WHAT IS GOING ON
EUROPE?
Thirteen days ago, in
the "banlieus" of Paris, two young Frenchmen were trying to hide from
the police. During the chase, they were electrocuted by a transformer.
These young men were 15 and 17 years old. After this, other young people
living in the same area began setting cars on fire, and a revolt started.
Since that night, in Paris and in other cities in France and across
Europe as well, this revolt has spread. So, what is the reality that is
causing these people to express themselves by
terrorizing their own neighborhoods?
The banlieu system
started as a way of providing cheap housing for people who were having
financial difficulties. In some countries, the people living there have
turned out to be mostly immigrants. The immigrants then give birth to
children who become citizens of the country in which they are living.
But they are never treated as citizens; they are rejected by the "real
citizens." By law they have to study in schools which are also in the
banlieus, where most teachers don't want to work. These schools don't
have enough financial support because the support received is
proportional to a school's success, and the banlieu schools aren't
successful enough. At the same time, the immigrant parents are, if
they're lucky, working for very low salaries, or else they're unemployed.
The young people's resentment over their non-acceptance by the "real
citizens" starts to grow, their anger towards the authorities becomes
uncontrollable, and then an "unlucky" incident causes them to lose their
self-restraint. They vent their rage against their families, their
government and the people who have never regarded them as equal.
Although this particular
revolt started in France and is spreading through Europe, the situation
is almost the same in all countries. The secret rage that might lead to
revolt is asleep until another unlucky incident occurs. If, before this,
the people in authority try to create equality in their country, maybe
such an event will be avoided. But if the necessary changes are not
implemented, people may become filled with even more anger, which will
harm and maybe destroy more innocent lives.
To turn this negative
event into a positive turning point for the world is difficult and maybe
politically impossible, but still, we know that nothing is impossible.
As an electrical and electronics engineering student, I just wanted to
share my opinions with you without any bias or political aim. I hope
you have an excellent week.
Sıla Türkü Kural (EE/III)
turku@ug.bilkent.edu.tr
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