Since the last post, tthe terrible massacre in Charleston occurred, and broke our hearts. It was a wrenching tragedy, and our prayers go out to the victims and their families. And of course it started all sorts of conversations, about race, gun control, and excessive violence in America,
An American friend asked me this week , "What's the story on guns in France?" So I decided to look into this a bit deeper.
First, some observations from across the pond: In the US there is increasingly a culture of violence, shockingly evident when we go back to visit. In the US local papers, every day seems to bring fresh gun violence. Movies, TV shows and video games are disturbing in their ever more graphic violence, and Americans seem to have an insatiable thirst for watching it (how blood and gore got to be entertainment will always be a mystery to me). French movies and TV do not follow this violent pattern. Though of course American culture-creep is unavoidable, so US movies are shown here as well.
French gun laws are tough, and violent crime is low. In France the gun culture is pretty much limited to those who hunt, a popular pastime in the countryside.The recent massacres by deranged (foreign) gunmen in France have caused France, and Europe, to tighten their strict gun laws even further (this has not happened in the US, sadly). Private ownership of handguns in France is illegal, but hunting rifles may still be bought by those who hold a hunting license (frequently renewed, psychological evaluation required), and owners must register their ownership of a hunting rifle with the police. There are regulations about how to store guns in the home.
The municipal police in France are not generally armed, though they can be. The national police are a branch of the military, and they are armed.
One reason civilians don't carry guns here in France may be because they don’t feel the NEED to carry guns. Violent crime here is rare. It’s seems to be a vicious circle in the US: guns begat more violence, causing more people to believe they should carry guns, which then causes more impulsive violence, firearm accidents, and suicides with guns. That cycle doesn’t exist here. Photo right: Gun control issues in France? No, the national discussion here at the moment is more about the dangers of messing with vegetable genes.
So let’s compare the statistics.
Number of guns owned in the US: about 90 per 100 people
Number of guns owned in France: about 31 per 100 people
Murders per capita: The US has nearly five times the number of murders per capita as does France or the UK.
Percentage of murders involving guns, US: 67.5%
Percentage of murders involving guns, France: 9.6%
(Source: the Washington Post )
There is no equivalent of the strong American gun lobby here in France. To understand the philosphy of the all-powerful NRA in the US, you only have to listen a member of the NRA board, who blamed the VICTIM in Charleston, saying the Charleston incident wouldn’t have happened if the preacher had been armed. Now picture this: per this NRA board member, the good reverend is supposed to walk around all day, even at prayer meetings, with a loaded gun in his pocket, instantly accessible, John Wayne style. And when someone suddenly points a gun at him, he is supposed to have time to pull out HIS gun and shoot someone who already has a gun pointed at his head? I don’t think so.
By the way, did you read about the guy who was at a wedding at the Waldorf Astoria two weeks ago, and the loaded gun in his pocket accidentally discharged? Injuring five people, as it ricocheted; one person was shot in the head. Yet the NRA wants to put guns in kindergartens, and arm college students (who have been known, on occasion, to drink excessively and act irresponsibly. Hey, let’s add guns to that mix!). In France—or any other country in the civilized world, for that matter—this would be laughable, unthinkable, deplorable. As it should be.
My friend also asked, "If France isn't as violent, what about those riots in the big cities?" They are indeed a problem, and they typically occur in poor neighborhoods where there are disenfranchised youth. But the main outlet for male French frustration is not gunplay but setting empty cars on fire. Even in a peaceful week, auto arson is popular in les banlieues, or ghettos (bad behavior, but I’ll take property damage any day over shootings).
I’m not sure why burning cars is a tradition. Maybe the fire evokes some sort of male caveman instinct, just as guns are so much about flaunting machismo, and male aggression (sorry guys, but over 90% of homicides in the US are committed by males).
The bottom line is, when it comes to crime, we feel much safer here in France, and the numbers confirm that. As do the repeated horrific US shootings. Can’t we Americans take a lesson from the French on this one, s'il vous plâit? Make l’amour, not war!
In the COMMENTS: Juanita, that is TOO funny that you had almost the same experience! And thanks for the cooking tip, y'all. I've never seen cooking spray in France, though surely it exists–I must look again. Augusta, it does resemble baba au rhum quite a bit (which I love), though it's a little more bread-like and not as sweet. Surely they are culinary cousins. Martin talks about Flammenkuche, a good subject for another blog one day. Jane, thanks for the tip on a local source, see you at the market I hope. Ellen, I think it will freeze just fine if you wrap it tightly. Natalia, oh my, nibbling around the globs, that sounds serious!
Favorite Reads & Views: Here's an interesting and funny article/video by an Australian comic. The subject: How the rest of the world sees US gun laws. On a lighter note, my friend Alix recommends My Paris Dream: An Education in Style, Slang, and Seduction in the Great City on the Seine
Cartoon at top by Draw-ception.
14 thoughts on “Make l’Amour, Not War”
Well done Lynn. Thoughtful piece.
Thank you for sharing these sad but important details! We are constantly having this conversation, on both sides of the pond, and now we have some numbers to share.
Yes, we often refer to America as the wild, wild west.
Great post, Lynn!
BONJOUR LYNN ET MERCI BEAUCOUP!!! You have hit the nail on the head between French and USA gun violence. Most of my American male friends are like me, a retired military serviceman, but living abroad has given me a different perspective on gun ownership, gun registration and psychological testing before gun ownership. I am convinced that my American friends, some for over 40 years, are afraid to have our government dictate what they can have or not have – but of course for 20 years in the military we were serving our USA government and obeyed its laws so this should be nothing new to them. I fully support your views on French and USA gun violence causes and its perpetuation via the horribly strong NRA. Another problem is many of our conservative American politicians follow the NRA dogma because the NRA funds those political campaignes who will support their gun lobby!!! Isn’t that sad for those of us who vote them into office and then they cowtow to those wealthy lobbyists with lots of money?! You are a brave and bright lady to speak out on such a devisive and terrible American problem!!!! Congratulations Lynn, I will stand with you, Montelle
Well said…….totally agree with you!
The shooter in Charleston was, indeed a vicious racist, but his bigger problem was that he was psychotic. Like the shooter in the Denver movie theater, he was in dire need of competent mental health interventions before the killings started. The mental health professional community needs to rethink how they deal with their patients and the government must alot them the funds to do this.
Psychaitry has, in the last thirty years, claimed to treat mental illness with medication–not hospitalization. The government–starting with the Reagan administration–embraced this concept and began closing down expensive residential institutions. The result has been a large vulnerable population (who frequently choose not to take their medications) out on the streets and a small dangerous population that threatens everyone.
Yes, Lynn, our culture has become fearful–of neighbors, strangers, ethnic groups, religions, lone wolves, attacks. Such threats are far more rare than road accidents, hospital mistakes, air and water pollution, child hunger and obesity. Yet, our citizens think they need guns to protect themselves from assaults. The media contribute by making tv news into a war of good people under siege by the forces of evil. I have watched almost no tv for years, so when I see and hear it (in airports, restaurants) I’m shocked by how hysterical the newsreaders are. The advertisements too. As you say it’s a vicious circle and getting worse.
Hi Lynn,
I was wondering if you would be speaking about the Charleston shooting and here it is! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I couldn’t agree more. Of course, Monty has said it all so well so I don’t need to repeat.
It it all just so sad here and I am sorry to say that I don’t believe it will change any time soon. The folks from Newtown have consistently been at the forefront of this issue and, it seems to me, making very slow progress. Bottom line — money speaks and holds the power.
I am so tired of the mental illness angle to these horrid murders. It is true that mental health is poorly handled in the US, but that doesn’t equate to blaming mental illness instead of the easy access by anyone to guns. That has to be fixed, and not swept under the rug AGAIN.
Lynn, I totally agree with your words. I don’t see how anyone can argue with the statistics you cite. I know that I’ve never felt as safe in any American city as I felt in Paris.
And back to mental illness, I’ve not read anything that said that the Charleston perp is psychotic. As long as Americans think that these things only happen because of the “crazies” amongst us, rather than our culture of violence, nothing will change.
Thank you,Lynn,this is beautifully written and very thought provoking.
I remember back to the 60’s,the Vietnam War,when “make love,not war” was a cry heard far and wide.
That these senseless acts of violence and cruelty are STILL happening does not speak well of mankind’s progress(or lack of).
Such depressing events to say the least.
But! Perhaps hope still springs eternal.
Another flashback song from Peter,Paul,and Mary says it all.”When will we ever learn??”
Thank you for speaking out so clearly and decisively. The NRA claims that “guns don’t kill people, people kill people.” They are missing the point: PEOPLE WITH GUNS KILL PEOPLE.
Thank you for adding your very articulate voice and unique perspective (as an American living in France) to the clamor for gun control in the U.S. I have never felt at all like I need a gun to protect myself or my family, and I can’t imagine valuing my property enough to be willing to shoot someone for it. At the same time, my sister, living in a similar community nearby, cannot imagine not having her armory of firearms at the ready to protect herself and her family. (Against what, I ask. Her answer: against all of the violent people out there who want something she has or who engage in random violence. She always carries a gun with her.) So far, I have found it impossible to put a dent in her apparent belief that having a gun at hand is a necessity in this world. Because the fear underlying her strongly-held belief is very deeply-rooted in her and those who share it, it is difficult to imagine how the majority of Americans, who are said to want more gun control, will prevail on this issue.
I totally agree with you Paula- the mental health system is broken in the US and we need to learn to treat people who have mental illnesses before tragedy (killings and suicides) happens.
Thanks for pointing out one of the biggest elements of the problem…homeless populations surged after the closing of mental hospitals, when patients were released to the care of families who were not equipped with knowledge or resources. Thankfully, this year under the Affordable Care Act, mental health has to be fully covered. Recognizing mental disorders and getting someone treatment is a huge hurdle our country has to tackle….you can’t force a mentally competent adult who is not obviously dangerous into care, but they may worsen and by then it could be too late. Add in the car-centric isolation of American suburbia and it’s too easy for people who need help to be under the radar, while desperate families have nowhere to turn. The tide is finally turning here, but the gun lobby has a death-grip on our government.