I don’t usually comment on French political events, but this week is different. France, and the world, are under siege. Is this just the beginning of a new normal, or will the world tackle this horrible form of terrorism, in which ‘soft’ targets—innocent civilians, going about their business—are targeted by individuals? Even children are intended victims, and sometimes they are innocent perpetrators, forced into combat. It’s a horrifying and cruel turn of events. Note to Muslim radicals: brutally murdering innocent, unarmed civilians does not lend respect or credibility to your cause in the eyes of the world.
We are in the states this month, so I missed experiencing the French reactions up close and personal. But friends in France tell me the country is bouleversé: confused, perplexed, turned upside down. The worldwide response has been enormous, and the French have made a great showing of solidarity, with three million people taking to the streets. Even in our small town of Cluny, there was a silent candlelight march with a huge turnout that was moving to see on video.
For me personally, the massacre has inspired some soul-seaching, reflection, and research. I’ve been reading a bit about Islam, and contemplating the nature of religion, and how it impacts behavior. Is there something about Islam which inspires such brutal violence, and which fosters the gender inequality of the Muslim culture? Or is this extremism a response to oppression and repression, poverty, discrimination, and other social/political/economic issues? I suspect the latter is true.
What to do about these internal terroists? Well, if President Hollande happens to give me a call to ask my advice, I will tell him to start here: Muslims in France are not well integrated into society, as they are in some other countries. Many live in ghettos, in poverty, around the big cities. Unemployment is high and job discrimination is rampant. And what happens when you have an immigrant population of unemployed, disaffected youth, powerless and excluded from society? It should be a surprise to no one that they turn to violence and crime. The French have known for a long time about this problem, a tough one that hopefully now will get their full attention.
In addition I keep searching and hoping for a strong, concerted response from mainstream Muslims. I am deeply curious about how they perceive these acts, and why they have not protested, en masse. I wonder if their mostly silent response is quiet approval, fear of reprisal, or something else altogether. In any case, their silence is troubling.
I borrowed the photo above from Susan Loomis' post because I like that digital sign about the police, from the Paris Mayor's office: "I am a Jew, a Muslim, a Christian, an atheist. I am French, I am a citizen of the world, I am Charlie." We are all Charlie, we are Everyman, woman and child, searching for peace and freedom.
Favorite Reads: Some other bloggers writing about the events of the past week: Most of you know the French Word a Day blog, and Kristin did a moving post on the subject. I also liked the photos from Susan Loomis' blog, On Rue Tatin. (Susan, by the way, is a the author of the delightful On Rue Tatin: Living and Cooking in a French Town
14 thoughts on “Contemplating Charlie”
Lynn, although we did not go to the March in Cluny, we joined in he minutes silence at midday and left a candle burning in our gallery window overnight.
As you so rightly point out, the immigrant community is not integrated into daily life here in France. We can see that in Macon where they mainly live in the tower blocks.
It is also frightening that because this happened in Paris it has produced such a huge response in contrast to the atrocities being carried out in West Africa by Boko Haram, multiple kidnapping of young girls and the massacre of a whole town, all in the name of extreme Islam. We can add the massacre in the school in Peshawar in Pakistan and the shooting of Malala, all to stop young people being educated.
History shows us that Christianity is not blameless, with the persecutions, mostly by Roman Catholics of other Christians, Protestants and, here in France, the Cathars. Whilst third world Muslim countries may need time to catch up with our values regarding freedom of speech, gender equality and equality of opportunity, it is obvious that we cannot allow these atrocities to continue.
I have seen television interviews of Muslim leaders condemning the shootings but also condemning the cartoon of CH. I have not come across any mass protests by Muslims, such as Not in My Name and, as you say, I find this disturbing.
I am a Jew, a Muslim, a Christian, an atheist. I am French, I am a citizen of the world, I am Charlie.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Lynn. Wise and insightful.
Like most people, I’m horrified by the murders in Paris. I also think that, when you’re discussing “soft targets” you should consider the numbers of innocent Muslims killed in US drone strikes and other forms of attacks. Additionally, I have read comments by many Muslims condemning the attacks in Paris. As I understand it, plenty of French Muslims took part in the march as well.
Lynn, I’ve been watching, reading everything I can since the tragedies in Paris. What you wrote was perfect, and quite beautiful.
Lynn, I have watched and read everything I could since the tragedies in Paris. What you have written here is–as the Brits say–spot on. And quite beautiful.
In response to JANE, it’s an excellent point that most religions have had their share of abuse and atrocities. In response to JETAGAIN: There is plenty of blame to go around, starting perhaps with the war in Iraq, which inflamed the situation. I do think we need to differentiate between war and terrorism (though both are horrible). Yes there are always civilian casualties in war, unjustly so, but the rules of warfare don’t include individuals willfully and brutally attacking civilians.
And there are many moderate muslims out there, and many spoke up, and attended the marches I’m sure, it’s a good point. My point is, where are the big demonstrations, muslims uniting to tell the world that their religion does not condone murdering journalists, gunning down school children? There ARE big demonstrations in some Muslim countries this week, but against Charlie Hebdo. Anyone interested in reading more about this subject might check out NY Times columnist Thomas Friedman’s article, “We Need Another Giant Protest”.
Bonjur Lynn and merci for your insightful and sensitive blog on last weeks terrible attack in Paris! As usual, you have given this subject a great deal of thought and reflection AND I believe your thoughts on better integration of all immigrants into the French fabric is required. President Sarkozy had campaigned on setting up trade schools and an integration process to do just that but, nothing significant occurred – sadly! I too wait for those Arab countries populated mostly by Muslims to stand up and show they are a peaceful religion and will not tolerate such terriorism against mankind AND their own citizens. Keep up your superb writing, Montelle
Lynn, thank you for this beautifully written and thought provoking post.
Am remembering the Beatles “Love Is All We Need” and thinking how I miss such a sentiment.
Lynn, your article is beautifully written and your words heart felt. I think you hit the nail on the head as to the underlying cause of this unrest in France, and throughout the news of the awful events in France, I’m reminded, that the situation is very similar in the US, re blacks and whites. Blacks are certainly more assimilated into our culture, but hate is a factor in all white on black and black on white crimes. So while France’s unrest is religious, ours is racial. Yes, the Beatles had the right idea in “Love Is All We Need,” and in Lennon’s “Imagine.” Today as we honor Dr. King in the USA, I’m wondering what wise words he would share with us, if he could.
Thoughtful overview Lynn…Problem is you cannot house train a rabid dog. There is only one course of action that resolves the situation. Further, these savages think nothing of women and children—their atrocities against them is well documented….time and time again.
Lynn, so appreciated your post and insights. It does seem that addressing the root causes globally are key to a better future for all. The marginalization of people in Europe, the U.S. and countries where nation states are failing tragically and extremism allowed to take a stronger hold are so disturbing. The Boko Haram victims so need the world’s attention as well. Our hearts and thoughts and hopes are with all in these challenging times. Bon courage a tous. To a world that is pluralist and encompasses and integrates all for a better tomorrow. Merci et bon weekend.
In our small town of Arnay le Duc, I overheard several people at the manif the Sunday after the attacks saying they could not remember a time when French people had gathered together in such solidarity. It takes a rare and often tragic event to spur that sense of collectivity, but when you do see it, it is an affirmation of the power of the human spirit and its ability to triumph over all the bad that exists in this complicated world.
Mark, I too believe things have to become unbearably and unbelievably insane before people stop to understand what is happening and join together to search for ways to change. France is so beautiful it is hard to think of anything so terrible happening in that historic and magnificent country,almost like a dream land. I think the French have finally awoken to find themselves living in a nightmare and hopefully they will now have the strength and courage to pull together and support a government that will find the wisdom to work with all the people toward the necessary changes, Maybe they will be able to set an example that others can follow- a next step in world revolution for peace. I find it so intriguing that the majority of the people marching, Jew, Muslim,, Christian, all believe in the same God.
Thank you, Lynn, for writing such a thoughtful and timely piece.
Ellen (and Rudy, too)