A new wave of protests and riots have spread across France. The murder of Nahel Merzouk by police was the catalyst. The murder highlights the discrimination and racism directed at the Arab and immigrant populations in France. The Arab and African population are segregated in the suburbs. The disturbing amount of police brutality directed at immigrants, Africans, Arabs, and the workers show that France is descending into a quasi-authoritarian state. European countries can no longer claim they are models of liberal democracy, with a number of social and economic problems. When action is not taken, sometimes the frustration projects itself in riots. France has yellow vest demonstrations and protests against pension reform. The more discord grows the more society becomes unstable. The Arab and Muslim community is facing isolation and targeted violence. Islamophobia gradually is becoming government policy. The growth of xenophobic nativist nationalism only has exacerbated matters across Europe. The riots and protests are reminder little has changed since the events of 2005. The response now is more repression. According to the Interior Ministry a total of 45,000 police officers have been deployed. Racism and xenophobia are getting worse at a time when economic challenges are not being addressed. What cannot be denied is that France is racially segregated. The former empire colonized countries in Africa and Asia. The imperial legacy continues in the form of racial hatred and an arrogant sense of cultural superiority. The protests and riots in France certainly will damage the nation's image around the world.
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