Być Francuzem – analiza debaty publicznej o tożsamości narodowej na podstawie artykułów prasowych oraz publikacji rządowych

Abstract

National identity is frequent topic of debates and discussions in the European media, especially during elections and in the countries of the so-called “Old Union” which are characterized by large number of immigrants. This study analyzes the public debate on national identity which took place in France in 2009. The publication presents the political circumstances of the debate, views of significant French newspapers and the official governmental summary of the debate. The applied methodology of research is based on an analysis of the written sources. The following press articles have been the subject of a detailed analysis: “Pourquoi il faut arreter le débat sur l’identité nationale” by B.-H. Lévy, published in Le Point, “L’identité: une occasion manqueé”, by A. Brézet, published in Le Figaro and a government publication: “Séminaire gouvernemental sur l’Identité nationale: propositions validées Hôtel de Matignon” published on: www.gouvernement.fr. The aim of the publication is to determine whether the public debate organized by the French government answered the question: “What does it mean to be a Frenchman”? The final conclusion of the analysis is that the French debate on national identity was more of political than social nature, although it has aroused a significant interest not only of the media, but also among ordinary citizens presenting their views on various internet forums. Furthermore, the opinions of journalists had clearly reflected their political views. None of the analyzed texts, neither the press articles nor the government document, gave an answer to the question asked. Despite the fact that the problem of defining the national identity is important to the French nation, the debate organized by the French government has left everyone unsatisfied and with a feeling of distaste by the debate’s political flavor.