It is always possible to protest peacefully
Updated On: 02 June, 2020 07:30 AM IST | The Editorial
Transport this scenario to the country or the city, and you see how violence actually does nothing for the cause one aims to highlight. It actually derails the reason for the protest and puts the spotlight on the disruption.
Smoke rises near a demonstrator facing a row of police during a protest to call for justice for George Floyd in Minneapolis, the US. Pic/AFP
The scale of riots over the death of George Floyd in the USA have shocked the world. While earlier, there was merit in the protesters' claims about racism and message that black lives matter, now, the riots seemed to have segued into something else altogether.
Currently, it is about mindless violence, and an opportunity to vandalise public property and loot stores. Somewhere within the mayhem and madness, George Floyd and the black cause, the reminder that we still need to fight racism and discrimination in an unequal world, seem to have been lost altogether. Another factor, of course, is that this is coming in the backdrop of the COVID-19 threat and there is no social distancing or masks when these rioters congregate.
Transport this scenario to the country or the city, and you see how violence actually does nothing for the cause one aims to highlight. It actually derails the reason for the protest and puts the spotlight on the disruption. As the migrant problem festers in Mumbai, uncertainty and gloom make this a tinderbox. Officials, authorities, law enforcers and the public are on a short fuse.
We have seen potential problems when migrants are taking trains, but this was quelled by the police swiftly. Let us learn lessons that to make points or tell the world something, we must use peaceful methods, rather than run riot. The latter also results in public losing sympathy for you and at times your cause. Lives are in disarray because of all the problems brought on by the wrong methods to capture eyeballs.
ADVERTISEMENT
Poll
Who will win the Punjab Elections?
It may be ironical but there is great power in restraint and at times, relative silence speaks louder than words. As we stand poised on the brink of life-changing events and are threatened by the circumstances, we must understand the power of lawful protest.
Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and a complete guide from food to things to do and events across Mumbai. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.
Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news
Trending Stories
Latest Web Stories
Latest Photos
17 December, 2025 11:56 AM IST | IN PHOTOS: MLAs at Vidhan Bhavan during Maharashtra Legislative Council polls
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 09:32 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: People in Mumbai celebrate Gauri Puja during Ganeshotsav
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 09:13 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: Mumbai witnesses sunny weather as rains take a break
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 01:53 PM IST | In Photos: Amit Shah attends Ganeshotsav 2024 festivities in Mumbai
Divya Nair
Latest Videos
ADVERTISEMENT
Mid-day Fast
Latest Headlines
08 July, 2026 01:00 PM IST | mid-day online correspondent
03 July, 2026 05:36 PM IST | Tuhina Upadhyay
03 July, 2026 04:56 PM IST | Shachi Chaturvedi
03 July, 2026 04:55 PM IST | Oshin Fernandes