The (Black) American in Paris

As much as I hate talking about America, I feel like I can’t avoid it today since Barack Obama Superstar met with Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris today.

If you’ve watched Christiane Amanpour’s CNN newsclip, you’ll hear a polite, stuttering interpreter dictating Sarko’s answer to her question.

But watch Sarko answer the question in real life— anything but docile.

La conférence de presse Obama-Sarkozy : les questions – Le Figaro

Now, ignoring all the politics, it’s just that über confidence Sarko has that completely captivates me. He doesn’t stutter, he doesn’t hesitate, and if you could understand him, the words he says aren’t trying to be polite. He’s an ass, and he doesn’t try to hide it! Why can’t we get that in a President? Complete and utter honesty.

And then looking at Obama you see him carefully thinking out each word, making pauses, reflecting on what he says. I understand he has a right to be careful, especially since if he makes a single mistake, shit’s going to fly. But Président Sarkozy says what’s on his mind and says it from his heart; I think it’s much more sincere.

Of course, I’m the last person to consult on politics and all that mumbo-jumbo. I’m just here for the French culture.

Now about that CNN piece…

It is true that racism exists in France and it exists everywhere. In France, tensions are especially strained from the large amount of North African immigrants coming in, and with an already slumping economy and job market, obviously someone is going to be unhappy.

But I don’t like how Amanpour ignores Rachida Dati, the Garde des Sceaux (Minister of Justice) of France who was born to Algerian and Moroccan immigrants. She plays her down as a person “appointed” by Sarkozy, and this is true, she was appointed. But Dati was also elected mayor of the 7th arrondissement of Paris in March of this year.

I suppose since she isn’t black, she doesn’t qualify for Amanpour’s analysis and therefore can be ignored.

Vous êtes tous cons ou quoi?! Commentez!