this post was submitted on 21 May 2024
608 points (100.0% liked)
196
16732 readers
1972 users here now
Be sure to follow the rule before you head out.
Rule: You must post before you leave.
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
You're both right.
Often, descriptors like simply, only, just, etc. are used to diminish or manage perceptions of dissent.
However, saying 'no it's just a riot' in this case is merely accurate grammar, as it's applying needed nuance and limits to the definition of civil disobedience.
As you pointed out, this is partly a matter of interpretation. So opinions could reasonably vary, and I respect that.
I believe it's clear enough that in this case, saying that the situation is just a riot, is a way of taking focus away from the other things that were happening. Perhaps it wasn't a riot and then turned into one, and maybe we should be focusing on what happened first. Or perhaps there was a riot happening along with something else, and that second thing is worth mentioning.