The narrative battle over France’s unrest
Student protests in France have evolved into one of the country's biggest waves of unrest in years, with mainstream media focusing on violence rather than demonstrators' demands.
What began as protests over education has rapidly taken over the streets of France and turned into one of the country's biggest waves of unrest in years. The demonstrations have drawn international attention, particularly regarding how media outlets are framing the coverage.
Media coverage criticized
Many mainstream media outlets have focused their coverage on the violence and looting rather than on the demands of the demonstrators. A lot of airtime has fixated on who the protesters are and what they look like, often using racist terms.
That narrative has been picked up by right-wing movements abroad, potentially influencing international perceptions of the French unrest.
Expert perspectives
Contributors to The Listening Post's analysis include Cole Stangler, author of 'Paris Is Not Dead' and lecturer at the American College of the Mediterranean; Paris-based journalist Diane de Vignemont; lecturer and writer Harrison Stetler; and Philippe Marliere, professor of French and European politics at University College London.
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