French schools/Muslim head scarves: Assimilation v Multiculturalism

[Rowdyboy]

According to this interpretation, American chose assimilation for our ethnic minorities until we were burned by the war in Vietnam. Then our emphasis changed to multiculturalism for several reasons the article points out.

France, due to the virulent anti-church reaction of the revolution, is VERY strongly opposed to ANY religious involvement in public education. They want a melting pot society free of religiosity. At least, thats what they claim and the ban on religious ornamentation is a way to work toward that goal.

Am I implying that the French are free of bias? Absolutely not! I'm sure they still celebrate Christmas, Easter and other Christian and I'd be surprised if Muslim or Jewish holidays were recognized. Even admitting that, they still are trying to create a civil society where people aren't judged by religious labels. Thats not the worst goal in the world.

The article is worth the time...http://www.iht.com/articles/125356.html

on edit: Ductapefatwa started a thread in GD on the same topic about 4 hours ago, however, the two threads look at the situation from TOTALLY different viewpoints and both offer radically different perspectives.

[blurp]

1. How about individualism? Where did that go?

According to this interpretation, American chose assimilation for our ethnic minorities until we were burned by the war in Vietnam. Then our emphasis changed to multiculturalism for several reasons the article points out.

Seems to me the country started with the idea of individualism and individual rights.

I wish we'd get back to that.

[Rowdyboy]

2. Believe me, I'm not saying I agree with the author of the piece

I just think he makes some very valid points that are worth considering.

And just how would you utilize individualism in a classroom setting?

[locustfist76]

3. At least

At least it gives the militant Muslims a reason to hate someone besides the US.

[Paschall]

4. In case you haven't seen it

This is an excellent article on the secular principle from a distinguished French specialist on the subject, Jean Baubérot.

http://www.ambafrance-us.org/atoz/secular.asp

"...the French notion of secularity appears as a means of grounding the social bond in values recognized as universal."

[La_Serpiente]

5. I'm curious as to what was the motivation to create this law

Was it a result of France's traditionally secular society? Or is it because French citizens became wary of the growing Algerian immigrant population?

Sure, all religious symbols are banned in school, but that is only to make it constitutional. Why was this debate brought up in the first place?

[_Jumper_]

6. A perceived failure to assimilate

They feel that they haven't been able to assimilate Muslims, who will become the majority in France at some point this century if present immigration and birth rates continue (the latter is very unlikely. Birth rates will likely fall dramatically as they usually do with immigrants who come to Western nations). Of course, I haven't seen any real evidence to prove that they are not assimilating. Anecodtal evidence from extreme cases doesn't cut it IMO.