Paris After the Attacks: "In the Banlieues It Is Dangerous to Show That You Are Christian"

Banlieue in Paris

(Paris) Ever since the riots in 2005, the French term Banlieue is in all languages a synonym understood as  problem district, of neighborhoods  with a high proportion of immigrants, unemployment, social welfare, drug use, crime and Muslims. The Banlieues have not decreased since 2005, but continued to spread.

A French member of the military has left Paris two years ago to find a better and safer environment for her young son. She now lives in northern Italy. There, the monthly magazine led Il Timone has interviewed her. Part of the phenomenon of Banlieue-propagation is a sense of intimidation and takes place in many ways limiting the freedom of expression. To remain anonymous, the former soldier's name was  personalized in the French Nationalallegory, "Marianne."

"Anyone who was born In Paris really can't live there any  no longer. The Paris knows certain dynamics, knowing that it is a struggle without end."

Why did you leave France?

Marianne: I was born in Paris. I studied there. Even when I was little and went to school, I grew up surrounded by violence. On the way to the subway, I experienced violent clashes again and again. Often those involved were armed. It is very difficult for the state to survey all the violence and even harder to keep them under control. I've actually never felt safe. When knew I was becoming a mother, I was still in the military and served in a peacekeeping unit with the UN mission. I had just returned   from a strenuous deployment at the border between Lebanon and Israel. The next operation would lead me to the Ivory Coast. Since,  I decided to change my service. So I joined the Department of the Interior.  This led to the decision to leave with my child, to make it possible for him to grow up in a better and quieter area. My desire was to enable my child a life as a child.

What can you tell us about the banlieue?

Marianne: I was employed in a special unit in Public Safety. This included the fight against violence and drugs. I went through an intense year in the middle of Paris. The inhabitants of the banlieues have shot from the blocks of flats at us, threw televisions, microwave ovens and sinks out of the windows. I was injured several times. It is very difficult for the police and the army, to go into the problem area on the outskirts of Paris, a fortiori, to control them.

Were you also subjected to religiously motivated violence?

Marianne: Yes, throughout the deployment.

What kind of coexistence between believers of different religions have you have experienced in France?

Marianne: As the secularism applies in France, there is discretion. It is not recommended to show one's own religion. If it is respected, everything is relatively calm. Thus the Christian faith has been forced out of the public space. In the suburbs, however, it is better for a very different reason not to show that you are a Christian. There exists a very different climate. There, Islam has the final say.

How did you live your Catholic faith in France?

Marianne: I've been a practicing Catholic for two and a half years. This has played a crucial role in my life decisions. In Italy I live my faith freely. There is no comparison to France. I belong to the Third Order of Franciscans. I live the faith freely and in fraternity. It is life changing. Here I am protected. My son is now five years old. That he can grow up with the Church is the most beautiful thing I could give him for life.

Introduction / translation: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: Wikicommons
Trahs: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
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