How Stasi Silenced the Streets: The Protests of the 2003-2004French Headscarf Affair Público

Goodman, Felicia Carol (2009)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/gt54kn52t?locale=pt-BR
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Abstract

On March 15, 2004, the French government issued a ban on the wearing of conspicuous symbols of religious affiliation in public elementary, middle, and high schools. This thesis traces the evolution of this so-called "headscarf ban" from April 2003 through March 2004. Special attention is given to the work of the Stasi Commission, set up by President Jacques Chirac to investigate and reevaluate the status of laïcité, or French secularism, across the society. The Stasi Commission was particularly important in rallying public opinion to favor the idea of a law by December 2003, when Chirac announced his intentions to the nation. While the majority of the French supported the President, others voiced their objection to a law in the streets of Paris on the three major days of protest against the law--December 21, 2003, January 17, 2004, and February 14, 2004. This thesis positions these three strikes as powerful moments of disapproval, but also demonstrates how the prior workings of the Stasi Commission, and the growing tension between French secularism and Islamic fundamentalism, ultimately silenced the streets.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iii

INTRODUCTION: A French Foot in an Islamic Veil 1

CHAPTER 1. Neither Macdo nor Submissive!: 6

The Missing Testimonies of the Stasi Commission

CHAPTER 2. Toward an Understanding of the Demonstrations' Failure 19

CHAPTER 3. A Mountain Gave Birth to a Mouse!: 24 From the Stasi Commission to the National Assembly

CHAPTER 4. How Stasi Silenced the Streets I.

December 21, 2003 31 II.

January 17, 2004 39 III.

February 14, 2004 49

CONCLUSION: Bravo, Bravo! 60

BIBLIOGRAPHY 64

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