Society
Sometimes, I read the paper and I just don’t get it. Why ? WHY ??? And don’t tell me I’m overreacting okay, I’m a former anarchist-communist turned left-wing !
The Culture Of Fear
I grew up with the traditional French daemons: fascism and globalization. They were easy enough targets, and fighting against them included chanting socialist songs in demonstrations, keeping an eye on the Front National — the French Nazi party — and watching old French movies to thwart Hollywood’s plans to take on the world.
Cigarettes And Creationism
The shop assistant (or the owner, cause as far as I know he is here from 6:00 am to 12:00 am) looks up at me and obviously expects an answer. An Arabic language newspaper opened on the counter and no sign of him reaching for my cigarettes tells me I’m in for a philosophical moment.
Us vs. Them
So, we (want) need immigrants. Preferably (young) not to old, (who won’t need any social help) educated, and (white) who will blend in easily. Oh, and (no terrorists) (preferably Catholic ) — no really, we don’t mind.
Two Solitudes And One Loneliness
Not only I betrayed France by crossing the Atlantic Ocean, but apparently I also betrayed French language. Oh, that’s great.
Working Class Hero Is Something To Be
Rock’n’roll stars, rap artists, rednecks, tycoons, politicians, lobbyists, aliens… North America has it all. But there’s one category that have never traveled across the ocean from its beloved old continent : the nobility.
To be rich in North America, you either have to be : a) incredibly smart (cf. Bill Gates) b) incredibly stupid (cf. Paris [...]
Don’t Look Back In Anger (I heard them say)
I didn’t slam the door when I left. I closed it quietly. I just saw the world and got addicted to it – I can’t be blamed, can I ?
Leaving France was not an obligation but just an option. A very tempting one, mind you. The world might be watching us eat, smoke and have [...]
The Word Is Collapsing
In September 2001, I was living in Hong Kong, working for a local company. I had just graduated from high school and was enjoying my first glimpse of freedom in Kowloon.
I had two co-workers : Bidé and Kelín. Both of them were also my roommates since the company I was working for provided accommodation.
We were [...]
Cigarettes And Alcohol
I entered the supermarket and looked around. Something was missing. The frozen food section was bigger than ever, the aisle end display products were screaming “buy me !” and people were massed around the “back to school” aisles. Nothing weird here. Yet, I couldn’t find what I was looking for.
I finally came to my sense [...]
