Author Links Riots to 'Wokeism' and Welfare State

Scenes of destruction witnessed in Paris and other European cities suggest a broader societal breakdown, according to columnist Sarah Vine. She likens the rioters to "zombies," driven not by political activism but by greed, entitlement, and envy, rather than desperation.

Vine argues that these individuals are "indulged, ignorant, undisciplined children of a bloated welfare state and a culture of wokeism." She contends that for years, European governments have attempted to appease societal issues through welfare spending rather than addressing root causes. This approach, she suggests, has fostered an underclass with little loyalty or respect for their nations.

The author contrasts the rioters' actions with the ideals of capitalist consumer culture, citing George A. Romero's "Dawn Of The Dead" as a satire on societal decay. She observes that the rioters, often displaying expensive brands and smartphones, are not the "weak and starving" but rather those who have benefited from extensive social programs. France, for example, spends billions annually on social protection and welfare, yet continues to experience such unrest.

Vine dismisses justifications for the riots that frame them as protests against police actions or cost-of-living crises. She points to the media's characterization of looters as "student protesters" as a misrepresentation. Instead, she attributes the behavior to a lack of instilled values such as hard work, respect, and resilience, fostered by a culture that prioritizes instant gratification and views material possessions as rights.

While acknowledging that immigration may play a role in some instances, Vine asserts it is not the sole or primary cause. She notes that many rioters in various European cities appear to be white, and points to figures like Greta Thunberg as examples of individuals from Northern European backgrounds. However, she also states that in countries like France and Italy, a significant number of foreign nationals and immigrants live in segregated communities, sometimes without sharing the values, history, or traditions of their adopted nations.

Vine criticizes governments for indulging these divisions through policies influenced by "post-colonial guilt" and "political correctness." She believes this approach has led to a "fatally fractured" culture, where Western values are not defended. The author extends this critique to Britain, suggesting a similar governmental reliance on welfare over enterprise and an "excuse culture" where victimhood is normalized.

She concludes by emphasizing the privilege of living in Western societies like Britain and vows to defend them against what she perceives as destructive forces, likening them to "zombie hordes."