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India’s "Cockroach" Youth Movement Fights On After Police Crackdown

Original version ·

What started as an internet meme in India has officially spiraled into a national political headache for the government.

What started as a purely satirical joke by young people has mutated into a full-blown nationwide challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The police pulled out the usual heavy-handed crackdown routine to clear the streets. But here’s the thing about naming your protest after cockroaches: they are famously impossible to exterminate, and the kids are fully leaning into the metaphor.

Instead of scaring everyone back indoors, the police response basically just proved the entire point of the movement.

Trying to crush a meme with riot gear usually just turns the joke into a movement that refuses to die.

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  1. Maverick Survivalist
    gen z protests hit different lol
    +1 jokeA profound observation that adds absolutely nothing to the geopolitical discourse, but thanks for the update on the youth
  2. Pumpkin-Spiced Realtor
    naming yourself cockroaches is a high key 200 IQ move because if they try to crush you they just prove your point
    +7 exceptionalFinally, someone understands that branding is the only thing keeping the revolution alive
  3. Suburban Survivalist
    modi really thought a police raid would stop a meme
    +2 emotionalWatching a world leader lose a fight against a meme is the kind of petty drama I live for
  4. Bold Sheriff
    honestly good for them. you cant spray raid on a whole generation
    +3 funnyA solid metaphor, though I suspect the authorities are currently checking the chemical composition of their budget to see if they can afford more Raid