BY MARTHA MARRAZZA

In print | Published December 1, 2005

Farid Laroussi, Yale University professor of French and Francophone Maghreban Literatures, recently spoke about issues in post-colonial France, including immigration, racism, and unemployment. Laroussi’s talk, held in the newly christened Cunniff Hall on Nov. 22, was entitled “Veiled Assumptions or How France Chafes at Its Identity Crisis” on Nov. 22.

As a French citizen born to Algerian parents, Laroussi provided insight into the major flaws in how the French view African and Arab immigrants. “I think there is a striking political contempt for foreigners within society itself. The discussion [of immigration] brings up a painful or odd memory of the empire for many French citizens,” he said. “Even the French word ‘immigré’ is a borderline word. It signifies people who are non-French. It’s not even someone in the process of becoming French, since it’s in the past participle. Even after the second, third or fourth generation, you are still ‘immigré.’”

In his lecture, proved relevant by recent riots in France, Laroussi touched on the effects of French colonialism and the current multicultural paradox that has developed in France. “On the one hand, some say the Arabs have failed to assimilate, but on the other hand, France claims to cherish diversity,” he said. “Multiculturalism is avoided at all costs. The French cling to their Republican ideal that everyone is equal, neutral.”

Another main point of discussion was the headscarf issue that blew up in France in the 1980s. “All over the cover of the weeklies you could see discussion about the Islamic headscarf issue. It shows evidence in France that the French only pay lip service to the tenets of tolerance and human rights for all. The state claims to be secular, neutral, but all school holidays are based on the Catholic calendar,” he said. “Ostensible Muslim religious signs were banned after the law in 2004. The law is designed to stigmatize Muslims.”

Laroussi noted that France and the United States have flipped domestic and foreign policies in regards to their Muslim citizens. “It’s important to note that France and the U.S. are almost exactly opposite regarding Muslims,” he said. “Americans are known for their anti-Muslim politics but in the U.S., Muslims enjoy every right. In France, Muslims have a difficult life but their foreign policy is seen as pro-Muslim.”

When discussing the riots, Laroussi emphasized that religion is not a factor in fueling the violence throughout the French suburbs. “In the ghettos where there is high crime and unemployment, religion is actually helping out. Where there are strong Muslim communities, crime has gone down.”

Rather, unemployment woes shared by many young immigrant men sparked the recent riots, Laroussi said. “Unemployment is by far the biggest problem in France. Because of the laws in France, it’s hard for employers to hire and fire people. So the young people who just graduated are at the receiving end and have problems getting a job,” he said.

“Young people are still being judged by irrelevant standards. Many have been called rioters and thugs. Identity is key in French culture. The lack of opportunities for immigrants in schools and in the workplace, along with the rampant social injustice, offers a dangerous model for the groups who are dissatisfied, many of whom are involved in the riots. The rioters are doing something very French. They are ‘taking it to the streets,’” Laroussi said

French professor Jimia Boutouba invited Laroussi in hopes that students in her French culture and literature classes would benefit from his knowledge of Francophone studies.

“He is a French citizen born to Algerian parents, so I knew he was familiar with and was a perfect candidate to discuss the immigrant situation in France,” she said. “Laroussi also extensively writes for Le Monde, and I agree with his position on French politics and immigration, so I asked him to come. I think it’s important for students to hear from people who are familiar with the situation in Europe.”

Emily Brown ‘09 attended the lecture and was impressed by Laroussi’s proximity to the issues he discussed. “I really appreciated that he was from France and that he was obviously a native French speaker,” she said. “I felt that that made what he had to say a lot more valid.”

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