at least we're better than the americans... right?
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In No Name in the Street, James Baldwin talks about how the French see themselves as morally superior to Americans, especially when it comes to their relationship to race. They treat him, a Black American, as “civilized” and use this comparison to distance themselves from American racism. Baldwin points out the hypocrisy, quoting their claim, “le noir Américain est très évolué, voyons!”. They are essentially saying that as a Black American, Baldwin is somehow more "advanced" or "civilized" compared to the Algerians or other non-European peoples. This statement is deeply ironic and loaded with condescension, as it positions Baldwin as an exception to their general stereotypes about Black or colonized people. Additionally, the French use the idea that they’re “not racist like the Americans” to make themselves feel superior, while ignoring their own colonial and racial injustices. Baldwin’s experience highlights how the French idea of racism is ironic, since they criticize American racism and see Baldwin as a "good" Black person (backhanded comment), yet they contrast him to the "uncivilized" Arabs.
This is also prevalent in other countries like Canada. Canada often positions itself as this beacon of multiculturalism compared to the US, but it has its own issues, especially systemically, that contradict that image. Baldwin’s observations make it clear that racism isn’t just an American problem, it’s everywhere - but countries like France and Canada avoid taking a look at their own histories by taking an “easy route” and pointing fingers at America. Baldwin’s question “how was it that the French, armed with centuries of civilized grace, had been unable to civilize the Arab?” really stuck with me, because it shows how these countries use their supposed civility as a way to dodge accountability.