Paris 1968

The events in Iran these past few days are sobering and sad. To see people been beaten by government militia with such viciousness and with complete disregard for human suffering is shocking and terrifying. We must all support the Iranian people seeking a better life for their culture, their society and their country.

France has had its violent protest within the last 40 or so years, but nowhere near the level of violence that we are now witnessing in Iran. Back in 1968, during the students’ May protest there was one participant that in many ways exemplified the character and the spirit of such revolt, and his name is: Daniel Cohn-Bendit. But was that a revolution? Some people argue that it was.

In many ways Cohn-Bendit became the bête noire for the government of then president Charles de Gaulle and of his prime minister: Pompidou. Cohn-Bendit was born in France of German-Jewish parents and at the time there were many people who were against him because though born in France, he had acquired German citizenship and the argument was that he wasn’t French. He was labeled: Dany Le Rouge, or Danny The Red.

As always in events such as today’s Iran there is a need to put a face on the movement. Neda Agah Soltan is now the face of 2009, Iran. For better or for worse, Cohn-Bendit did become the students’ movement face of May ’68, in Paris. So, the question is: Are things better in France when it comes to the situation of the students? And the answer appears to be more on the negative side.

There had been other protests since May ’68; in fact, many people argue that every spring French students protest, that they are unruly, spoiled, anarchists are heart. It’s a rather simplistic view; nevertheless, it is true that these students’ confrontations in France do happen in springtime.

The events of May ’68 did impact the world along with the invasion by Russia, and its Eastern European allies, of Czechoslovakia to put an end to the: Prague Spring. Czechoslovakia is now made up of two independent countries: The Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Regarding the present events in Iran, they will no doubt impact the world, probably in ways that we are not able to foresee. These things have unpredictable consequences just as the students’ revolt did in Paris, back in May of 1968.

Blogging is an adventure

I’d like to think that this blog will be a great adventure for those who read it. I know it is certainly for me to write about France. I am sure there are other blogs that have been around, and while I have no intention of claiming superior knowledge about French culture, and its impact on the rest of the world in general and on us here in America in particular, I simply want to share experiences, souvenirs, thoughts, impressions, ideas, musings, about the French in general.

Having lived in France for many years and become fluent in the language, my attachment to France is multifaceted in terms of both personal and philosophical attachments. Many people have conflicting attitudes and sentiments about the French. It is true that they are quite contentious, very opinionated and extremely individualistic. They are difficult to deal with, but of all of the Europeans they are by far the most interesting. I would also like to encourage those readers of this blog to submit their own memories, photos, videos, and experiences, in whatever category—see above--such things you want to list them and share them with us in http://www.franceconfidential.blogspot.com And most certainly if they have been fortunate enough to have visited France or have lived in France and to have also lived or visited one of the loveliest cities in the world: Paris!