Éric Zemmour

Éric Zemmour attracted my attention after I read the post from the blog Comprendre et agir, and heard Youssoupha's song.

Zemmour's story is interesting because I find some of his ideas intriguing:

- Anti-human rightsism: Zemmour regularly takes positions that he describes as "anti-human rightsism", placing him in opposition to many organizations advocating humanitarian intervention, which Zemmour considers to be a form of neo-colonialism.

I agree with the opposition to these organizations and the impact of humanitarian intervention. I disagree with being against human rights: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."

- Anti-feminism: "Zemmour accuses modern feminists of wanting to "castrate" men, and charges their movement with bringing negative consequences upon society (including the loss of the notion of authority)"

This is the more intriguing. Feminism is "the belief that women should have equal political, social, sexual, intellectual and economic rights to men." There are "women's legal rights (rights of contract, property rights, voting rights); for women's right to bodily integrity and autonomy, for abortion rights, and for reproductive rights (including access to contraception and quality prenatal care); for protection from domestic violence, sexual harassment and rape;[1][10] for workplace rights, including maternity leave and equal pay; and against other forms of discrimination." And because of the structure of our society, I agree that it creates an equilibrium. But this balance was part of more traditional societies, wasn't it? I think about Islam and Christianity and Judaism and the role of women. I am seriously confused. I guess I need more of the historical and women perspective...

- Immigration and traditional French assimilationism: "Zemmour is staunchly opposed to "mass" immigration brought on by family reunification (He is in favour of the Thierry Mariani amendment, which would require people wishing to immigrate to France on the basis of family reunification to prove their relationship via DNA testing) and to the current process of integrating immigrants which he considers too lenient towards them. He has frequently declared that he is in favour of assimilation"

Assimilation for me, is a form of nihilism. It is negating the past of migrants when this past has contributed to make who they are and what the place they moved to is now becoming. However, if France decides to go on and chooses assimilation, as in the American model, as the country of adoption it would have to offer a new, strong and bonding feeling: "I am French", like "I am American". But this American dream was built on centuries of history and a belief in a common Constitution. Assimilation is then called a "melting pot": everyone melts in the pot and becomes part of the whole... Is France offering that "better whole"?

Zemmour really surprises me. I forgot to mention his anti-liberalism, bringing ideas such as that " the political right and left are forced to advocate "the same economic policy, social liberalism or liberal socialism", since, in the words of Philippe Séguin, "right and left are outlets of the same wholesaler, Europe."" Is he conservative and traditional as his views on feminism show or he more socialist as his opposition to the alienating Europe demonstrate? However, with such eclectic views (as I don't understand how all these views come from the same person) should the character's voice be shut down as the rapper Youssoupha suggests in his song?

This may be a poor analysis, but I wanted to bring this gentleman to your attention. Please comment...