Is the Jewish democratic ideal, yes or no, a universal categorical imperative valid for any human society regardless of its cultural heritage? and socio-political particularisms, or is it only a contingent ideal promoted by a few. How to reconcile the aspiration to the universal,pledge of our common humanity, and respect for the particularisms of human experiences that are always and entirely woven in and through a particular history? How to reinvent democracy? This question was at the center of the debate. The proliferation of contemporary claims on the part of minorities questions their respective social project and raises this paradox: is the democratic ideal threatened or, on the contrary, reinforced by mobilizations that criticize its
limits from within? Is republican universalism in crisis? How do contemporary anti-racist and egalitarian demands renew the struggles of the past?
Can we still speak of an integration model specific to each of these countries? Circulation of men and thoughts, models of integration in crisis
and claims specific to other countries, challenges of diversity in cultural institutions, influence of productions, while back and forths are multiplying
in the fields of ideas, this new cycle allows you to take the necessary step back and initiate a reflection in a real spirit of open-mindedness.
Circulation of men and thoughts, models of integration in crisis and claims specific to other countries, challenges of diversity in cultural institutions, influence of productions, while back and forths are multiplying in the fields of ideas, this new cycle allows you to take the necessary step back and start thinking in a real spirit of open-mindedness.
The death of George Floyd in the United States and its repercussions around the world will have shown the capacity of civil society to mobilize to fight racism and discrimination, in particular the younger generations. But these impressive citizen demonstrations cannot hide the misunderstandings and contradictions that
have been going through the anti-racist movement in France for several years, of which this tragic event reveals the fractures. Confronted with the emergence of
the melanic question in the public debate crossed by semantic polemics. Democratic society is also based on the idea of citizenship, which postulates equality of
individuals in dignity and rights, which then justifies everyone’s access to political participation. This idea of civic equality of individuals is indeed modern:
it was born in England from the 16th century before being officially affirmed at the end of the 18th century by the American Constituents and the French
revolutionaries; it will finally receive its letters of nobility through the writings of A. de Tocqueville in the 19th century.
As for universal suffrage, which is one of its expressions, it will only be implemented gradually. For example, in France, it will be necessary to wait until 1848 to grant universal suffrage (although limited to men); 1945 to extend it to women; and 1974 to grant it to young people over 18… As Dominique Schnapper says: “citizenship is a creative utopia according to which the objective differences which separate individuals give way to their equality in regarding rights and political participation”. These democratic principles, because they are experienced as desirable, will be desired by certain political actors (citizens and political parties) and will gradually be embodied in facts, in political institutions. This is the second meaning of the word democracy, which designates a particular political system, involving an important element of popular participation, direct or indirect, but also respect for the fundamental rights of individuals and citizens, through what is called a Rule of law, an expression which, moreover, also covers various meanings.
African Jewish Diasporas on test of equality
