Frigide Barjot: Losing a Cause
How much more fashionably cosmopolitan can one be than to be a Parisian? In Europe, it was always France that was enlightened, forward-looking, able and willing to take on new social mores. The French positively prided themselves on their style, their fashion-consciousness, their heightened appreciation for the finer things of life, their aesthetic sense, their social awareness.- French perfumes.
- French fashion houses.
- French aplomb.
- French cuisine.
- French wines.
- French cheeses
- French architecture
- French furniture styles
- French literature
- French art
- French lovers
- French socially advanced attitudes
Nicolas Sarkozy, let's face it, was a fascinating character. Francois Holland, not so much. Though both had a predilection for serial marriages, in a sense. Oops, it was Sarkozy who legalized his live-in arrangements; Francois Hollande, being the free-soul socialist that he is -- proving looks can be deceiving -- prefers the unwed-but-committed model. Until such time as one no longer wishes to be committed, leaving common-law partner and children for a presumably more alluring partner.
That said, what happened to the universal French laissez-faire attitude about love? Oh, we know it's there, and well represented among the hordes of the wealthy, the well-connected and the political hierarchy. There have been more than ample sex scandals emanating from France, enough so to challenge Italy's Berlusconi's ridiculous sexual appetite and seamy shamelessness.
So what gives with the fact that organizers of a march protesting a new "marriage for everyone" bill estimate that over a million people took part in a protest march on Sunday. In January an equally large turnout of outraged French citizens marched against the socialist party's determination to make same-sex marriage and child adoptions of same-sex partners legal in France.
"Hollande, Resignation!", they shout. Then sing La Marseillaise; intent on upholding the sacred love and marriage values of France. A shrinking majority of French voters back gay marriage, according to polls. The protests have brought out conservative activists, children, retirees, priests in an effort to stop the bill. It has been approved in the lower house and is awaiting a vote in the Senate.
Police fired tear gas as crowds attempted to march to the Elysee Palace. It seems evident that the voters are angry and they are extremely disappointed with their new socialist presidency. Wine, cheese, French bread, a walk along the Seine, a hug, a kiss, and discreet assignation.
Ah, France!
Labels: Controversy, Discrimination, France, Human Relations, Political Realities, Sexism
posted by Pieface @ Tuesday, March 26, 2013
<< Home