I received a message from a French FB citizen. He said he was pleased with the discussion on my wall in regards to the Paris tragedy. However, he wanted to explain how the French are proud of their free speech tradition. Here is my response:- Merci beaucoup pour your message. First, I extend my condolences to the people of France on the tragedy in Paris. I will try to respond to your points as follows:- 1. France is an old country with a very proud and important history of learning - Voltaire, Montesquieu, the Age of Enlightment. Books by philosophers and thinkers enter best-sellers lists and are discussed and debated by members of the general public - not so in Malaysia. In fact, the culture of public debate only began when the internet became widespread. Not many of us understand even how to debate, much less have the deep and broad understanding of philosophical thoughts. Its not about being Muslims or not - it is about a societys level of intellectual development. 2. Yes, I have been to Paris a number of times and it is evident that the majority of Muslims do live peacefully there but whether they are fully integrated into French society, it is doubtful. I have not been to the poor suburbs where the Muslims live, nor did I see French Muslims shopping or eating in nice restaurants. Le Pen certainly has attracted enough following to give some indication that the French do view immigrants as a threat to the French way of life. Unfortunately, it does not abode well that the story about the rejection of the Roma girls burial was published all over the world. However, this suspicious sentiment for immigrants by the local population is understandable. It happens globally. 3. Yes, I understand that France (and Europe) have a Christian-based culture. This history manifests itself in almost, if not all, aspects of European life for at least 1,000 years. In Malaysia too, despite us having a secular constitution, there are certain aspects of our way of life that are incompatible with values or practices which are acceptable to other religions or cultures. 4. We have many, many churches, Buddhist and Hindu temples, and, of course, mosques in Malaysia. 5. We would be horrified, just as I am sure the French are in this horrible tragedy. Thank you again for messaging me. Your view points were very much appreciated.
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 05:30:54 +0000
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