Spoke to @Guardian podcast about growing up in post-War #France... that is post-#Algerian War of Independence, still v. much in living memory. The War’s legacy is perceived in all kinds of aspects of modern life, still blighted by the #colonial experience. 
A point that is easily overlooked by foreign observers is that the 2nd most influential party in #France now was founded by far-right nationalists who wanted to keep #Algeria French. #LePen's FN -now called the Rassemblement National -is openly racist, islamophobic & antiSemitic.
In his '#Separatism' speech @EmmanuelMacron was sugar-coating #reactionary policies based on the premise that 5-6M French #Muslims can’t be trusted to manage their own affairs & required surveillance at all times.The emphasis was that Islam is a chronic #problem around the world
Sadly, @EmmanuelMacron's been influenced by far more reactionary colleagues (@GDarmanin) & has his eyes on millions of #farRight Rassemblement National votes for when he stands for reelection.His speech showed this was not solely simply a reaction to horrifying acts of terrorism.
The absurd reality is that if you make a keynote #speech about #division, you are going to create even more division, & this is exactly what @EmmanuelMacron did. An example of the #stigmatisation involved was Macron saying he wanted to limit #homeschooling for #Muslim children.
This is at a time when pretty much all parents are being encouraged to keep their families at home because of #Coronavirus, and spend more time on #homeschooling. @EmmanuelMacron's overall message is that #Muslims can’t be trusted in private spaces, and need constant #monitoring.
The details of the '#Separatism' legislation haven’t been worked out yet, but it is so obvious that they will include increased powers to the #police/#security services & neighbours who want to spy and report. This is the very definition of #totalitarianism. #Islamophobia #Macron
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