Explanation: “We should bring back the guillotine” or similar is a common internet quip in response to billionaires doing billionaire things, when in reality the guillotine was invented to provide equal and humane deaths to people of all classes, and from there it was always a tool of the state rather than the people. Not the best euphemism for “we should depose the bourgeoisie.” In fact plenty of Revolutionary justice folks were themselves offed by the guillotine during the Terror.
Too high brow. Most don’t care about nuance. People want stark visuals— which rolling heads of the aristocracy satisfy nicely. And it’s literally the only thing most people remember about the French Revolution.
I mean you’re absolutely not wrong in your observation, but it’s been adopted very successfully for its purpose. Certainly the noose, electric chair or lethal injection wouldn’t work nearly as well. Perhaps some pitchforks and torches, but then we’d just be degraded to a mere mob.
My personal favorite symbol is Orcas. My patron saints of climate and class justice. “Eat the rich(‘s wealth/yachts)!” Just out there protecting their families and leveling the playing field. And having fun while they’re at it.
The problem is that’s what it ends up being anyways. The revolution shouldn’t be defined by how you overthrow your oppressors, but how become better than them.