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.
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.