MyMemeCards editorial team
In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “"Instead of raising hell"” is a common card of the French Politics pack, number 14 of the collection, and the 90th best-known meme of its 127 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “"Instead of raising hell"” meme mean?
The expression contrasts what is seen as disruptive protest with the more productive act of seeking employment. It conveys frustration towards strikes or demonstrations viewed as unnecessary disorder rather than legitimate dissent. On the internet, it is often used ironically to mock political disconnect or to highlight situations where action is preferred over complaint. It serves as a shorthand for criticizing social unrest perceived as counterproductive.
Where does the “"Instead of raising hell"” meme come from?
The phrase originates from Emmanuel Macron, then President of France, during an official visit on October 4, 2017, in Égletons, Corrèze. He was speaking privately with Alain Rousset, President of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, regarding employees of the automotive supplier GM&S who were protesting the closure of their foundry in Ussel. Two cameras, including one from BFMTV, captured this confidential exchange. The video was subsequently broadcast by media outlets, revealing the use of the familiar term "raising hell." This revelation caused a major controversy regarding the gap between the head of state and the working class. The Élysée spokesperson, Bruno Roger-Petit, initially defended a truncated quote, before Macron explicitly regretted the word used while maintaining the substance of his argument regarding job search.
- 2017On October 4, Emmanuel Macron delivers the phrase in Égletons during an official trip in Corrèze.
How to use the “"Instead of raising hell"” meme
- Use this phrase to ironically criticize protests considered ineffective or harmful to daily life.
- Employ it to highlight the perceived disconnect between political leaders' concerns and the economic reality of workers.
- Use it to suggest that prioritizing job hunting is better than union protest in certain contexts.
Also searched as
- "au lieu de foutre le bordel"
- "stop causing trouble"
- "go get a job"
- instead of raising hell macron
- meaning instead of raising hell
- origin instead of raising hell quote
- macron regrets raising hell context
- macron egletons video 2017
- alain rousset macron whisper
The “"Instead of raising hell"” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 014 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Common |
| Collection | French Politics pack |
| Fame | 66/100 · #90 of 127 |
| Recycle value | 5 MemeCoins (15 in Shiny) |
How to get the “"Instead of raising hell"” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; "Instead of raising hell" comes out of the French Politics pack as a common card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 5 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art 0.8%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “"Instead of raising hell"”
More cards of the French Politics pack
Frequently asked questions
Who said instead of raising hell?
This phrase was spoken by Emmanuel Macron, President of France, during a visit to Corrèze in October 2017.
Context instead of raising hell?
The president was talking about GM&S employees protesting their factory's situation in Ussel, in private with Alain Rousset.
Macron regrets raising hell?
Yes, after the video spread, Emmanuel Macron apologized for the vocabulary used, while standing by the core message about employment.
What does instead of raising hell meme mean?
It is a viral quote used to mock political disconnect or to contrast social protest with job seeking.
How do I get the "Instead of raising hell" meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “"Instead of raising hell"” is a common card of the French Politics pack. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the "Instead of raising hell" card?
It is a Common card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: "Au lieu de foutre le bordel..." La petite phrase de Macron ... · D'où vient le «bordel» évoqué par Emmanuel Macron? · VIDEO. Quatre fois où les mots d'Emmanuel Macron ont fâché · checked on October 8, 2026.
Read next
Want "Instead of raising hell" in your collection?
Open your free pack: 5 meme cards, no account needed.