A True French Identity

Research Project
France exercises a patriotic stance in representation of their country, which sometimes can affect other cultures. For example, displays of religious affiliation have been banned in France in any public work place. Although the ban applies to all religions, it does have a greater effect on Muslims considering a part of their religious culture involves wearing a Hijab. Additionally, since the tragic Charlie Hebdo attacks, the attitude towards Muslims has shifted throughout the country. Studying the interactions of the French and Muslim people would provide an interesting perspective of both accounts. Furthermore, the idea of a “True French Identity” is commonly a theme of the hearts of French born citizens. The American University in Paris would be a suitable location to conduct research regarding this topic. The American University in Paris offers a unique course program called the First Bridge program in
which students are able to choose a topic of their choice and spend their time researching alongside the professors there who specialize in the field of study of their topic. In addition to offering the First Bridge Program, the AUP offers a wide selection of cultural immersion opportunities. The benefits of immersing myself in the culture and interacting with both natives and muslim immigrants would provide both perspectives into the problem. Also, Paris is the hot spot for protests and activity concerning my topic so any political resistance against policies or acts between the French and Muslims would be right outside. Studying this divide between the French and Muslims is important to understand why cultures have difficulties coming together and knowing the difference between being a strong nationalist and anti semitic identity.
In order to understand the actual views of both cultures, I would study the groups affected the most by some of the French policies observing both natives, and Muslim immigrants.
One of the more impacting policies, banning Hijabs, affects Muslim woman, so it would be suitable to hear their accounts and opinions towards this policy. Specifically, how is the Muslim community integrating into French culture, and what are some successes and failures of cultural integration? Most of my research will be conducted through interviews of both native French citizens and Muslim immigrants and refugees. Banning Hijabs and altering school lunches to remove a pork free option both affect Muslim woman, so interviewing the mothers of Muslim families would be an appropriate group to connect with. And Muslim men and fathers seeking employment are also affected by certain dispositions of their race. Specifically I would interview middle aged Muslim men and women and middle aged French men and women to compare their feelings and views of their cultural
interactions.
With thousands of Muslim refugees fleeing from the Middle East, it is imperative to study the cultural integration of these refugees into other countries. France has been a popular location for Muslim refugees and specifically a large amount of activity between the two cultures occurs in Paris. “According to the French High Council of Integration, France is home to 4 million to 5 million Muslims—defined by culture rather than religious observance—of whom up to half have French citizenship”(Maillard, 2005). As an International Studies major, conducting this research will further my understanding of how other cultures view and interact with Muslims, and vice versa. Additionally, the population of Muslim refugees in France impacts the future policies and culture of the country as a whole. This experience would expand my understanding and knowledge of some of the challenges refugees face, along with how countries housing refugees are affected and the overall experiences of cultural integration. One of the core goals of Fulbright programs is to help participants find innovative ways to help tackle world problems, and this opportunity would assist in my future efforts to analyze and improve situations involving cultural integration. Paris would be an ideal location to begin observing these cultural interactions and would provide a basis for further research and interaction involving this topic.