From the beginning of my relationship with an Algerian living in France, I can't say I've been given an easy time about it. I've been questioned on whether or not he wants to kill all Americans, if I'm aware he's going to throw a blanket over my head and beat me if I marry him, and if I've talked to him about accepting Jesus yet. Part of me wants to stare at the floor and say that I'm not allowed to ask him questions, and if you'll excuse me, I need to go study the bomb making manual he gave me for Valentine's Day. Part of me wants to say that he's my boyfriend, not a vehicle for the perpetuation of my political agenda or anyone else's. Yes, I can laugh about it sometimes, but it still hurts like hell.ÿ
ÿWith the recent riots in France, I know I can expect a lot more questions and comments. I know the next time I go to visit and he and I walk down the street of a mostly white neighborhood, the people will begin to live up to their popular stereotype of uninhibited rudeness and disdain. They'll see un beur who's taking advantage of some poor white girl, and I'll have to be careful not to look at the police when they pass us.ÿ
ÿ The Muslims in France have a reason to be angry. If Samuel P. Huntington was in France, he'd sit there holding his Clash of Civilizations with a smirk on his face; he saw this coming the whole time. The French have tried, they have commissions set on integration, and more recently, they've started throwing money at the problem. None of this reflects any understanding.ÿ
ÿ The French newspaper Le Monde quotes the Minister of Employment as saying that many of the problems in the urban areas are due to the practice of polygamy. If these youths do not have a suitable paternal figure, they will not be employed. This man should be given a Nobel for so eloquently describing one of the root causes of the riots. Out of the estimated 5 million Muslims in France, Le Monde reports .2-.6% is polygamists. However, I'm disappointed he didn't comment on how hijab is a workplace hazard, since we all know those women have a hard time seeing where they're going.ÿ
ÿ ÿ Relationships aren't meant to be politicized, but it seems everything is political these days. While I don't enjoy being a source of commentary because of my relationship, it almost feels as though it's my duty. The world can say what it wants about the North African immigrants in France, I shouldn't have to care. Well, I do care, because I'm un beur too.
Christa Blackmon is a sophomore in SIS, and a member of the AU Foreign Policy Association.
This piece is not meant to reflect the opinion of the AUFPA, but it is the opinion of the individual writer.
