Tuesday, 8 November 2005
Safe and Sound (As Can Be)
I've had a few people express worry about how I'm doing, what with the riots going on. Let me reassure you, I'm just fine. I don't live or work near where they started (and where the riots are at their most intense).
As grave as the riots are, I think that the media has probably made it worse for U.S. viewers. In part, out of not making it clear how Paris is laid out - which is understandable, since their goal isn't to cover who is "safe." In part, because they're playing catch-up. This is a problem that has been simmering for some time, and even then there was apparently little international coverage until late last week.
What I don't like in some of the reports is a certain undertone of smugness. The U.S. is hardly one to present itself as a good example for race relations. I also worry that some of the reports are bringing political baggage besides this smugness. France is often used as a scapegoat for waning international support of U.S. policies, and I'm sure more than a couple of people feel that it's getting a deserved comeuppance for not kowtowing to U.S. pressures. Get real.
Racism in France is an unspoken thing. Literally, in a way, since freedom of speech doesn't legally exist for hate speech. But ideals aside, it exists and in a far quieter form than what the typical American might understand. For better or for worse, accusations of racism are very public in the U.S. and get regular coverage. Better, since it raises awareness; worse, since there wouldn't be so much if racism didn't exist (or, in some cases, used by the accuser).
The BBC has an interesting article written by John Simpson. This reporter is notable because he's known for his coverage - and presence - in highly volatile areas, such as the Tiananmen Square uprising or in Baghdad during the first Gulf War. Read it for a good summary, but remember that it is far from complete.
This is a keg that France has created, both willfully and unwittingly. With so many recent immigrants live in what amount to suburban ghettos, it's not surprising that the riots have hit hard and stayed in specific areas. Even though many teens from these areas regularly come to Paris, the most remarkable thing that I've noticed is how quiet they are. Hardly surprising, if you consider that even they want to escape from the events surrounding them.
Even if the riots stop soon, it's unlikely that the root issues will be resolved in any foreseeable future. But unless you hear otherwise, it's safe to assume that I'm doing well. Worry instead for the people who have no option and are trapped in the middle of this whole situation.