AP+2015-16+Algerian+and+Muslim+Prejudice+in+France

Kaitlyn Ivey Shingler 11/6/15 Audience

France has a deep history with Muslims. It all began in witht the Algerian War. As one article states, “ Algerian War in the 1950s, when local groups battled for independence from more than a century of French rule, with its heavy-handed disdain for local customs” (Why There’s Tension Between France and Its Muslim Population). The Algerian War was the beginning of the separation in France. The French cultural holds very strong beliefs in separation of state and religion. This is consistent conflict with the Islamic religion that has many public displays of faith. The audience for these articles are those trying to understand the situation. In terms of world relations this situation is unique because it isn’t so much against the Islamic religion, but rather religions as a whole in society. However, the situation directly influences Muslims the most because they many acts of faith in public life, and the situation only appears to be getting worse. As the Pew Research Article center states, “Of course, it is important to note that even though there was no broad public-opinion backlash in France or the U.S., violence against Muslims [|increased] in [|both countries] following the attacks” (Ratings of Muslims rise in France after Charlie Hebdo, just as in U.S. after 9/11). The audience for these articles are those trying to understand the situation in France with the Muslim population, and how it has changed in 60 plus years. The audience for these articles are those trying to understand the situation, and possible trying to fix it.

“Ratings of Muslims rise in France after Charlie Hebdo, just as in U.S. after 9/11.” Pew Research Center. Pew Research Center, 3 June 2015. Web. 6 November 2015. “Why There’s Tension Between France and Its Muslim Population.” Time. Time Inc, 8 January 2015. Web. 6 November 2015.

Macy Zerbe

11/7/15

**Historical**:



France currently has one of the largest populations of muslim people, but despite this the prejudice against muslim people has only grown as the population does. Many of the laws set about in the past have affected the prejudice that muslim people face today, even if it wasn't the original intent. For example in 1905 France passed a law of separation of church and state, and when muslim prejudice started to become more extreme in 2004, the law was expanded to ban, veils, crosses and yarmulkes in schools, "veil debate pitted Muslim women’s desire for self-expression against the core French values of equality and universalism" (Power). Since this happened several other laws have been passed by the french government that limit religious expression such as the the banning of veils or face coverings in any situation. The prejudice against muslim people has largely become a popular topic in more recent years specifically the last few decades, but many of the reasonings and logic behind the prejudice is rooted in french history of universalism and sameness. And despite the events of recent years France has had a long history of oppression towards algerian and muslim people, such as when around 200 algerians were killed in a independence demonstration in paris (Ramdani). France has had a bloody and imperialistic history towards muslim and algerian people which until recent years has largely been ignored.

Ramdani, Nabila. "French-Algerians Are Still Second-class Citizens." The Guardian. N.p., 19

Dec. 2012. Web. 7 Nov. 2015.

“Why There’s Tension Between France and Its Muslim Population.” Time. Time Inc, 8 January 2015. Web. 6 November 2015.


 * __Cultural: Kyleigh Sacco__ **



France has had a long history of prejudice against Algerian and Muslim individuals that still impacts today’s society. One of the major perpetrators of this discrimination is the government within France itself; an article discussing this prejudice states, “ But many French officials believe that integration into French society means adopting French language and culture. Some French say there can be no ‘melting pot’” (“Muslims”). This intense rejection of foreign culture is so deeply ingrained within French society at this point that it has essentially become a culture of its own. While French culture has become very heavily based in the exclusion of Muslim and Algerian individuals, a number of France’s younger generation are starting to move towards acceptance. An article discussing the prejudice states, “[...] 2014 data from Pew indicate that 72% of the French public had favorable views of Muslims” (“France, Islam”). Despite a relatively positive public reaction to Muslim and Algerian individuals, the prejudice against them has become such a critical part of France’s identity that it is very unlikely to be changed anytime soon. However, this has not stopped people from trying. Just as the perpetuation of prejudice has become a part of France’s culture, attempts to end it have as well. But years and years of oppression and prejudice are not easy to reverse and have led to an unaccepting France with a government led by people who are not willing to change. As time goes on there may be a shift in French culture towards these groups, but for now the discrimination is very likely to remain a defining feature of France.

__Works Cited: __

"France, Islam, Terrorism and the Challenges of Integration: Research Roundup." // Journalists Resource // //.// N.p., 26 June 2015. Web. 08 Nov. 2015.

"Muslims in France." //Migration News.// N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Nov. 2015.