November 9, 2005 Source: York University:
http://www.yorku.ca/mediar/archive/Release.asp?Release=983 France should not be demonized for complex problems, says York U Prof. TORONTO, November 9, 2005 -- As France faces its 14th day of riots, York French Studies Prof. Ibrahim Badr argues that France should not be demonized for the civil unrest that is currently sweeping the country. Ibrahim BadrTensions remain high in France, sparked by the accidental death of two youths of North African descent on October 27, followed by fourteen nights of rioting. "Every country in the world has passed through defining moments in its history, and the French are no exception," said Prof. Badr. "Despite the current tenor of media reporting, especially in the U.S., I would argue it would be unfair to demonize France for what is happening now," Badr states. "The root causes of the problems that have erupted into this violence are very complex and have significant historical, economical, and cultural dimensions." (Left: Professor Ibrahim Badr) FrenchriotAmong these issues are increased levels of immigration to France from the former colonies, rising unemployment and low-income housing that has isolated immigrants into certain parts of major French cities. Badr asserts the current crisis reflects tensions and conflicts that were never resolved following the Algerian War of Independence from France (1954-1962). "The current state of emergency laws that have now been invoked to control the rioting are a part of this legacy." These measures being used to restore order were drafted in 1955 during the Algerian War and have rarely been used by the French government since. Currently, a large number of immigrants from North Africa and other former French colonies reside in the suburbs of major cities in France. "In attempting to handle the situation, the French government will have to take not only short term decisions but also long term measures in order to preserve social cohesion and bridge the gap between immigrant communities and French society at large." Badr warned that "other European countries like Belgium, Germany and possibly even Britain may face similar challenges in the future." An author and researcher, Badr has published two books addressing the themes of war and violence: Jean Giono: L'esthétique de la violence (Jean Giono: The Aesthetics of Violence) and Giono et la guerre: idéolgie et imaginaire (Giono and War: Ideology and Fiction). Yesterday the French cabinet approved emergency measures to control the rioting, giving more powers to police and allowing local officials to impose a curfew on affected areas. The rioting, which started in the Paris suburb of Clichy-Sous-Bois, has spread within the city limits and beyond into poor neighbourhoods across the country. Lille, Rouen, Orleans, Nice, Cannes, Strasbourg and Colmar have all been affected by violence, and there are fears of copy-cat violence in other European countries. The rioting also claimed its first victim on Monday, with the death of a 61-year-old man who was beaten into a coma last week. The French government hopes these new measures will help stop the violence. York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 190,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 faculties and 21 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation. -30- For more information, please contact:
Nancy White
Director, Media Relations
York University
416-736-5603
whiten@yorku.ca
| 