France has been dealing with a problem that most Americans would find strange. The country is currently in a struggle to find its true "identity". Huge numbers of North Africans have immigrated to France in the pursuit of a better life, and the problems have evolved from there. The issue has become so large that the government is even forced to get involved. French President Nicolas Sarkozy is now proposing a ban on a traditional Muslim clothing, the burqa. He is suggesting that the burqa not be allowed in any public venue.
The country is rather divided on the issue, conservative people feel that the Islamic influence on the country is too great and that it should be limited. More liberal people however feel that a blend of cultures is healthy for the nation's indentity.
Sarkozy, who was elected in 2007, won the vote by gaining the approval of a rather conservative constituency. In turn he is acting, for the most part, in the interest of conservative France.
Having already been familiar with the political and social issues in France, I am not shocked by these recent developments. But as a kid living in the states I can imagine that most Americans would be rather shocked by these events.
Do you think a ban on religious attire could exist here, despite the freedom of religion granted to all Americans? Also consider the debate of the French idendity. What do you think is the American "identity", and how did it come to be?
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