Challenges Faced by Black Individuals in France
The French actor Omar Sy, known for his role in the popular Netflix series “Lupin,” recently spoke out about the difficulties of being black in France. In a series of interviews to promote his new book, Sy expressed his concerns about the state of justice, equality, and fraternity in the country. He emphasized the need to move away from individualism and rebuild a sense of collective identity to counter the rise of the far right.
A Nuanced Perspective
When asked if it was difficult to be black in France, even for someone as successful as himself, Sy acknowledged the complexity of the question. He stated that being black in France can be challenging at any point in one’s life and that instances of racism are unfortunately ongoing. To illustrate his point, he referred to the recent racist backlash faced by French pop star Aya Nakamura, who has achieved international success but still experiences racism.
The Impact of Far-Right Politics
Sy also expressed his concerns about the rise of far-right leader Marine Le Pen and the impact it could have on French society. While he admitted that his optimism had been shaken, he remained hopeful for a better future. Sy emphasized the importance of addressing the lack of justice, equality, and fraternity in France and warned against the dangers of promoting a vision of a “France of the past” that fuels hatred and division.
Building a Sense of Collective Identity
In his book, “Viens, on se parle,” co-authored with journalist Elsa Vigoureux, Sy reflects on his upbringing in the banlieue outside Paris as the child of parents from Mauritania and Senegal. He highlights the achievements of his friends, such as footballer Nicolas Anelka and comedian/actor Jamel Debbouze, who also grew up in the same area. Sy believes that France needs to shift its focus from individualism to a sense of collective identity in order to address societal fragmentation.
Political Engagement and Social Justice
Sy has been actively involved in supporting justice campaigns against police violence in France. He has spoken out about cases such as the death of Adama Traoré, a young black man who died in police custody in 2016, and the shooting of Nahel, a 17-year-old of Algerian background, during a traffic stop in Nanterre. Sy believes that France is currently lacking in justice, equality, and fraternity, and it is crucial to confront these issues to prevent history from repeating itself.
A Symbolic Figure
As the son of West African immigrants who grew up in the banlieue, Sy is aware that he has become a symbolic figure in French society. He acknowledges that his background, combined with being black and Muslim, has political implications. Sy’s success as an actor has broken barriers, and he hopes to inspire others who face similar challenges.
Omar Sy’s performances, including his award-winning role in “Intouchables” and his portrayal of a gentleman thief in “Lupin,” have made him one of France’s most popular celebrities. Despite living between France, the US, and Senegal, Sy remains committed to addressing the issues faced by black individuals and promoting a more inclusive and collective society in France.
