France is more and more often called a country of immigrants. Following its democratic traditions, it has always given asylum to political refugees, regardless of race, and provided protection to almost all exiles. Racism is practically absent in France as the French nation does not exist in the same sense as the English or German nation. Living under one roof, speaking one language, the French still rely on their regional traditions and preserve the local dialects they speak only within their region. For instance, the Bretons differ from the Normans even in appearance. And there is no way you can confuse them with the Alsatians, and you can distinguish them from the meridionals with your eyes closed. It is something which reminds of the United States but has deep historical roots and very rich culture.
Mar 25