In the 21st century are we giving religion the same reverence as race? Should we?
History shows religious difference brought every bit of anger as race, so where are we at today? Do we know for sure we are as open minded as we think?
March 28, 2015
By Mellisa K. Byrnes
...The state’s official colorblindness (click here) not only forbids collecting data on race and religion, but it also refuses individuals the right to any identity beyond Republican citizenship. This doctrine has heightened the social tensions it sought to prevent. Exclusion and xenophobia flourish under these circumstances — a strong caution to those who would have the U.S. embrace a new “post-racial” paradise.
France is undeniably a multi-cultural society, and the notion of Frenchness must be renegotiated by all of its members. The first step — in France and in the rest of Europe — is to admit that racism and discrimination are real, and central to the daily lives of minority citizens. Nothing excuses the cold-blooded murders of recent months. Likewise, no one should abandon strong commitments to the ideals of free speech and open society. Yet, refusing to address persistent inequalities only feeds into the alienation, desperation and anger that often trigger these tragedies.
To address the deep divisions in their citizenry, the French need to start telling a different story about France itself. At the moment, the only voices to speak openly of France’s difficulties in accepting minority populations come from the far-right Front National. This is not a debate for which one wants Marine Le Pen to set the terms. Until others dare to discuss cultural difference, she will do so — and gain votes in the process.
There have been instances when France has embraced its diversity. From the rapturous celebrations of the multiracial World Cup team’s victory in 1998 to the outpouring of support to grant citizenship to Lassana Bathily (the Muslim Malian migrant who protected shoppers attacked by Amedy Coulibaly in January), the French have proven themselves capable of honoring Muslim and minority members of their society.
This openness has its own deep legacy in the French tradition — consider the Revolutionary decisions to grant citizenship to free people of color in 1791 and to abolish slavery in 1794. French leaders must harness the glory of these moments to create a context in which exceptional bravery and prowess are not the only ways for Muslims and other minorities to be recognized as vital members of the Republic....
History shows religious difference brought every bit of anger as race, so where are we at today? Do we know for sure we are as open minded as we think?
March 28, 2015
By Mellisa K. Byrnes
...The state’s official colorblindness (click here) not only forbids collecting data on race and religion, but it also refuses individuals the right to any identity beyond Republican citizenship. This doctrine has heightened the social tensions it sought to prevent. Exclusion and xenophobia flourish under these circumstances — a strong caution to those who would have the U.S. embrace a new “post-racial” paradise.
France is undeniably a multi-cultural society, and the notion of Frenchness must be renegotiated by all of its members. The first step — in France and in the rest of Europe — is to admit that racism and discrimination are real, and central to the daily lives of minority citizens. Nothing excuses the cold-blooded murders of recent months. Likewise, no one should abandon strong commitments to the ideals of free speech and open society. Yet, refusing to address persistent inequalities only feeds into the alienation, desperation and anger that often trigger these tragedies.
To address the deep divisions in their citizenry, the French need to start telling a different story about France itself. At the moment, the only voices to speak openly of France’s difficulties in accepting minority populations come from the far-right Front National. This is not a debate for which one wants Marine Le Pen to set the terms. Until others dare to discuss cultural difference, she will do so — and gain votes in the process.
There have been instances when France has embraced its diversity. From the rapturous celebrations of the multiracial World Cup team’s victory in 1998 to the outpouring of support to grant citizenship to Lassana Bathily (the Muslim Malian migrant who protected shoppers attacked by Amedy Coulibaly in January), the French have proven themselves capable of honoring Muslim and minority members of their society.
This openness has its own deep legacy in the French tradition — consider the Revolutionary decisions to grant citizenship to free people of color in 1791 and to abolish slavery in 1794. French leaders must harness the glory of these moments to create a context in which exceptional bravery and prowess are not the only ways for Muslims and other minorities to be recognized as vital members of the Republic....
