The 411 on the Gilets Jaunes
The Gilets Jaunes? Granted, we’ve all heard about it on the news but…is it really as big as it seems on the TV?
Being relatively new in Paris as a First Year student, I get a text on a weekly basis by my parents on our family group chat telling me that “This Saturday the demonstrations are going to be the worst one yet, Be Careful!” I do see where they’re coming from but it’s not at all like the media portrays it, I mean sure … if you’re going to the centre of the protest, then yes you may encounter riots and tear gas. But other than that it’s just another Saturday.
My advice would be to be aware and read your email! In addition to my parents’ warnings, Student Success at Parsons Paris sends the whole school emails on a regular basis. These emails make sure we’re all fully aware of the demonstrations and for us to know which areas to avoid, and where we can access further information.
My personal experience with the Gilets Jaunes hasn’t been bad actually. Are they irritating? Yes, because occasionally some metro or bus lines will close on Saturdays which make my life inconvenient. But other than that you actually forget about it after a couple weeks.