Patriotism, National Pride, Hope: What France Can Learn from the US

During this World Cup season, our ears are often struck by the famous words of the French national anthem, La Marseillaise: “Arise, children of the fatherland.” But today, what does it mean to be a patriot? Why do the French have so little pride in their nation? For our contributor Sandrine Kukurudz, who lives in New York, it is important to be a little bit chauvinistic.

This is not the first time that I have drawn attention to American patriotism in these pages. With school-age children who are active in sports clubs, it is part of my daily life.

It is equally normal that given the success of this model, I like to think that France may recover its former patriotism. And further, that it might serve, in the hearts of many, as a counter to the extreme right.

Montebourg Tried It, but Without Conviction

Certainly, Arnaud Montebourg, former* minister of industrial renewal, launched a grand campaign to encourage the buying of French goods. It was a nice idea that seduced more than one person around me.

The problem is that it is nearly impossible to “buy French.” Take clothing, for example. Apart from a few specialized brands or a few blossoms of French heritage, like Saint James or K. Jacques, nothing is made in France.

Even Gérard Darel looked to Portugal when it wanted to expand its manufacturing. And even if a strong trend developed for certain brands, it is more often a question of intelligently communicating a limited series of clothes than a real manufacturing policy.

One must note that the minister’s nice words were not followed up with convincing acts. And that is really too bad. France is ready.

To Become a Patriot, Proud of Our Country Once Again

In the past, the love of France was taught at school, as is the case in the America of 2014.

Children sing the national anthem each morning and witness the raising of the flag in many states. A small, simple gesture that reminds them of their attachment to the values of their country. There is no need to recall, at each American sporting event, the fervor of the public, hand over heart, singing the national anthem.

Ask a Cuban-, Russian-, Chinese- or Greek-American if she is not proud of the country that welcomed her, or her parents, and for which she has worked so hard.

Patriotism Is Not a Bad Word!

Isn’t it time to take it all back to how it was when our parents were in school? Certainly, it will not be easy at first, but we can hope that with will and persistence, we can achieve something.

Let’s teach “La Marseillaise” (even if I am of the opinion that it would be necessary to rewrite some of the words) to our children again and teach them the meaning of national holidays: recount World War I and its heroes of Nov. 11, speak of the resistance and the liberation of France on June 6, explain the meaning of May 1, and the fight of some for the rights of others …

Let’s give the French pride in being French, whatever the origin of their ancestors may be. One participates in the life of a country by living in it, and each must be able to make his or her small mark on this history.

We have to want to do something. France has succeeded so well in what it has done! And on every level!

Let’s take back the history of modern medicine and make it so that every child feels ownership over the history of our great writers, painters and talented artists. Let’s remind France that less than 100 years ago, it was the country that others wanted to be, and that this lasted for centuries.

Let us be proud of our fine undertakings, of our technological gifts to the world, of the reputation of our luxury houses, fine clothing, and world-renowned chefs.

Jean-Marie Le Pen Does Not Have a Monopoly on Patriotism

The problem is that for ages now, we have confused nationalism with patriotism, leaving room for the Le Pen family to swallow them both up.

On the left and right, we have simply forgotten how to be proud of France: a godsend for the extreme right.

And if the vote in the last elections was a protest vote, it was also a vote to save France from its frustrated state. These voters wanted to restore France to its strong and assured state, the France of Bourvil and De Funès’ films, the France of the reassuring countryside and very charming cities.

Everyone Can Play a Role

There is a role to be played by the media, business and each individual.

A business creates a new product, takes a risk, and increases its sales? Let’s communicate it internally, thank them for their contribution, and draw attention to those workers – at every level – who deserve it the most. The American way.

Similarly, let’s invite the press to show a positive image of France and also to draw attention to what it does the best. Let’s sweep away the ambient pessimism of a France, which no longer believes. Let’s return morale to the French by letting them believe, even when it’s not easy.

We Must Find Hope Again

Let’s look at the French with respect to their favorite sports teams.

Let’s analyze the crazy hopes that they attach to a few individuals and their pride when victory is achieved! What is possible in sports must be somehow broadened. There is no reason otherwise.

What if, for once, we stopped painting ourselves as the victim in order to pick ourselves back up?

Yes, it must be said to the French that this will not be easy. But we must above all give them a desire to believe in it and believe in their country.

Yes, France Is Doing Badly … So What?

It is surprising that so many people give the evil eye abroad, but for years, the government has not encouraged a positive fighting spirit.

Once again, this is the difference in America, which lifts itself up so quickly because it learned to fight from its very infancy. Here, in school, you learn from the first classes that your destiny is in your hands, and that if you believe you can achieve.

And if America continues to recount its beautiful success stories, it is because one can still be born poor in this country and become a millionaire. You must believe and fight to attain your dreams.

Ladies and gentlemen in politics, Marine Le Pen must no longer be the sole holder of national pride.

Of course, there are attempts on the left and right. But in words only.

It is time to move to acts and awaken the sentiment of pride in a beautiful country that has been drained nearly empty.

Children of every country, you have chosen France as your new homeland. It’s not for nothing. It is for its values and principles.

Let’s all get behind the blue, white and red flag!