So in a month when France has been affected by mass student protests and yet more unrest in the Parisian banlieux, should we be more like the French when angry at our lot?

For the ordinary French man or woman protesting and striking does, at times, bring about change.

The government has and will listen, whether it's a request for better accommodation or more job prospects after graduation, a little civil unrest seems to pull all the right strings of the Gallic policy makers.
But it also brings about much disruption and stress. When teachers strike and schools close, millions of parents lose pay when they stay at home with the kids.

When students take to the streets some vandalise buildings and cars or commit violence against others.

It's not as exciting and awe-inspiring as it may seem to us on the TV. The other problem with the French protest movement is that many of its 'members' only seem to be doing it because it's the done thing.

When I was working as a teaching assistant in France during the 2005/6 riots and protests, I knew that many of my students had skipped school to attend marches. When I asked them why they had gone, few could tell me why they went. They were there because everyone else was too.

Here in the UK, how many protesters tell you the reason they're protesting to stop the war or get more food or scrap tuition fees is because their mate Dave told them to?

The way the British act en masse when aggrieved is in many ways superior to what happens in France. In Paris they throw Molotov cocktails. In Sheffield we write petitions and ask nicely if we can have a bit more money for our food.

I think it's brilliant. Of course, more people need to care about important issues but the way in which we react to perceived injustices is amazing.

We are terribly polite, we make banners, create petitions, and if we're really angry we sit down somewhere, boycott something, or take a little stroll through the city centre.

But, it makes the papers all the same, and that's what's needed.What works for the French won't necessarily work in Britain. Striking and protesting are as much part of French culture as queuing is to the British.

The Channel may separate two countries, but it also separates two peoples and their cultures.

So, we needn't be more like the French - we can bring about change in our own way. Remember we overthrew our monarchy too…And were ahead of France in getting votes for women.

But, France does seem to engage its young people's interest in the decisions which affect them.

Whilst many young French people only protest and strike because it's the done thing, far more there than here seem to know about the important decisions and what they mean.

Maybe the British could take a leaf out of France's book after all.


This article was contributed by the Steel Press. For more stories by the University of Sheffield paper visit: http://shefsteel.com/