Europe in Flames
I watch the news each night in awe at the complete lack of recognition of the simple fact that the level of cultural conflict in Europe far exceeds that in the US.
For years the Europeans — yes, I am painting with a broad brush intentionally — have accepted large numbers of immigrants from many nations while systematically denying them the ability to compete in the society and culture that they see daily.
This is not simply a French problem it is endemic in the socialistic policies of many European nations. There is a far greater class separation than exists in the U.S.
Europe has after all, a long tradition of aristocracy and this guides the social status rank of individuals, not so much in terms of royalty, but in self perception and the boundaries that are defined culturally.
It is ludicrous to expect a few social programs to extinguish decades of anger resulting from relegation to the fringes of society. The individuals rioting in France are viewed by many in France much like the Burakumin in Japan or the Untouchables (Dalit) in India. Socially defined as marginal individuals who are not to be trusted or associated with outside of narrow well defined situations.
Compounding this view of them as inferior, aristocratic Europe, in its socialistic benevolence, provides charity while denying basic civil rights like the ability to work at a decent job. This further impacts the self and social perception of these individuals as worthless. In many ways this is the same thing that has happened to black males in America under the welfare policies of the Democratic party. However, there are greater opportunities for black males in America than exist for many immigrants in Europe.