The New Pandemic is Global Outrage at America
What is the reason so many people around the world are taking to the streets? The death of George Floyd, a black American man, at the hands of the police has upset many people.
Young people are saying they have had enough. Enough of racism. Enough of the limits created by the Covid-19 virus. Enough of being out of work. And they say enough of the leadership of Donald Trump.
Outrage is happening on the streets of Berlin and Vancouver. It is in the halls of power in Addis Ababa and Ethiopia. In Beijing, the government is making fun of the U.S.
In London, thousands of demonstrators gathered at the United States Embassy. They defied stay-at-home coronavirus restrictions. In Toronto, there were calls to end American racism.
There is growing unease about America. President Trump did not deal well with the coronavirus. It looks like the United States has lost its place in times of crisis.
The death of Mr. Floyd has brought protests to at least 140 American cities. It reminds people that Covid-19 affects minorities more than others.
In Berlin, thousands of demonstrators held a peaceful protest outside of the U.S. Embassy. Some were carrying signs that read “Stop Killing Us.” In Downtown Montreal, a protest on Sunday turned violent.
Even the town Idlib in Syria had a protest. The government is trying to take control. But artists placed a mural on the shell of a ruined building with the words “I Can’t Breathe” and “No to Racism.”
China is having a field day. The Chinese press says the demonstrations are a sign of the decline of America. “BunkerBoy” became a social media topic. It reflects reports that Secret Service agents rushed Mr. Trump to a bunker on Friday.
A commentator said, “Beijing could not have hoped for a better gift. The U.S. says China is the culprit of all evils. It is now the country making headlines around the world with urban riots.”
An American official chided China on Hong Kong.
The Chinese official shot back.
In Iran, the foreign minister, accused the United States of hypocrisy.
The European Union issued an unusual statement on American affairs. It said that it hoped “all the issues” related to the protests in the U.S. “will be settled swiftly.” Most of the time this kind of statement is directed at countries crushing it citizens.
A protest is forming in Amsterdam’s Central Dam Square.
In Lebanon, a group compiled a document. Its title is “From Beirut to Minneapolis: A Protest Guide in Solidarity.”
A Chilean activist wrote on Twitter. He cautioned demonstrators to protect their eyes from police rubber bullets.
In Australia, the hashtag #aboriginallivesmatter was trending on Twitter.
It seems demonstrations will go on in America and around the world.
Source: New York Times June 1, 2020
