O nową jakość francuskiej tożsamości narodowej w zmieniającej się przestrzeni społeczno-politycznej

Abstract

Contemporary France, the same as in the last century, appointed with multitude of immigrant nations and cultures, seems to be more international then national. Because of many questions and problems concerning intercultural cohabitation and integration, the government was putting the issue front and center for the first time by encouraging people to have a vigorous national debate about what it means to be French in the 2121st century. The discussions are to take place during hundreds of locally organized town-hall meetings involving education, union and cultural officials and ordinary people concerned about the state of French identity. This article aims to present and analyze the progress and some conclusions concerning the grand debate: what it means to be French today, how to define French tradition at a time when France faces burgeoning African, Arab and Asian immigrants, and other changes in the globalizing world. In the country which gives naturalization for 150 000 foreigners each year, fleshing out how people view the concept of Frenchness today has sparked controversy. Reaffirmation of the values of national identity and pride in being a French citizen seems the most important intention of all undertakings.