What makes the French 'French'?
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French
immigration minister Eric Besson has launched a three month debate on France's
'national identity'. A series of debates and public meetings will be held around
the country in an attempt to discover what makes the French 'French' and
controversially 'what immigration contributes to the national identity'. Proposals will also be invited on actions that can be used to reinforce the national identity, the first proposal being from Besson himself suggests that school children should sing the French national anthem at least once a year.
Some politicians have attacked the campaign on the grounds of it being anti immigration and have warned that it could alienate a large portion of France's population.
A government website has been set up at http://www.debatidentitenationale.fr/ where as well as news on the campaign visitors can also contribute their own views.
What do you think it means to be French, do you consider yourself French and would you be happy to sing the national anthem once a year?
Comments (2)
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Dianne Bond
said:
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... I am Australian and I love France and have some French friends and acquaintances and I have visited France twice. I have found in French people self confidence and I think this is at least partly due to the long and rich culture of France as well as France staving off other countries trying to conquer France. When I think of France I think of Romance, Food, Wine/Vineyards, Fashion, Stone buildings, the Seine, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph, Palace of Versailles, the Louvre, the great artists, French cars, Perfume, Rustic farmhouses, Beautiful gardens, Givency to name but a few things and each of these things are man made. Man made by the French people. Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve, Gerard Depardieu and so many other actors. The French language is beautiful. There are many great songs and the music is lovely. The avenues of poplar trees the cafe's, street lamps, and I think the desire of the French people is to remain true to their heritage regardless of their travels and resettlements in other countries. The French are proud to be French and I don't find French people arrogant just confident. I also know that family is hugely important to the French people and simple, wholesome food is enjoyed far more than instant or fast foods even though the latter has entered French territory. The ambience in most parts of France is charming and its all thanks to the French people. Voila |
GKelly
said:
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... When I visit France, my goal is to truly experience France - the lifestyle, the food, the pride in their culture, the attitude, the values, the history, all of it. Every nation has immigration, but that is not what draws people to visit other countries. It is the national identity that draws them in. I do pray France will stand strong in their effort to preserve what it is to be French. Why do people emigrate to other nations if they do not wish to be part of that particular culture? If my lifelong dream of owning a home in France should ever come true, rest assured I want to assimilate into the French culture and not the other way around. |
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What makes the French 'French'?
French immigration minister Eric Besson has launched a three month debate on France's 'national identity'. A series of debates and public meetings will be held around the country in an...
French immigration minister Eric Besson has launched a three month debate on France's 'national identity'. A series of debates and public meetings will be held around the country in an...
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