Racism in France

In these tough economic times, racism has increased in most developed countries, including France. Even though France is very protective of the French culture and language, it is actually a diverse country. According to Gerard Noiriel, a social scientist, immigration to France has been increasing steadily since about 1946 (Noiriel, 1996). While these immigrants are welcomed by industries that see them as cheap labor and protected by the government, many citizens meet these immigrants with hostility. In the past, the French government focused specifically on outlawing racism with the French Constitution and the Penal Code of 1994. Both of these documents are described by the United Nations as “a veritable battery of legislation against any racially discriminatory act or practice” (Criminalization of Racist Acts, 1999). These government measures seek to prevent the spread of racism by forbidding blatant displays of xenophobia. While these laws are a step in the right direction to preventing widespread racism, the government has also fallen short by claiming there are no minorities in France. In fact, France is the only nation on the Council of Europe that has refused to sign the “Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities” and according to the World Directory of Minorities, France has the worst record in terms of rights to minorities. By refusing to admit that there are minorities in France that need protection, the government has left many immigrant groups behind. While the constitution aims to protect immigrants from xenophobia and racism, many citizens of France can be quite hostile toward immigrant groups, namely the Romani and Muslims. The Romani have a complicated history in France, and they have been the target of many discriminatory policies and actions.