We really wanted to celebrate Obama's inauguration, despite my partner's outrageous work load and despite my having French Class. We even hired a sitter for the evening.
As usual, our planning was last minute. The party of the evening was "sold-out". We could not get tickets to the Hotel de Ville celebration hosted by the city of Paris, Mayor Bertrand Delanöe, and the (now former) U.S. ambassador. So we searched for other likely venues. The American Bar: too obvious and most likely too crowded. Same for Harry's Bar. The American Church was hosting an event, but since I am adamantly non-religious and avoid churches (except for architectural and historical interest), that was out. The American University? Too many college students, I feared. I read there was an event planned, not too far from our house, in the 10th arrondissement, at a club/bar/restaurant with the unfortunately, unpromising, name "Buzz-Art". But it was close.
Despite the cold, we rode the Velib bikes up to the Canal St Martin. I have, of course, forgotten my code, and now have to go through the laborious process of using a credit card rather than one swift wipe with my Pass - which contributed to our being late. Ten minutes too late. The front man let us in - I don't know why - because it was so packed that we couldn't see the screen. So after a few claustrophobic minutes of listening to Obama's speech in French (it was broadcast here with a voice over), we left. We headed back down the canal, looking for a restaurant or bar with a TV, but with no luck. Funny. It seems on a normal day one can't but escape the ubiquitous, giant, TV screen in Paris cafés. The only TV, we saw, was in a takeout Pizza Place, with the lone proprietaire watching. (I almost asked to join him, but didn't want to impose) So we ended up, back in our usual Tapas restaurant, having a very ordinary but extremely disappointing evening. We didn't get to watch the speech until we returned home at 10 PM, four hours after broadcast. But watch we, finally, did.
The election makes me nostalgic for the States, and particularly NY. We sometimes think of moving back. And we might, particularly if Obama brings about the changes he has promised: most notably, affordable healthcare, childcare, and less bellicose Foreign Policy. But alas, we will never again be able to afford the downtown loft, we left behind. Brooklyn, maybe? Or perhaps, Philly? Or maybe we will stay here - after all life in Paris ain't too bad.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Christmas in Paris
We had an unusually quiet Christmas this year - no parties, no guests from out of town, just us and the two kids. Quite relaxing, especially since both kids have been at the Centre do Loisirs most days. We thought of keeping them home and sleeping in, particularly since most school days we wake up in the dark, even though it is almost 8 o'clock. But when we do keep them home they usually become bored by 10 o'clock. They have much more fun at the Centre with their friends and the planned Sorties.
We did though take a day and finally renew E's passport which has been expired for six months. Five years passes fast, and she now has a passport that looks like her, rather than the one with a six-week-old-baby-with-eyes-closed-picture, that over the years bore has come to bear little resemblance to the little girl she has become.
Security at the US embassy has become tighter than the airport. My husband unfortunately brought his laptop. No laptops are allowed, so it seems. And since both parents must sign the child's passport we were in a quandary. The security guards suggested we leave it at a nearby cafe or store (since they refused to hold on to it). Luckily there was some sort of event across the street, so we left it at their coat check. What sort of event? I have no idea - particularly since it was 10AM. But it worked. But before we could enter, we were thoroughly searched. They confiscated our watches, cell phones, belts, change, my compact, chewing gum, and put it in a ziplock freezer bag, to be collected when we were done. Basically all the refuse on the bottom of my bag (next time I will remember to clean my bag).
Several hours later - and a thorough interrogation (of us and our daughter - who doesn't speak much), we left. We walked past the Grand Roue up to the Place Madeleine for lunch. After lunch we went window shopping on the Faubourg St Honore. We went briefly into the Prada store. There was a "private sale": 40% off. I tried on a black wool coat with a ruffle down the center. With the discount, still too expensive. I admired several bags and then we left. We had lunch at what I can only describe as a French Diner: busy, cheap French food, and waiters in white aprons.
The next day, lodged in the branches of our too large xmas tree, was a shiny, large blue and gold envelope. I didn't notice it the entire evening, so J finally had to point it out to me. Or I had noticed it at one point, but was distracted (probably by a screaming/crying child) and forgot about it. My very generous husband had noticed me salivating in the Prada store, and had gotten me a substantial gift card for...Prada! Just what I wanted..but perhaps too much, too decadent? Especially given the economic times, it seemed a little obscene. And especially, since just that day, we had gone to the Knoll store and purchased my dream dining room table: a white, marble, tulip table. I am more frugal (cautious) but J talked me into it - "it is an investment", he reasoned. Perhaps. We had (thankfully) a good year, but we also tend to forget to save. Next year, next year, that is my/our resolution.
Not to say that I felt so guilty, that I didn't go out the very next day and use up my entire gift card in 20 minutes. I planned on waiting but couldn't. I made it to 11Am, then hopped on the subway to the Franklin Roosevelt stop and the Avenue Montaigne. I needed the larger, more extravagant, Prada store, to fully savor the decadent, frivolity.
Next year we will economise. We will be frugal. But it was a great treat. Since the kids were born, I have foregone such indulgence and have forgot how fun a little luxury can be.
We did though take a day and finally renew E's passport which has been expired for six months. Five years passes fast, and she now has a passport that looks like her, rather than the one with a six-week-old-baby-with-eyes-closed-picture, that over the years bore has come to bear little resemblance to the little girl she has become.
Security at the US embassy has become tighter than the airport. My husband unfortunately brought his laptop. No laptops are allowed, so it seems. And since both parents must sign the child's passport we were in a quandary. The security guards suggested we leave it at a nearby cafe or store (since they refused to hold on to it). Luckily there was some sort of event across the street, so we left it at their coat check. What sort of event? I have no idea - particularly since it was 10AM. But it worked. But before we could enter, we were thoroughly searched. They confiscated our watches, cell phones, belts, change, my compact, chewing gum, and put it in a ziplock freezer bag, to be collected when we were done. Basically all the refuse on the bottom of my bag (next time I will remember to clean my bag).
Several hours later - and a thorough interrogation (of us and our daughter - who doesn't speak much), we left. We walked past the Grand Roue up to the Place Madeleine for lunch. After lunch we went window shopping on the Faubourg St Honore. We went briefly into the Prada store. There was a "private sale": 40% off. I tried on a black wool coat with a ruffle down the center. With the discount, still too expensive. I admired several bags and then we left. We had lunch at what I can only describe as a French Diner: busy, cheap French food, and waiters in white aprons.
The next day, lodged in the branches of our too large xmas tree, was a shiny, large blue and gold envelope. I didn't notice it the entire evening, so J finally had to point it out to me. Or I had noticed it at one point, but was distracted (probably by a screaming/crying child) and forgot about it. My very generous husband had noticed me salivating in the Prada store, and had gotten me a substantial gift card for...Prada! Just what I wanted..but perhaps too much, too decadent? Especially given the economic times, it seemed a little obscene. And especially, since just that day, we had gone to the Knoll store and purchased my dream dining room table: a white, marble, tulip table. I am more frugal (cautious) but J talked me into it - "it is an investment", he reasoned. Perhaps. We had (thankfully) a good year, but we also tend to forget to save. Next year, next year, that is my/our resolution.
Not to say that I felt so guilty, that I didn't go out the very next day and use up my entire gift card in 20 minutes. I planned on waiting but couldn't. I made it to 11Am, then hopped on the subway to the Franklin Roosevelt stop and the Avenue Montaigne. I needed the larger, more extravagant, Prada store, to fully savor the decadent, frivolity.
Next year we will economise. We will be frugal. But it was a great treat. Since the kids were born, I have foregone such indulgence and have forgot how fun a little luxury can be.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Obama, Race and Gender
I have been frankly obsessed with the news since the U.S. election. I have been watching not only the French news, but also American news podcasts and reading all the major papers and journals online. I cannot turn the T.V. - or internet off. I am still so overwhelmed.
There has been much talk about the effect the Obama election will have in France (and Europe). Diversity just doesn't exist in French politics. Except for Sarkozy's appointment (notably Rama Yade and Rachida Dati) there are few non-white or women in the highest levels of French government. This is due in large part to France's inability to acknowledge a multi-cultural nation (which it is!) Again, we are all French first. However, this unwillingness to address race or ethnicity means that discrimination continues relentlessly. This is fueled by the peculiar French tradition of requiring a picture or age or ethnicity on one's C.V. (as if name alone was not enough to alert the racist/sexist police). It is time France started taking account of the level of participation of ethnic minorities. Of course, the case in Germany is much more egregious, but that is another story.
We live in a diverse neighborhood. Which I am thankful for. There are signs on our Mairie and the local schools that proclaim their solidarité with students and parents which are "sans-papiers" - meaning without official residency (or in the jargon of the states, illegal immigrants). We are legal residents of France and pay an extraordinary amount of taxes (upwards of 40%). And we do so gladly, especially for the services we receive. But my partner is still harassed (as he was in his trips to Germany and London) because he does not look French. I am never stopped by the police. I am white and thus pass for French (or "European")
And this is what concerns me. This is not personal (or maybe somewhat). I have always considered myself to be a strident feminist (and still am), but now I have a window on what it means to be racially discriminated against. Obviously my children are "biracial". This is not something I considered them to be or labeled them as, as I certainly did not view my husband to be a "minority". But as Althusser has demonstrated, it is not one's self-construction or self - identity that is in play but that of the "other" (what they call you or name you).
In the States, at least today (it certainly was not the case when I was in High School and Vietnamese refugees came by the thousands to Orange County) to be Asian is a "positive" stereotype (clean, hardworking, etc). My partner, when we lived in NY, was always very defensive against these "positive" stereotypes (and quite often was abrasive and obnoxious in return). In Paris we live in an immigrant neighborhood, specifically a Chinese working class neighborhood.
I look at my children and I see two little, gorgeous kids with very distinct characters. I do not see gender. I do not see race. The issue of gender has provoked me incessantly and I have been defensive and combative (but this is another post). Race has been something I have not really considered until recently. My children have been innocently and not so innocently been asked if they are "Chinoise". Because to be "Chinoise" is to be lesser. My oldest daughter has adamantly denied to her friends that she is "Chinoise". She has even made fun of those who are "Chinois" in order to distance herself from what she believes is undesirable. She has professed her love for blond hair "princesses". Needless to say this has left me dismayed. Lately this racial bias has been somewhat diminished. I have tried to instill in her (and her younger sister) a different view. When she talks about the "Chinois", I reply, "look at your father", "look at your sister", "look at your cousin" - they are all beautiful and yet look different. Lately, this has changed and my eldest has begun to proudly proclaim her ability to speak Chinese (which, thankfully is being taught at her school).
What is funny is that she has never thought of herself as Asian - just French or American. And what is even funnier is she isn't Chinoise (but really close enough). But what it has taught me is that regardless of how one views oneself others will always have a say (often detrimental). I have lived my whole life with the question of gender as a defining factor (not for myself but for others) and now I know the implications of race (not for us but for others). President-elect Barack Obama gives us hope, as a French friend of mine said, "Il changera la visage de pouvoir". Hopefully he will change the unstated standard that white is good, beautiful and intelligent. It is not - and I have two great examples.
There has been much talk about the effect the Obama election will have in France (and Europe). Diversity just doesn't exist in French politics. Except for Sarkozy's appointment (notably Rama Yade and Rachida Dati) there are few non-white or women in the highest levels of French government. This is due in large part to France's inability to acknowledge a multi-cultural nation (which it is!) Again, we are all French first. However, this unwillingness to address race or ethnicity means that discrimination continues relentlessly. This is fueled by the peculiar French tradition of requiring a picture or age or ethnicity on one's C.V. (as if name alone was not enough to alert the racist/sexist police). It is time France started taking account of the level of participation of ethnic minorities. Of course, the case in Germany is much more egregious, but that is another story.
We live in a diverse neighborhood. Which I am thankful for. There are signs on our Mairie and the local schools that proclaim their solidarité with students and parents which are "sans-papiers" - meaning without official residency (or in the jargon of the states, illegal immigrants). We are legal residents of France and pay an extraordinary amount of taxes (upwards of 40%). And we do so gladly, especially for the services we receive. But my partner is still harassed (as he was in his trips to Germany and London) because he does not look French. I am never stopped by the police. I am white and thus pass for French (or "European")
And this is what concerns me. This is not personal (or maybe somewhat). I have always considered myself to be a strident feminist (and still am), but now I have a window on what it means to be racially discriminated against. Obviously my children are "biracial". This is not something I considered them to be or labeled them as, as I certainly did not view my husband to be a "minority". But as Althusser has demonstrated, it is not one's self-construction or self - identity that is in play but that of the "other" (what they call you or name you).
In the States, at least today (it certainly was not the case when I was in High School and Vietnamese refugees came by the thousands to Orange County) to be Asian is a "positive" stereotype (clean, hardworking, etc). My partner, when we lived in NY, was always very defensive against these "positive" stereotypes (and quite often was abrasive and obnoxious in return). In Paris we live in an immigrant neighborhood, specifically a Chinese working class neighborhood.
I look at my children and I see two little, gorgeous kids with very distinct characters. I do not see gender. I do not see race. The issue of gender has provoked me incessantly and I have been defensive and combative (but this is another post). Race has been something I have not really considered until recently. My children have been innocently and not so innocently been asked if they are "Chinoise". Because to be "Chinoise" is to be lesser. My oldest daughter has adamantly denied to her friends that she is "Chinoise". She has even made fun of those who are "Chinois" in order to distance herself from what she believes is undesirable. She has professed her love for blond hair "princesses". Needless to say this has left me dismayed. Lately this racial bias has been somewhat diminished. I have tried to instill in her (and her younger sister) a different view. When she talks about the "Chinois", I reply, "look at your father", "look at your sister", "look at your cousin" - they are all beautiful and yet look different. Lately, this has changed and my eldest has begun to proudly proclaim her ability to speak Chinese (which, thankfully is being taught at her school).
What is funny is that she has never thought of herself as Asian - just French or American. And what is even funnier is she isn't Chinoise (but really close enough). But what it has taught me is that regardless of how one views oneself others will always have a say (often detrimental). I have lived my whole life with the question of gender as a defining factor (not for myself but for others) and now I know the implications of race (not for us but for others). President-elect Barack Obama gives us hope, as a French friend of mine said, "Il changera la visage de pouvoir". Hopefully he will change the unstated standard that white is good, beautiful and intelligent. It is not - and I have two great examples.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Obama Wins!
I am so pleased. It was a long night. We went to bed around midnight before the election results were in. My youngest daughter had a fever and was up every couple of hours. Normally, this would make for a taxing night, but I welcomed it last night as it gave me the chance to check the internet on and off (after administering doliprane and milk/water). I was pretty certain and hopeful that Obama would win but also fearful that he would not.
I didn't have much chance to watch the morning news before the school run, but was astonished at how excited the French reporters were (one gentleman was barely able to contain himself). I was even more astonished to hear some of the American interviewees respond in French.
Obama has been on the front page of journals and newspapers in France for months. The African community has been especially excited and rooting for him. Obama changes the look of power. In France where racism doesn't officially exist or is discounted (everyone is French first and there is no such thing as affirmative action), racism is more covert and insidious. Obama challenges the underlying perceptions of what power can look like.
Truly historic! Let's hope he picks a diverse cabinet of progressive men AND women.
I am so pleased. It was a long night. We went to bed around midnight before the election results were in. My youngest daughter had a fever and was up every couple of hours. Normally, this would make for a taxing night, but I welcomed it last night as it gave me the chance to check the internet on and off (after administering doliprane and milk/water). I was pretty certain and hopeful that Obama would win but also fearful that he would not.
I didn't have much chance to watch the morning news before the school run, but was astonished at how excited the French reporters were (one gentleman was barely able to contain himself). I was even more astonished to hear some of the American interviewees respond in French.
Obama has been on the front page of journals and newspapers in France for months. The African community has been especially excited and rooting for him. Obama changes the look of power. In France where racism doesn't officially exist or is discounted (everyone is French first and there is no such thing as affirmative action), racism is more covert and insidious. Obama challenges the underlying perceptions of what power can look like.
Truly historic! Let's hope he picks a diverse cabinet of progressive men AND women.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
French women DO dress better
I am sorry to say this but it is true...French women DO dress better than American women.. Well, maybe I should clarify and narrow my comparison: Parisienne women dress better than New York women. I realize this is entirely subjective and, frankly, is not something I would have thought or said ten or fifteen years ago.
My first extended stay in Paris was about fifteen years ago. I was disappointed by French fashion: all the women were so conservative in their beige cashmere sweaters, non-descript jeans, Gucci-esque loafers, and horrible, horrible, little Hermès (or Hermès-like) scarves tied around their necks. Oh - and the abundance of, little, "tasteful", gold, jewelry: itsy bitsy earrings and tiny, dainty watches. It was all so boring and overdetermined. So unlike NY in the 90's, where downtown at least, women were a little more adventuresome and outrageous.
Admittedly, I haven't been in NYC in almost three years so my comparison is not exactly based on first hand observation. I have had to rely on Bill Cunningham's photo reports in the NY Times (the comparison between his NYC essay and Paris essay is enlightening) and other sightings of Americans in Paris (I know, not really fair). My guiding example, though, has been the difference between Anna Wintour and Carine Roitfeld. It seems that sometime in the last decade American women have come to represent the establishment and French women the slightly unkempt iconoclast upstarts
Money perhaps is the problem. Too much money and too many logos. American women (with money, that is) look overdressed, too clean, and too put together. Trying too hard, as they say. And those with limited resources, don't seem to take an interest. Fashion is, I know, superficial. But one has to buy clothes, so why not buy pretty clothes. The problem is also American women want to be (too) comfortable -Sweats and tennis shoes as street wear? French women never (well, almost - always some qualification is necessary) wear gym clothes (even if "trendy" and brand spanking new) on the street. Nor do they wear big, ugly, gym shoes.
I am gladdened every morning, watching French women making their morning commute: women of all ages, on bikes, vespas, motorcylcles, or walking to the metro wearing real clothes (mini skirts, jeans, leather pants) with real shoes (preferably high heels). It makes me happy to see these women (mostly whippet thin, alas) stomping (or careening) down the street. And they always, always, look comfortable.
Paris has regained its glamour. Young mothers, senior citizens, working women -all are dressed up in the latest fashion (or knockoff). Those who can't afford the latest Dior herringbone shift or Louboutin pumps, still look fantastic in their Zara or even Monoprix vêtements.
Stereotypes are of course limited. But French women (and men) enjoy dressing up everyday regardless of age or resources. And they do it with ease and singularity.
American women instead seem to either wear a "uniform", want to be overly comfortable, or alight upon the same exact trend. The effect is grown women dressing like adolescents, boring clothes, or being too perfectly put together. And always too clean. As Roitfeld proves, there is nothing wrong with dirty hair as long as you are wearing a fabulous outfit that uniquely suits you. And high heels, please!
My first extended stay in Paris was about fifteen years ago. I was disappointed by French fashion: all the women were so conservative in their beige cashmere sweaters, non-descript jeans, Gucci-esque loafers, and horrible, horrible, little Hermès (or Hermès-like) scarves tied around their necks. Oh - and the abundance of, little, "tasteful", gold, jewelry: itsy bitsy earrings and tiny, dainty watches. It was all so boring and overdetermined. So unlike NY in the 90's, where downtown at least, women were a little more adventuresome and outrageous.
Admittedly, I haven't been in NYC in almost three years so my comparison is not exactly based on first hand observation. I have had to rely on Bill Cunningham's photo reports in the NY Times (the comparison between his NYC essay and Paris essay is enlightening) and other sightings of Americans in Paris (I know, not really fair). My guiding example, though, has been the difference between Anna Wintour and Carine Roitfeld. It seems that sometime in the last decade American women have come to represent the establishment and French women the slightly unkempt iconoclast upstarts
Money perhaps is the problem. Too much money and too many logos. American women (with money, that is) look overdressed, too clean, and too put together. Trying too hard, as they say. And those with limited resources, don't seem to take an interest. Fashion is, I know, superficial. But one has to buy clothes, so why not buy pretty clothes. The problem is also American women want to be (too) comfortable -Sweats and tennis shoes as street wear? French women never (well, almost - always some qualification is necessary) wear gym clothes (even if "trendy" and brand spanking new) on the street. Nor do they wear big, ugly, gym shoes.
I am gladdened every morning, watching French women making their morning commute: women of all ages, on bikes, vespas, motorcylcles, or walking to the metro wearing real clothes (mini skirts, jeans, leather pants) with real shoes (preferably high heels). It makes me happy to see these women (mostly whippet thin, alas) stomping (or careening) down the street. And they always, always, look comfortable.
Paris has regained its glamour. Young mothers, senior citizens, working women -all are dressed up in the latest fashion (or knockoff). Those who can't afford the latest Dior herringbone shift or Louboutin pumps, still look fantastic in their Zara or even Monoprix vêtements.
Stereotypes are of course limited. But French women (and men) enjoy dressing up everyday regardless of age or resources. And they do it with ease and singularity.
American women instead seem to either wear a "uniform", want to be overly comfortable, or alight upon the same exact trend. The effect is grown women dressing like adolescents, boring clothes, or being too perfectly put together. And always too clean. As Roitfeld proves, there is nothing wrong with dirty hair as long as you are wearing a fabulous outfit that uniquely suits you. And high heels, please!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Barack Obama - Yes!
I have been following the election closely for the past year, and it looks like it is going to happen - Obama is going to win! The last debate and Colin Powell's endorsement yesterday seem to have clinched it.
We left the states partly for political reasons, and at the time, what I considered social and cultural reasons (and now I just consider political). After living in France for the last four years, I understand the importance of economic rights as well as political and how they are inextricably linked. It is impossible to have equality or justice without ecomomic rights. Yes, that means socialism. Although Obama has not gone as far as to advocate socialism (a dirty word) in Amercian politics he has at least insisted on, to an extent, universal health care and pre-K education.
Some of the really stupid cultural debates in the states are the direct effect of outdated economic policies. Take the ridiculous "mommy wars". The so-called mommy wars have been cast as a debate that revolves around personal choice, moral and familial values, class, etc. But really it is economic. Women are being pitted against women over their "choices". Which is really the greatest misnomer perpetuated to keep women (and men) from demanding access to affordable or free childcare. When we lived in New York, childcare was impossible unless one had tons of money - fifteen dollars an hour was the going rate. And technically illegal, since it was cash under the table. Nursery schools were private and applications filled out years in advance. The limited amount of spaces (and the expense) make these institutions open to charges of elitism (which they are). Expensive, private nannies and private nursery schools are the real cause of the "mommy wars" not personal choice or values.
In France, women (whether one works or not) have real choices: affordable state sponsored "nannys", full-time daycare, part-time daycare. One pays according to one's income. If one chooses to stay home and care for one's infant, the state pays the parent!
School for children is mandatory at age 6. However, most children start at the age of 2 or three. One simply goes to the local mairie and signs up for the local school (we have three schools within a ten block radius and multiple nursery schools). It is free except for lunches, after school care, and holiday outings for which one pays, again, according to their means. And for lunch the kids are served real food: cod fish, couscous, roast chicken, beets, haricots verts, cheese, fruit. During the summer our kids went on different excursions almost everday: museums, parks, paris plage, the pool. This expense and devotion to every child's well-being and education is considered to be a right, not a luxury, and certainly not the personal choice of the parents but the responsibility of the state.
I was so happy to hear Obama state that Health Care is a "right" in the last debate. Tellingly McCain answered that it was a "responsibility" - and claimed that Obama wanted the States to become like Canada or Englaind (i.e., "Socialist). Would that be so bad? The lack of universal health care in the states is not only appalling it is morally wrong. The U.S. is listed at 29th in infant mortality rates, age expectancy has steadily declined, and treatment rather than prevention has become the norm. To pretend that emergency rooms provide universal health care is ridiculous.
And a propos McCain's comments that North Koreans are three inches shorter than their southern neighbors because of their political system (and thus economic disadvantage), I at first laughed. What the hell is he talking about now, I wondered. It turns out that he was referring to recent studies on height and its correlation to the health of a country. In the New Yorker there was an article on the height and history (height is not genetic but rather cultural). Funnily enough, the article pointed out that compared to other developed countries, it is Americans who are becoming relatively shorter. One can blame lack of prenatal care, early childhood, diet, etc.
And to return to Powell's endorsement. I was thrilled he made the point that one shouldn't have to answer the charge that Obama is a Muslim with, no he is a Christian (which he is), but with, why does it matter? One can be a Muslim and be president of the U.S. And contrary to the popular American belief, all Muslims are not terrorists.
Lastly, McCain's sneering reference to Obama's tax plan as one which aims "to spread the wealth", it just doesn't resonate. Presumably he hoped it would have the same effect as Bush Sr's "read my lips, no new taxes" or Reagan's "trickle down theory", but obviously it hasn't. Isn't it time to "spread the wealth" a little, especially as the gap between rich and poor has become increasingly obscene? How can one object to an increase in taxes on incomes over 250K or on corporations? Spread the Wealth, I say...
I guess it is obvious who I am voting for. I too am "electrified" by the possiblity of an Obama presidency. We might just consider moving back to the States.
We left the states partly for political reasons, and at the time, what I considered social and cultural reasons (and now I just consider political). After living in France for the last four years, I understand the importance of economic rights as well as political and how they are inextricably linked. It is impossible to have equality or justice without ecomomic rights. Yes, that means socialism. Although Obama has not gone as far as to advocate socialism (a dirty word) in Amercian politics he has at least insisted on, to an extent, universal health care and pre-K education.
Some of the really stupid cultural debates in the states are the direct effect of outdated economic policies. Take the ridiculous "mommy wars". The so-called mommy wars have been cast as a debate that revolves around personal choice, moral and familial values, class, etc. But really it is economic. Women are being pitted against women over their "choices". Which is really the greatest misnomer perpetuated to keep women (and men) from demanding access to affordable or free childcare. When we lived in New York, childcare was impossible unless one had tons of money - fifteen dollars an hour was the going rate. And technically illegal, since it was cash under the table. Nursery schools were private and applications filled out years in advance. The limited amount of spaces (and the expense) make these institutions open to charges of elitism (which they are). Expensive, private nannies and private nursery schools are the real cause of the "mommy wars" not personal choice or values.
In France, women (whether one works or not) have real choices: affordable state sponsored "nannys", full-time daycare, part-time daycare. One pays according to one's income. If one chooses to stay home and care for one's infant, the state pays the parent!
School for children is mandatory at age 6. However, most children start at the age of 2 or three. One simply goes to the local mairie and signs up for the local school (we have three schools within a ten block radius and multiple nursery schools). It is free except for lunches, after school care, and holiday outings for which one pays, again, according to their means. And for lunch the kids are served real food: cod fish, couscous, roast chicken, beets, haricots verts, cheese, fruit. During the summer our kids went on different excursions almost everday: museums, parks, paris plage, the pool. This expense and devotion to every child's well-being and education is considered to be a right, not a luxury, and certainly not the personal choice of the parents but the responsibility of the state.
I was so happy to hear Obama state that Health Care is a "right" in the last debate. Tellingly McCain answered that it was a "responsibility" - and claimed that Obama wanted the States to become like Canada or Englaind (i.e., "Socialist). Would that be so bad? The lack of universal health care in the states is not only appalling it is morally wrong. The U.S. is listed at 29th in infant mortality rates, age expectancy has steadily declined, and treatment rather than prevention has become the norm. To pretend that emergency rooms provide universal health care is ridiculous.
And a propos McCain's comments that North Koreans are three inches shorter than their southern neighbors because of their political system (and thus economic disadvantage), I at first laughed. What the hell is he talking about now, I wondered. It turns out that he was referring to recent studies on height and its correlation to the health of a country. In the New Yorker there was an article on the height and history (height is not genetic but rather cultural). Funnily enough, the article pointed out that compared to other developed countries, it is Americans who are becoming relatively shorter. One can blame lack of prenatal care, early childhood, diet, etc.
And to return to Powell's endorsement. I was thrilled he made the point that one shouldn't have to answer the charge that Obama is a Muslim with, no he is a Christian (which he is), but with, why does it matter? One can be a Muslim and be president of the U.S. And contrary to the popular American belief, all Muslims are not terrorists.
Lastly, McCain's sneering reference to Obama's tax plan as one which aims "to spread the wealth", it just doesn't resonate. Presumably he hoped it would have the same effect as Bush Sr's "read my lips, no new taxes" or Reagan's "trickle down theory", but obviously it hasn't. Isn't it time to "spread the wealth" a little, especially as the gap between rich and poor has become increasingly obscene? How can one object to an increase in taxes on incomes over 250K or on corporations? Spread the Wealth, I say...
I guess it is obvious who I am voting for. I too am "electrified" by the possiblity of an Obama presidency. We might just consider moving back to the States.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Art in Paris
Saturday night we went to the opening of the 104 (le CentQuatre). Or at least tried to. CentQuatre is the new multimedia art exhibition hall in the 19th arrondissement. It used to be the old city morgue and has been transformed into a gigantic space with dozens of ateliers and exhibition spaces (and if I am not mistaken was a couple of weeks ago the site for the Martin Margiela fashion show).
It was easy to find CentQuatre (a ten minute walk from the metro) - just follow the crowds. When we reached rue d'Aubervilliers, it became apparent that gaining entry would be a problem. Hundreds of people were corralled behind ropes on the sidewalk in front of the building but the huge glass doors were shut. Hundreds of others were in the street and on the sidewalk opposite. Through the glass you could see people inside but apparently they were filled to capacity. Occasionally the doors would open just a crack and let in a few people. The elderly couple standing next to us speculated who they were letting in. Probably the Mayor, she said to my husband. And the press. TV personalities most likely, her husband interjected. Politicians, she said. And on and on. What was clear was that we were most likely not getting in. So we decided to leave and come back another time.
We walked down to the Canal d'Ourcq towards the Stalingrad station. The weather was unseasonlly warm so we sat down at an outdoor café. We ordered a house bottle of Bordeaux, tarte au chevre and steak au poivre et frites. Simple and cheap. Not the evening we anticipated but much better than being crushed by crowds of people.
I don't mind (at least not always) the crowd one walks through daily in the city, but not the mass of people gathering for an event (or the subway during rush hour). I much prefer smaller, quieter affairs. During the summer a former colleague's friend took us to an opeining at the Passage de Retz in the Marais: a group show based loosely on the theme of insomnia. A very civilized event. Sangria and Soft drinks were served along with barrels of oranges and figs. The show was uneven but had a couple of pieces from two my favorite French artists: Sophie Calle and Anette Messenger. And I think I saw Viktor and Rolf...
Anyhow, I would like to return to le CentQuatre after some of the hype dies down. And we are planning a trip to the Jeff Koons exhibit in the Palace de Versailles this weekend with the kids. I hope they can behave...
It was easy to find CentQuatre (a ten minute walk from the metro) - just follow the crowds. When we reached rue d'Aubervilliers, it became apparent that gaining entry would be a problem. Hundreds of people were corralled behind ropes on the sidewalk in front of the building but the huge glass doors were shut. Hundreds of others were in the street and on the sidewalk opposite. Through the glass you could see people inside but apparently they were filled to capacity. Occasionally the doors would open just a crack and let in a few people. The elderly couple standing next to us speculated who they were letting in. Probably the Mayor, she said to my husband. And the press. TV personalities most likely, her husband interjected. Politicians, she said. And on and on. What was clear was that we were most likely not getting in. So we decided to leave and come back another time.
We walked down to the Canal d'Ourcq towards the Stalingrad station. The weather was unseasonlly warm so we sat down at an outdoor café. We ordered a house bottle of Bordeaux, tarte au chevre and steak au poivre et frites. Simple and cheap. Not the evening we anticipated but much better than being crushed by crowds of people.
I don't mind (at least not always) the crowd one walks through daily in the city, but not the mass of people gathering for an event (or the subway during rush hour). I much prefer smaller, quieter affairs. During the summer a former colleague's friend took us to an opeining at the Passage de Retz in the Marais: a group show based loosely on the theme of insomnia. A very civilized event. Sangria and Soft drinks were served along with barrels of oranges and figs. The show was uneven but had a couple of pieces from two my favorite French artists: Sophie Calle and Anette Messenger. And I think I saw Viktor and Rolf...
Anyhow, I would like to return to le CentQuatre after some of the hype dies down. And we are planning a trip to the Jeff Koons exhibit in the Palace de Versailles this weekend with the kids. I hope they can behave...
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