Is France losing its much famed French Identity?

Filed in archive Europe on January 19, 2010

Is France losing its much famed French identity? This is what President Nicolas Sarkozy feels after having launched a nation wide debate on what constitutes French national identity leading to xenophobia among the countrymen. Some term this as a pure electoral strategy as regional elections are to be held in March and Mr. President wants to enhance his electoral base and gives his candidates a better chance in the elections.

Not many people will be aware of the fact that France is home to Europe's largest community of Muslims and the figure stands somewhere around five million. Eric Besson, Minister for Immigration, Integration and National Identity was asked to initiate the debate on behest of Mr. Sarkozy even though most of his socialist colleagues tend to disapprove of him. The debate has already created a spark in the country with ministry website receiving several thousand hits with some of the messages being shocking indeed. It has already led to anti Islamic sentiments and fear of unknown in their country. Around eighty percent of the people feel that foreigners are diluting the French national identity.

French Parliament has been rocked by discussion on sensitive topics such as whether or not to allow Sikhs to wear turban or whether Muslim women should wear burqa or not leading to a general feeling of fear for foreigners on French soil. The debate invited severe criticism from several quarters with many signing petition for scrapping of the Ministry of Immigration, Integration and National Identity. It seemed Sarkozy would backtrack from the debate but till now he seems adamant.

I just wonder are such thoughts good for the modern progressive society of today? How can we call ourselves progressive with such rotten thoughts? If such thinking is not curbed very soon it could lead to anti-French sentiments across the world and French nationals residing in other countries might start getting the dose of same medicine being administered by French President. Are you listening Mr. Sarkozy?