In my French class, we're currently doing small individual research projects on some of the topics included in the film "Paris, je t'aime". I've already presented my topic, which was the "evolution" of Islam in France.
Now, I’m not French or Muslim, and the more I researched, the more I wanted to understand the application of La Laicite (basically translates to “secularism”, or the separation of church and state).
One article I read said that Muslims have been “exempt” from La Laicite, but didn’t really explain why. I thought that maybe it was due to the fact that, in some respects, the religious beliefs of Muslims are intertwined with the everyday social/cultural aspects of their lives, and that a complete severing of “church and state” as it may be interpreted in France is nearly impossible. However, a shift towards a stricter intrepretation of the original 2 articles written in 1905 on which La Laicite is based may be (or may have been) in the works, considering the 2006(?) ban on religious apparel, such as headscarves or the star of David, in French schools.
Sarkozy, meanwhile, presents the concept of “positive secularism”– a term I took to basically refer to a less-strict interpretation of secularism and accepting religious representation as a more active part of the political realm in France. There are, of course, also those who seem resentful of this idea (and of any slackening of secularist principles as they are manifested in French law).
Not being French, I don’t feel that I can definitively say that I have a comprehensive understanding of the contention that seems to have taken up long-term residence in France concerning La Laicite. If what I’ve said so far is correct, what’s your opinion? Are you for “positive secularism”, or for something more strict? If I’m obviously mistaken and confused, what’s actually going on??
Also, what do you think of the religious climate in the U.S. as it relates to the political arena? Do you think there should be more or less separation of church and state?
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Do you think there should be more or less separation of church and state?
I think there's a lot more to focus our energy on in life than worrying about whether or not the 10 commandments are posted in our schools, or the word "God" is spoken in the pledge of allegiance.
I don't know about everyone else, but not being able to visibly see or hear something in public places, something I already believe anyway, doesn't have any affect on my ability to be Christian.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sawaboof
"...There is a crushing guilt that comes with being a Catholic. Whether things are good or bad or you're simply... eating tacos in the park, there is always the crushing guilt."
-30 Rock-