“Personally, I think that excessive patriotism and extreme nationalism have already done enough damage as it is,” says Ludovic Rinatti, 22, not mincing words. The question of national identity, the man from Nice finds it inappropriate. “Having a French flag above my bed won’t get me a job!” explains the young dentistry student, before expressing outrage over “the political co-opting of this issue by certain parties.” Particularly targeted in this debate: the youth. They make up about 15% of the voting population and, therefore, can swing the outcome of an election one way or another.
Their opinions on the matter are quite contrasting. For Mathieu Lagarde, 25 and an IT manager: “French people should love their country without going overboard.” The young man continues: “I am not ashamed to be French, on the contrary. I think we need to stop this constant self-flagellation over our past. France has done great and beautiful things and I donโt think this gets talked about enough.” He concludes: “I am in favor of children singing the Marseillaise in the morning when arriving at school.”
The learning of the Marseillaise already made compulsory in schools in Nice
Pauline, 20, is outraged by her friend’s comments. For the future nurse: “Politicians, by playing too much on national sentiment, are going to end up getting burned.” As for learning the Marseillaise at school, “itโs out of the question. Honestly, I donโt see how knowing a song in which we hear ‘may impure blood water our furrows’ teaches the values of the Republic!” she exclaims, revolted.
As can be seen, the opinions are quite polarized. But according to the latest polls, the majority of the French share Mathieu’s view. Although some would like the words of the Marseillaise to be changed, 72% of our compatriots think the opposite. It remains a strong symbol of our nation and, much to Pauline’s displeasure, its teaching in school was made mandatory by the law of April 23, 2005.
This law indeed mandates “to offer students a civic education that includes the learning of the national anthem and its history.” Since the school year 2005-2006, students in Nice from kindergarten to first grade are required to learn the major symbols of France and their meanings. This measure was complemented by requiring children from second to fifth grade to know the words, at least the first stanza and chorus. National education inspectors verify, post facto, the proper dissemination of these teachings.
A union representative from Alpes-Maritimes, who wished to remain anonymous, details this measure: “The goal is primarily to send a message to the children. The values of the Republic are more important than the anthem itself.” The unionist adds that “this learning allows for the explanation of the sometimes violent lyrics of the Marseillaise to young children. The goal is absolutely not to make them flag fanatics.”
The current debate on patriotism leaves no one indifferent and opinions are sharply divided. Itโs no surprise, given that national identity always becomes a major issue during times of crisis. It is the last bulwark to cling to when the future is frightening, in the absence of a real project to turn the country around. One big question remains: which candidate for the รlysรฉe will be deemed most convincing on this topic by public opinion. The final election result depends heavily on the answer to this question.
