A New France: Celebrating Inclusivity and Diversity
Last Friday, a new France was consecrated during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Aya Nakamura, a French-Malian singer, took center stage, shaming the traditional French values held dear by the Académie Française. Her performance, marked by vibrant African rhythms and slang, redefined what it means to be French. A new France was born, free from the constraints of traditional values, celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
Frenchness Reimagined
Frenchness, once considered sacred, has become increasingly polarized. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party claims exclusive ownership of the term, believing white French citizens to be the standard-bearers of true Frenchness. However, the increasing incorporation of African languages and cultures, such as Malik’s music, into the fabric of French society, challenges this narrative.
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director behind the ceremony, aimed to redefine Frenchness by embracing diversity. In the face of a deeply divided society and stagnant politics, the ceremony presented an act of defiance, pushing the boundaries of what constitutes Frenchness.
Ms. Nakamura’s Performance
Aya Nakamura’s performance, which drew applause from the audience, blended styles such as verlan (reverse word order), West African dialects like Nouchi, and R&B/Afropop. Her music embodies France’s growing linguistic and cultural plurality. By performing to her famous hit "Djadja", dressed in a golden fringe dress with laced sandals, and having the Republican Guard band accompanying her in slang-spiced lyrics, she presented a confident and insouciant display of French culture.
Ms. Nakamura’s success embodies French society’s gradual shift away from ethnocentricity and towards multiculturalism. Her performance showed a reciprocally open view, allowing everyone to be a part of what it means to be French. She shared her music, language, and cultural norms with the world, reflecting Mr. Jolly’s core theme.
President Macron’s Vision
Mr. Macron, France’s head of state, remained silent throughout most of the ceremony, but his post-opening remarks conveyed his support for inclusivity. He seemed to encourage moving forward, embracing diversity and equality in a world that still reflects remnants of the past.
While acknowledging the ceremony’s message of French transformation, Mr. Macron is no stranger to controversy. He has sometimes toyed with the right-wing nationalist crowd, advocating for increased governance. However, his endorsement of this celebratory event signifies his alignment with the ideals of a tolerant France, embracing diversity and rejecting extreme ideological positions.
Reaction to the Ceremony
The ceremony was not without backlash. Edwige Diaz, a National Rally lawmaker, listed the factors she found objectionable, including LGBTQ lobbying, an ode to drugs, the ridiculed Republican Guard, revolutionary propaganda, parody of Christianity, and woke culture.
Critics of the ceremony felt offended by the display, interpreting the moment as a betrayal of French cultural tradition. However, the event marked the beginning of a new era, transcending the boundaries of French culture to present a more inclusive narrative.
Diversity and French Heritage
On that night, the athletes from Algeria performed a poignant act, scattering roses in the Seine as they recalled the 1961 repression of Algerians seeking independence and freedom in French-controlled Algeria. The performance commemorated the tragic event while fostering a sense of shared human experience among nations.
The ceremony serves as a testament to France’s progress toward recognizing diversity and gender equality, taking as its backdrop the rich, imperiled, and evolving patrimony of its past. Mr. Jolly’s vision emphasizes cohabitation, mutual understanding, and acknowledgment of the other.
Conclusions
The new France presents a complex tapestry, rich and vibrant, where traditional norms encounter the demands of the contemporary globalized world. Ms. Nakamura’s performance and the ceremony, embracing adaptation and enrichment, embody the French ideals that have long defined its role in the world. By exploring multiculturalism, Frenchness no longer remains the exclusive domain of white ethnics but has opened doors to a broader definition, showcasing the beauty of cultural hybridization.
FAQs
- Is the ceremony a declaration of inclusivity?
The ceremony stands as a declaration of French cultural inclusion, embracing diversity and the redefining of Frenchness. A new France is born, inclusive, and vibrant. - Has there been a shift in French politics since the ceremony?
Yes, Mr. Macron’s support for inclusivity and diversity marks a significant departure from French politics. This newfound appreciation for multiculturalism represents the ongoing transformation of French society. - Was the ceremony universally received with optimism?
While many people from various backgrounds celebrated the ceremony’s inclusiveness, some critics felt that it neglected traditional French values and French history.
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