Paris Guide©

Judy and Mel Croner

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Is Paris Safe?

After the riots in the suburbs of Paris and other French cities in November 2005, many friends and acquaintances have asked " ... is Paris safe?'  

While any large city has is share of purse snatchers and pick pockets, Paris is a very safe city.  Before and after the riots, Paris continues to be safe for residents and visitors.

Many of our friends also have asked if the riots were a manifestation of French anti-Semitism, of anti-Americanism, anti-war sentiments or other related causes.  In our opinion, the answer clearly is no!  

The riots were a results of years of systematic discrimination by French society against its North African and sub-Sahara "immigrants."  Many of the these immigrants are third generation French citizens, born and educated in France.  They are no more immigrants that those us born to first generation American parents.  The rioters were (young) teenagers who are forced to live in large, sterile "projects" («HLM») located in the outskirts of most French cities.  The police often hassle these kids; they can't get jobs because there are no jobs to be had in France, particularly for "immigrants."  

The new government of Nicolas Sarkozy has pledged to improve this situation.  It is, at least, a start.  It is very likely that a number of positive programs and initiatives will emerge from the new government.  Primary among these are likely to be: better education and education opportunities; training and job skills; better tracking of minorities in France (There is none now!); and, affirmative action programs focused on jobs and more equal opportunity.  You might want to follow this link to a short article, "Informed Comment," on the subject by Professor Juan Cole, Professor of History, University of Michigan, or an interview by Christiane Amanpour for CNN.

These changes may take years, but so did they in the U.S.  At least the riots jump-started a dialogue and a public awareness that could not be swept under the rug.

Paris continues to be "gay."  The food, cheese and wine continue to be great.  Even the French are a little more friendly and open.  However, Paris has become more threatening than in years past.  We avoid the Métro after 11:00 PM.  It's not worth the hassle.  

Don't worry about the riots.  Come to Paris!

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