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“You Shall Not Pass”: Gandalf, Black Panther and Deadpool Take to the Streets of France
French protests that began with high-school students demanding better educational conditions have expanded into demonstrations against the rising cost of living. Some protesters have taken to the streets dressed as characters such as Gandalf, Black Panther and Deadpool, using humour and striking imagery to draw attention to their cause.
Students have cited overcrowded, understaffed schools, poor facilities and uncertainty about future employment. Protesters say costumes help them connect with younger demonstrators and bring moments of joy without trivialising the struggle. Police have said they will enforce France’s 2010 anti-mask law at demonstrations, with fines for people who conceal their identities.
In short
- Student protests over schools have grown into wider cost-of-living demonstrations.
- Some participants use fantasy costumes to attract attention and show support.
- Police have warned they will enforce the anti-mask law.
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The case for
Protesters can argue that playful costumes make serious grievances more visible, help younger demonstrators feel included and offer moments of joy amid anxiety over schools, living costs and future work. If costumes do not prevent identification, they can be a creative form of expression that draws attention to the issues without trivialising them.
The case against
Authorities can argue that rules against concealing identities at demonstrations support public safety and accountability, and that costumes which obscure faces may make it harder to identify people responsible for violence or other offences. Enforcing the law consistently can protect those aims while leaving room for protest that complies with the rules.
Explained simply
France’s schools are run by the state, and students have raised concerns about crowded classrooms, too few staff and poor facilities. Many are also worried about finding secure work after leaving education.
The demonstrations have widened to include people concerned about the rising cost of living. Protesters sometimes wear familiar fictional characters to attract attention and connect with younger demonstrators; police say they may apply a law that fines people for hiding their faces in public gatherings.
The protests bring together people with different concerns about education and everyday costs. They matter because they show how pressure on public services and household budgets can become linked in street demonstrations.