Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- march /mahrch/
- discontent /dis-kuhn-TENT/
- opposition /op-uh-ZISH-uhn/
- component /kuhm-POH-nuhnt/
- civic /SIV-ik/
[verb] – to walk with others in a group, often to protest or show support
Thousands of students marched through the city to demand better education.
[noun] – unhappiness or dissatisfaction with a situation
Public discontent grew when the new law raised electricity prices.
[noun] – strong disagreement or resistance to something
Many people showed their opposition to animal testing by signing a petition.
[noun] – an important part or element of something
Water is an essential component of all living things.
[adjective] – related to a town, city, or the duties of its citizens
The school organized a civic event to teach students about voting.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In Barcelona, Spain, a new protest trend has emerged as locals express growing frustration over excessive tourism. On June 17, 2025, approximately 1,000 individuals marched through popular tourist areas, including the luxury shopping boulevard near La Sagrada Familia. Some protestors used low-cost plastic water guns to spray tourists while chanting slogans like “One more tourist, one less resident.” This unusual protest tool first appeared last July during a rally organized by the Neighborhood Assembly for Tourism Degrowth. Initially used for cooling down in the summer heat, the water guns soon transformed into a symbolic protest device. Demonstrators believe that mass tourism is disrupting local life and inflating housing prices, prompting an outcry against what they describe as the city’s transformation into a commercialized theme park.
According to organizers, the water gun is not meant to harm but to illustrate growing discontent. Protesters such as Lourdes Sánchez explained that the toy represents a peaceful method of opposition. Others, like architect Laurens Schocher, stated that the goal is to pressure city authorities rather than confront tourists directly. However, reactions have varied. While some tourists viewed the spray as a harmless act in hot weather, others expressed fear and discomfort, particularly when verbal slogans like “Tourist go home!” were heard. Despite the controversial method, experts warn that tourism remains a vital component of the local economy, and addressing its negative effects requires thoughtful urban planning rather than symbolic gestures alone. The movement underscores an intensifying debate over sustainability, civic identity, and economic dependency in global tourist hubs.
According to organizers, the water gun is not meant to harm but to illustrate growing discontent. Protesters such as Lourdes Sánchez explained that the toy represents a peaceful method of opposition. Others, like architect Laurens Schocher, stated that the goal is to pressure city authorities rather than confront tourists directly. However, reactions have varied. While some tourists viewed the spray as a harmless act in hot weather, others expressed fear and discomfort, particularly when verbal slogans like “Tourist go home!” were heard. Despite the controversial method, experts warn that tourism remains a vital component of the local economy, and addressing its negative effects requires thoughtful urban planning rather than symbolic gestures alone. The movement underscores an intensifying debate over sustainability, civic identity, and economic dependency in global tourist hubs.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a place that had many tourists? If so, what was your experience like? If not, where would you like to visit and why?
- Have you ever joined a protest or seen one in your area? If so, what was the protest about? If not, what would you do if a protest happened near you?
- Do you think using water guns in a protest is a peaceful way to send a message?
- Why do you think the protesters chose water guns instead of other protest tools?
- What are some ways a city can balance tourism and the needs of local residents?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- trend
- local
- tourism
- tourist
- symbolic