In recent times, the concept of revolt has taken on different meanings, highlighting the social and political tensions that are sweeping the world. From the threat of riots in the United States following Trump’s defeat, to the demonstrations in Valencia after the tragedy caused by DANA, to the calls of the secretary of the CGIL, Maurizio Landini, for a social revolt, we are witnessing a complex panorama of mobilizations and demands for change.
The demonstration in Valencia, where citizens expressed their discontent with King Felipe and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, is an emblematic example of how frustration can translate into symbolic actions. This “mud revolt” emerged in response to a critical situation that has caused more than 200 deaths. Popular anger found a voice in gestures that, although civil, had a strong media impact.
Landini declared that he did not want to retract his statements regarding the social revolt, on the contrary, he firmly reiterated the need for radical change. The distinction between revolt and revolution is crucial to understanding current dynamics. Professor Alessandro Barbero emphasizes that revolutions are essentially successful revolts. The debate on these issues dates back to ancient times, as demonstrated by the Ciompi riot in 1378, an event that reflected the social inequalities of the medieval era.
The term revolution comes from the Latin “revolvere” and implies a profound change in social organization. According to the Garzantina di Filosofia, we speak of revolution when there are significant changes in the distribution of wealth, power and social prestige. Recent phenomena such as Occupy Wall Street or the Arab Spring demonstrate how these distinctions are still relevant. The difference between revolt and revolution may lie in perspective: while the former looks to the present, the latter projects itself towards the future. However, today we are witnessing a proliferation of small and large revolts rather than real revolutions. In this context, Albert Camus' reflection on the distinction between revolt and revolution remains pertinent. In his book “The Rebel”, Camus describes revolt as a creative act aimed at restoring balance, while he considers revolution as a corruption of this ideal through the imposition of violence.
In light of recent historical events and philosophical reflections, a crucial question emerges: what drives young people today to focus on revolts instead of unlikely revolutions? While the sense of oppression seems pervasive, it is clear that there is a collective will to rebel. Young people find in small daily struggles a way to express their desire for change.
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