#JeSuisCharlie
For our friends abroad who are perhaps wondering what the fuss is all about, or may have come across comments stating that Charlie Hebdo is a racist publication and/or had it coming, I would like to clarify a few points.
Charlie Hebdo is not a racist publication. It has targeted, over the years, our right-wing politicians (along with any other politician) just as much as fundamentalists (of all religions). And a bunch of other people, too. As far as Charlie is concerned, anyone is fair game, including their own. In fact, they were discussing an anti-racist angle for their next issue when the attackers came in and shot them.
Those of you who know us well, also know that sarcasm, cynicism, criticism and disrespect of authority are ingrained in the French culture (along with self-deprecation). We may find this annoying at times (or quite often, really) but it is part of the French identify and we are, in fact, quite proud of it. Charlie Hebdo is highly symbolic of that spirit, which is also why we are so deeply affected.
However, all the fuss is not just about Charlie Hebdo and 12 (edit: now 17) people killed in France. It is about free press, freedom of ideas and free speech all over the world. It does not really matter whether we agree with their ideas or not. I have never approved of Charlie Hebdo nor was I all that fond of the killed cartoonists work, but this is not the point.
So, while not a Charlie Hebdo fan, #JeSuisCharlie. And #JeSuisAhmed, too, one of the policemen killed while standing for our rights.
Charlie Hebdo