“Исламский фактор” и общественно-политическая дискуссия по вопросам иммиграции в современной Франции

Abstract

The article considers the place of Muslims in the socio-political life of modern France. The heterogeneity of the Muslim community, different trends within it, the attitude of French Muslims to religion and its place in life are shown. It is noted that in recent years, French Muslims, especially young ones, have become more religious and more often observe the norms of the Koran. There is a growing number of Muslims who believe that the French secular state must adapt to Islamic norms of life. Against this background, especially in connection with the terrorist attacks that have not stopped since 2015, French society is growing distrust of Muslims. Most of the French perceive Islam as a “threat to the Republic”. These sentiments are reflected in the socio-political discussion around issues related to immigration and the “Islamic factor”, which involves well-known French intellectuals, writers and scientists. In the discussion, the supporters of “happy globalization”, who believe that France will be saved by open borders (including President E. Macron and his followers), are opposed by “declinists”, who are afraid of “dissolving” France in the global world. Some advocate the recognition of communitarist movements, some defend the principles of French and/or Muslim identity, others defend multiculturalism, and yet others defend the Republican principles of “one nation” and the secular school. Recently, the discussion has included topics such as racism/anti-racism, the colonial past and anti-colonialism. The country approves a “cancel culture”, which came from the United States and is new to France. An intolerant “cancel culture” contributes to radicalization of the discussion. Another new phenomenon is “anti-white racism” in the French university environment, evident in the fact that meetings are held in universities, attending which is prohibited for “whites”. The peculiarity of the socio-political discussion today is that the number of its participants has increased dramatically. With the expansion of the circle of interested parties and the emergence of new platforms for discussion (social networks, messengers), it has acquired a new quality, and its tone is becoming more aggressive and irreconcilable.