unlikely to significantly impact migrant flows. Military cooperation remains strong despite past tensions, and energy collaboration is seen as crucial despite challenges. The summit highlighted the importance of translating the personal rapport between Sunak and Macron into lasting policy changes.
Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron: beyond the bromance, what was discussed at their summit in Paris?
The summit between British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris marked a significant renewal of Franco-British cooperation, strained under previous UK leadership. Key discussions included managing small boat migrations, military cooperation post-Aukus submarine affair, and energy collaboration. Sunak's commitment to give France £500 million for a migrant detention center is unlikely to stop migrant flows. Military cooperation remains challenging due to historical difficulties in aligning defense industries. Energy collaboration faces hurdles from French reactor defects and strikes. The summit highlighted progress and the potential for deeper ties, though the longevity of current administrations may impact future relations.
Operationalizing the Regulation of Online Content Under a Democratic Deficit: The Digital Services Act
The European Union has introduced the Digital Services Act, marking a significant step in regulating social media and digital services. This legislation imposes strict compliance requirements on social media companies, with potential sanctions for non-compliance. The act represents a robust European intervention in the digital arena, raising various issues for social media platforms.
Emmanuel Macron’s state visit with Joe Biden: key takeaways as relations warm up after a frosty few months
Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the US has significantly improved France-US relations, addressing key issues such as trade tensions over Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, NATO's role in the Ukraine conflict, and energy cooperation. Macron secured verbal concessions from Biden on trade subsidies and aligned more closely with the US stance on China, marking a shift in France's approach. The visit also reinforced commitments to NATO and African security, while highlighting the importance of energy collaboration amid global pressures. Macron returns to Paris with strengthened ties and notable diplomatic achievements.
Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen will contest the second round of the French presidential election on 24 April
The article discusses the upcoming second round of the French presidential election between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, highlighting how the campaign differs from their previous contest in 2017. Macron, now an incumbent, has a record of managing France through the Covid-19 pandemic and achieving a low unemployment rate. However, his campaign has been criticized as lackluster, and voter abstention could be a significant factor. The war in Ukraine presents a complex challenge for Macron, given Le Pen's past support for Putin and Macron's own diplomatic efforts. Economic issues, particularly inflation, are also a battleground, with Macron's image as a candidate for the rich and his proposed reforms being contentious. Additionally, the candidates' positions on religion and minorities have evolved, with Macron appearing to soften his stance and Le Pen maintaining her hardline views. The article suggests that the election's outcome is uncertain due to these factors and the global crises intersecting with the campaign.
Tweeting terrorism: Vernacular conceptions of Muslims and terror in the wake of the Manchester Bombing on Twitter
The study analyzes tweets following the 2017 Manchester bombing to explore how jihadist terror attacks are constructed on social media. Using social network and discourse analysis, it finds that Twitter serves as a platform for diverse and contested discourses on terrorism, Muslims, and Islam. The analysis reveals that while some tweets defend Muslims and Islam, others perpetuate Islamophobic sentiments. The study highlights the active role of lay audiences in shaping security narratives and the importance of social media in understanding public responses to terrorism.
Infodemic Pathways: Evaluating the Role That Traditional and Social Media Play in Cross-National Information Transfer
The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by a global infodemic, with misinformation spreading rapidly across borders, particularly through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. This study examines the influence of U.S.-based information on Canadian social media users, finding that Canadians are more exposed to and engage more with U.S. content, including COVID-19 misinformation. The research highlights the significant role of social media in cross-national information transfer and the challenges it poses for public health communication. The study also underscores the need for policy interventions to address the spread of misinformation, especially from out-of-country sources.
How wild theories linking 5G data to coronavirus started trending on social media
The article explores the origins and spread of conspiracy theories linking 5G technology to the coronavirus pandemic. It highlights how these theories have evolved and gained traction on social media, driven by a mix of historical fears, misinformation, and political agendas. The study by experts reveals that a significant portion of social media users believe in these theories, which have been amplified by influential figures and platforms. The article underscores the need for coordinated efforts by governments, social media platforms, and influencers to combat misinformation and restore public trust.
Four experts investigate how the 5G coronavirus conspiracy theory began
The article investigates the origins and spread of the 5G coronavirus conspiracy theory, highlighting how misinformation proliferates during crises. It examines the historical context of conspiracy theories related to mobile technology and the role of social media in amplifying these narratives. The study identifies key influencers and platforms that have propagated the theory, including InfoWars and YouTube. It also discusses the political implications, noting the involvement of far-right groups and the impact of public figures like Donald Trump and Eamon Holmes. The article calls for coordinated efforts between governments, social media platforms, and influencers to combat misinformation.
COVID-19 and the 5G Conspiracy Theory: Social Network Analysis of Twitter Data
The study analyzes the spread of the 5G and COVID-19 conspiracy theory on Twitter, identifying key influencers, sources, and the network structure of the discussion. It highlights the role of social media in spreading misinformation and the lack of authoritative figures actively combating it. The research suggests that public health authorities should focus on rapidly addressing misinformation and leveraging influential figures to counteract false narratives. The study also emphasizes the importance of understanding public reactions on social media to effectively mitigate the spread of conspiracy theories.
Four experts investigate how the 5G coronavirus conspiracy theory began
The article explores the origins and spread of the 5G coronavirus conspiracy theory, highlighting the role of misinformation and social media in amplifying these false narratives. Experts from various universities analyze the historical context of conspiracy theories, the social network dynamics on platforms like Twitter, and the impact of influential figures and fake news websites. The study reveals that conspiracy theories often mutate and combine, attracting diverse political groups and creating a complex web of misinformation. The article calls for coordinated efforts from governments, social media platforms, and influencers to combat the spread of fake news and restore public trust.
Exciting news: metro.news has merged with metro.co.uk!
Metro Newspaper has announced its merger with metro.co.uk, allowing readers to access content from both platforms in one place. This merger aims to enhance the reader experience by combining the reach of Metro Newspaper with the extensive online audience of metro.co.uk, which boasts 23 million unique visitors a month as of January 2020. Readers can find various features such as Sixty Seconds, Escape, Guilty Pleasures, Connect, and Rush Hour Crush on the new integrated platform. Additionally, the Metro app continues to offer news, celebrity updates, sports, and feature stories, and is available for free on the App Store, Google Play, and the Amazon App Store. For those interested in the traditional format, the Metro newspaper e-edition is also available.
The victory of the Blues will not make us forget racial discrimination
France celebrates its World Cup victory, but the event brings to light ongoing racial discrimination issues. The article contrasts the multicultural unity symbolized by players like Zinedine Zidane and Kylian Mbappé with the persistent racism in French society and football. It discusses historical and recent instances of racial bias, including comments from political figures and controversies within the French Football Federation. The narrative underscores the challenges of achieving true integration and the impact of racial discrimination on the national team and broader society.
Debate: From Zizou to Mbappé, victory masks the specter of racism
The article explores the complex relationship between French football and racism, highlighting the contrasting experiences of Zinedine Zidane and Kylian Mbappé. It delves into the historical and ongoing racial tensions within the national team, including controversial comments from political figures like Jean-Marie Le Pen and Marine Le Pen. The piece also examines the fallout from the 2010 World Cup and the exclusion of players like Karim Benzema, suggesting that racial biases continue to influence team dynamics and public perception. Despite moments of unity and success, the specter of racism remains a significant issue in French football.
Debate: From Zizou to Mbappé, victory masks the specter of racism
The article discusses the celebration of France's World Cup victory and the underlying issues of racism and social inequality that persist in French society. It contrasts the multicultural success symbolized by football stars Zinedine Zidane and Kylian Mbappé with the ongoing racial tensions and criticisms faced by the French national team. The piece highlights historical and contemporary instances of racism, including comments from political figures like Jean-Marie Le Pen and Marine Le Pen, and controversies involving players like Karim Benzema. It also touches on the structural inequalities in French urban areas and the role of football in reflecting societal fractures.
France’s World Cup Win Highlights the Country’s Complicated History With Race and Class
The French football team's 2018 World Cup victory brings to light ongoing issues of race and class in French society. Despite the multicultural harmony celebrated in 1998, the ethnic composition of the national team has faced scrutiny and racism, particularly from far-right figures like Jean-Marie Le Pen and Marine Le Pen. The article highlights the achievements of players like Zinedine Zidane and Kylian Mbappé, who have risen from minority backgrounds to prominence, while also addressing the persistent structural problems in French suburbs. The exclusion of Karim Benzema from the national team is discussed as a potential example of racial discrimination. The narrative underscores the complex relationship between football, politics, and social integration in France.
Grenfell Tower: how Twitter users fought off fake news to honour Muslim heroes
On June 14, 2017, a fire at Grenfell Tower in West London led to significant casualties and widespread social media activity. Amidst initial speculation and fake news suggesting a terror attack, Twitter users highlighted the heroic actions of the local Muslim community, who were awake during Ramadan and helped evacuate residents. Analysis of tweets revealed that the most influential messages focused on these positive contributions, countering misinformation. The study underscores the complex dynamics of social media in the 'post truth' era, where fake news can be effectively challenged by users sharing credible information.
Grenfell Tower Fire Tragedy Reveals Ugly Flaws Of Regeneration Agenda
The Grenfell Tower fire tragedy highlights significant flaws in the urban regeneration agenda, particularly in social housing policies in the UK and Europe. The article criticizes both Labour and Conservative governments for depleting housing stock and neglecting safety concerns. It underscores the complexity and lack of accountability in current regeneration schemes, exemplified by the Grenfell Tower's management and recent refit. The piece calls for a shift in power towards residents and away from private developers to prevent future disasters.
The Grenfell Tower fire highlights a broken social housing system
The Grenfell Tower fire is a tragic example of the failures in the social housing system, exacerbated by policies that prioritize urban regeneration and private profit over resident safety. The article criticizes both Labour and Conservative governments for depleting housing stock and neglecting maintenance, leading to unsafe living conditions. The recent refit of Grenfell Tower, which included flammable cladding, ignored residents' fire safety concerns, highlighting systemic issues in accountability and decision-making within social housing management. The author calls for a rebalancing of power towards residents and away from private developers.
People are living in dangerous social housing all across the country
The article discusses the dangers and neglect in social housing across the UK and Europe, highlighted by the Grenfell Tower fire. It criticizes the policies of successive governments for depleting and neglecting social housing stock, and the complex, often unaccountable nature of urban regeneration schemes. The author calls for a shift in power towards residents and away from private developers, emphasizing the need for safety and accountability in social housing.
Grenfell Tower fire tragedy reveals ugly flaws of regeneration agenda
The Grenfell Tower fire in London, which resulted in the destruction of 120 homes, highlights the broader issues with the UK's and Europe's approach to social housing and urban regeneration. The author criticizes the policies of successive governments that have led to a depletion and deterioration of housing stock, and the prioritization of profit and regeneration over residents' safety and satisfaction. The recent £8.7m refit of Grenfell Tower, which included the addition of aluminium cladding, is scrutinized for its potential role in the fire's rapid spread. The complexity of accountability structures in urban regeneration schemes is likely to complicate the investigation into the disaster. The author calls for a rebalancing of power towards residents and away from private developers.
Bataclan attack: One year on, Paris is afraid and divided
One year after the November 13, 2015 attacks in Paris, the city remains tense and divided. The attacks, which killed 130 people, led to a nationwide state of emergency and the deployment of military personnel under Operation Sentinelle. Parisians have had to adapt to increased security measures and a 'new normal' marked by frequent evacuations and heightened vigilance. The impact is felt differently across the city, with poorer, migrant-heavy suburbs experiencing intensified discrimination and hostility. The article highlights the need for unity and protection for all communities, regardless of background.
One year on, Paris attacks reshape city’s residents and their response to terror
The article reflects on the changes in Paris since the terror attacks on November 13, 2015. It discusses the introduction of 'Operation Sentinelle', a significant military deployment in civilian areas, and the 'Plan Vigipirate' terror alert system. The presence of military personnel in public spaces has become a new normal for Parisians, creating a tense atmosphere. Schools have implemented security measures, allowing students to smoke on premises to avoid being targets outside and instructing them on how to act during an attack. The article also touches on the disparities and increased difficulties faced by poorer suburbs with higher migrant populations, where residents have been unfairly targeted with extra-judicial powers. The author argues that protection should be for all, not just one part of the city, and reminds us of the Muslim victims of terrorism, emphasizing the need for protection from violence for everyone.
The new normal: one year since terror attacks, Paris is a city afraid and divided
One year after the November 13, 2015 terror attacks in Paris, the city remains tense and divided. The attacks, which killed 130 people, led to a nationwide state of emergency and the implementation of 'Operation Sentinelle,' deploying 10,000 soldiers, with 6,500 in Paris alone. This heightened security presence has altered daily life, creating an atmosphere of unease. Schools have introduced measures to protect students, including allowing smoking on premises to avoid gatherings outside. The suburbs, particularly poorer areas with high migrant populations, have faced increased scrutiny and hostility, exacerbating existing social tensions.
Secular France is no stranger to interfaith dialogue – now it is more vital than ever
In response to recent terror attacks and rising antisemitism and Islamophobia in France, the historically active relationship between the state and religious organizations is highlighted as more vital than ever. Despite the secular nature of the French state, local authorities have been engaging with religious groups, demonstrating secularism's flexibility. Interfaith relations, such as the French Council of the Muslim Faith's condemnation of attacks and the Abrahamic Group of Duchère's efforts in Lyon, are fostering peace and understanding. The Marseille Espérance Forum's role in promoting inter-religious unity, supported by the municipal government, underscores the importance of dialogue in maintaining social cohesion amidst religious tensions.
Blaming France's History for Recent Attacks Is Wrong—And Dangerous
France is facing severe terrorism, but attributing it solely to its colonial history or socioeconomic issues is overly simplistic and dangerous. The article argues that the root causes of terrorism in France are more aligned with international jihadism and individual criminal behavior rather than historical or social grievances. It warns that focusing too much on these explanations could further marginalize Muslims and minorities in France, who largely do not sympathize with terrorism. The piece also highlights the need for the French government to address serious socioeconomic issues without conflating them with the causes of terrorism.
Blaming inequality for French terror attacks is facile and dangerous
France is facing severe terrorism, often attributed to its colonial history and socio-economic issues. However, this view is overly simplistic and dangerous, as it risks further marginalizing Muslims and minorities. The real issue lies in the history of psychopathic behavior, crime, and violence among the attackers, not socio-economic conditions. The article argues against relying too heavily on historical or sociological explanations, emphasizing the need to address serious socio-economic issues without conflating them with the causes of terrorism.
Blaming Marginalization for French Terror Attacks is Facile and Dangerous
France is facing severe terrorism, often attributed to its colonial history and socioeconomic marginalization of minorities. However, this simplistic view is dangerous and counterproductive. The article argues that the root causes are more complex, involving international jihadism and individual histories of crime and violence. Overemphasizing historical and social factors risks further marginalizing Muslims and minorities in France, who largely do not sympathize with terrorism. The French government needs to address socioeconomic issues without conflating them with the causes of terrorism.
Why France's State Of Emergency Is Not Working
France's state of emergency, extended multiple times since the November 13 Paris attacks, is criticized for being an example of working harder rather than smarter. The deployment of over 10,000 troops is seen as a misguided response to terrorism. The article highlights the lack of agility in French intelligence and law enforcement, particularly in minority-heavy areas. It points out the failure to address underlying issues such as organized crime, economic and social marginalization, and discrimination in the labor market. Both Sarkozy and Hollande have been unsuccessful in tackling these long-term problems, leaving the French state struggling to project legitimacy and effectiveness.
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Verified Jan 2019
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Joined
Jan 2019