An American in Provence

As many people have seen on the news, for weeks now there have been protests and general unrest about the new CPE contract that has been proposed for those under 26 years old. Basically, it states that for the first two years you are in a trial period and can be fired at any time. It also prevents those who have it from renting or buying an apt. in their own name (people don't want to take the risk that you will lose your job at any time and not be able to pay). I don't feel particularly sympathetic to the Anti CPErs. A precarious job is still better than no job right? However, I think a one year trial period is sufficient.
There hasn't been much violent activity here in Marseille. Today was the BIG STRIKE which was pretty much a lot of people wandering aimlessly in the streets and Line 1 of the Metro not working. Side note- why is it always Line 1? Is it just because it is my line?
Here are the reasons I think that it is a lot like the VMI Ratline.
1) At VMI: the upperclassmen try to incite the rats to riot with taunts like "Well your dykes (side note: the word for the Seniors who are paired up with the Freshman to guide them through the first year of VMI) tore apart the Richmond mascot at the VMI-Richmond game. Why don't you do that? Are you scared? You need to prove yourself!"
Here: Well, in 1968 there were huge student riots. "You need an event to define your generation. Why don't you do that? Are you scared? You need to prove yourself!"
2) At VMI: Once the rats start rioting, all the upperclassmen think "Oh argh. Here they go again. This is going to mess up my study time. Why don't they just be quiet and let me do my work?"
Here: Once the students start rioting, everyone else thinks "Oh argh. Here they go again. This is going to mess up my getting to work on time. Why don't they just be quiet and let me do my work?"
3) At VMI: Once the rats have officially declared that they are no longer in the ratline, they wander around aimlessly, thinking What the heck do we do now?
Here: Once the students have officially declared that they are not by golly going to class, they wander around aimlessly, thinking What the heck do we do now?