The French Nation versus Multiculturalism

France for many centuries was more akin to America's melting pot than anything resembling multiculturalism. In fact the French Nation was built upon the destruction of regional differences. The French Revolution not only the attempted end to Royalty but also regional privileges which included the protection of regional languages and customs. As the French Republics pushed forth, many languages disappeared through cultural and linguistic assimilation.

Ever since the beginning of history, France has absorbed many cultural groups. The Romans, the Celts, the Franks, the Vikings and many subsequent groups migrated to France, mostly by force. More recently, immigration to France has seen the arrival of many different cultural and linguistic groups from around the world: Germans and Belgians at the end of the XIXth century, Italians, Portuguese, Armenians after 1915, Polish between World Wars, the Spanish after the civil war. All have migrated to France and become an integral part of the French population, they have followed the rule of "French Universalism".

According the demographic experts, without immigration, France would not be populated by 60 million but merely 48. In fact, 25 % of the population is either an immigrant, or has ancestors who recently came to France.

But more recently, France has had much more difficulty integrating new migrants. The factors involved are numerous but it seems that economic and physical segregation (the infamous banlieues) coupled with some religious tensions from both sides and certain discrimination by some elements has made matters much more sensitive. In a recent article in Le Monde, a comparison between the current French Reality and the politics of Canadian multiculturalism was made.

During the 1980's and early 90's, a fringe political party known as the National Front had made serious inroads in the French political landscape. This extremist party echoed some fascist overtones from the Vichy era and played a constant game of provocation. The movement seems to have splintered as younger members questioned the dictatorial leadership of Jean-Marie Le Pen.

Oddly enough, some sociologist do not hesitate to say that the Soccer World Cup victory helped change the perception of French Society more than all the political discourses heard over the decade. The team was a truly diverse multicultural group, which included a North African player, a Breton, a Basque, a player from the Antilles, a Kanak from New Caledonia. Some hard line right wing politicians like Pasqua even went as far as changing their discourse after the victory. France is changing for the better and the current economy is certainly helping create opportunity for all, regardless of racial or ethnic background and France's youth is seizing this chance.

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