From Seattletimes · · 1m 10s
Student Protesters in France Use Strange Slogan
French student protesters adopted a confusing phrase from a Snapchat message as a mocking symbol of police infiltration.
In brief
French student protesters adopted a confusing phrase from a Snapchat message as a mocking symbol of police infiltration. Student protesters in France use 'Bismillah, c’est les ténèbres' to mock police attempts to infiltrate their movements. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Student Protesters in France Use Strange Slogan
French student protesters adopted a confusing phrase from a Snapchat message as a mocking symbol of police infiltration.
“Bismillah, c’est les ténèbres”
Origin of the Phrase
The phrase emerged on Snapchat as a greeting from someone seeking entry to a private chat room for student protest organizers.
“We are going to break everything”
Sardonic Protest Slogan
Demonstrators adopted the phrase to mock police attempts to stifle their cause through infiltration.
“We are going to break everything”
Generational Divide
The phrase highlights tensions between young protesters and authorities who misunderstand their motivations.
“No young person talks like that”
Discrimination Claims
Black and Arab French people report being discriminated against and misunderstood by authorities.
“This is seen as an example of racism because it implies that the people who are going to vandalize property are Arab”
Police Infiltration Concerns
French police sometimes create fake personas to monitor suspected protest organizers.
“In this context, the investigator has the option of creating a pseudonym”
International Spread
The slogan has been used in Belgium, Germany, and by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
“Bismillah, c’est les ténèbres”
The main idea
Student protesters in France use 'Bismillah, c’est les ténèbres' to mock police attempts to infiltrate their movements.
