The recent unrest at European and American universities evokes memories of the student demonstrations of the 1960s, but with a noticeable decline in scale and significance. In the United States, only a handful of universities have been affected, with a few thousand students participating out of a total college enrollment of over 15 million. In France, the protests are primarily happening at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, also known as Sciences Po, with an estimated student population of 12,000 to 15,000, including a substantial number of foreign students from diverse backgrounds. The “Palestinian Group” leading the protests consists of around 200 members, of which 50 to 60 actively engage in disruptive actions like smashing windows and staging hunger strikes. Despite the small numbers involved, the protests have garnered widespread media coverage, with television channels from over 50 countries reporting on the events and live streams reaching a global audience. Comparisons to the student protests of the 1960s are inevitable, as those movements were fueled by issues like the Vietnam War and a rejection of colonial-era cultural norms. In contrast, today’s protesters appear motivated by different concerns, such as their views on Israel and Palestine. While the anti-Israel sentiment is strong among contemporary protestors, it stands in stark contrast to the pro-Israel stance taken by many in the 1960s, when Israel was seen as a symbol of resistance against colonial powers. The ideologies driving modern protests reflect a shift in thinking, with today’s demonstrators eschewing the educational discussions and debates that characterized earlier movements. Instead of engaging in dialogue and seeking understanding, many protesters seem content to rely on superficial slogans and symbolic gestures, such as burning flags or defacing statues. It is evident that the landscape of student activism has evolved over the decades, with current protests lacking the depth and nuance of their historical predecessors. While the issues at stake may differ, the passion and fervor of young activists remain constant, reminding us that the spirit of dissent and rebellion is an enduring force in society, even if its manifestations have changed over time. —Amir Taheri (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
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