The City of Light Goes Dark
Still reeling from the Charlie Hebdo attacks in January, France has once again been struck by extremist violence. A state of emergency has been declared and the nation is in mourning.
This time, the terrorists simultaneously attacked a soccer match, restaurants, and in the most deadly attack—the Bataclan, a 150-year-old concert hall. Armed with bombs, automatic rifles, and suicide vests they were targeting a way of life.
A French National Police Officer near the Bataclan concert hall. Image Credit: Ryan Blum
Sadly, it would be disingenuous to state that the tragedy has created solidarity in France. Even at vigils, where one hopes to escape from the politics of Friday night’s events, there were public arguments between those who felt France was somehow responsible for this tragedy and those thirsty for revenge.
“I don’t know what the French response will be,” said Alexandre Dubois, a 32-year-old Parisian. “But this means war. There’s no other choice, the people who did this are monsters.”
The Bataclan concert hall. Image Credit: Ryan Blum
“I’m not condoning these actions, but France is reaping what they sow,” said a Frenchman of Moroccan descent who refused to give me his name. “I experience racism every day—every day! Now, things are only going to get worse for us.”
France has been accused of having an intrinsic problem with the integration and assimilation of its Muslim minority, many of whom live in social housing in Paris’s suburbs where they are often unemployed and disaffected.
However, even in the midst of unspeakable tragedy there were signs of hope. During the attacks the hashtag #porteouverte (open door) began trending, a signal by those willing to offer their homes to strangers who were seeking safety. The following day, Parisian hospitals and blood banks were overwhelmed by people willing to donate blood, with some donors standing in line for more than three hours. Come Saturday evening, hundreds arrived near the site of the Bataclan to pay their respects, despite the temporary ban on public gatherings. They came to leave flowers, light candles, or simply to weep. At one point a 26-year-old Frenchman, Louis Victor, arrived with his bagpipe and solemnly played “Amazing Grace.”
Louis Victor. Image Credit: Ryan Blum
President Hollande declared that “France will not show any pity against the barbaric acts of ISIL,” also known as the Islamic State, which has claimed responsibility for the attacks. He also mentioned that he will address parliament in an “extraordinary” meeting on Monday where he will likely advocate that France's military role in Syria be stepped up.
But, for now, Paris mourns.
