Reflection #2

Tomorrow in my French class, I will be doing a presentation on the recent arrests of four Muslim tourists on account of the wearing of their headscarves in public.
In 2011, France passed a law banning the wearing of hijabs (and other articles of clothing that cover a woman's face completely, as well as other religious symbols) in schools or in public places. However, headscarves are not specifically outlawed--yet. France's far-right National Front leader (known for being very radical), Marine LePen, has recently called for the banning of headscarf and other religious symbols--including that of the Jewish kippah--in public.
I find it very interesting to compare these domestic situations in France with that of the recent cartoons by Charles Hebdo. Muslims are increasingly being treated as second-class. While many French civilians seek to preserve their "French identity," the definition of this identity is already very blurred. Furthermore, this desire does not call for the release of highly offensive cartoons.  The banning of Muslim protests in response to these cartoons illustrates this point; yes, I understand that the French do not wish to stir up any trouble--but they already have. The release of these cartoons not only caused France to close around 20 embassies and schools, but it even influenced the very recent release of similar cartoons in Spain! Are we trying to anger them more? Yes, there is such thing as the freedom of speech, but there is a line to be drawn.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/09/21/uk-protests-france-idUKBRE88K09G20120921

http://www.haaretz.com/news/world/france-s-marine-le-pen-calls-for-public-ban-on-muslim-headscarf-jewish-kippa-1.466147

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/27/film-protests-spain-idUSL5E8KR2OI20120927