A Battle Over Murals in Parisian Ghettos - Sharing the U.S. Experience

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http://www.counterpunch.org/washington05022008.html


Sharing the U.S. Experience
A Battle Over Murals in Parisian Ghettos
By LINN WASHINGTON, Jr.

French filmmaker Ladj Ly scoffs at a recent suggestion from an America diplomat to literally paint over deep-seated social problems in suburban ghettoes around Paris to lessen tensions sparking two major riots in the past three years.

These problems like pervasive unemployment, police brutality and inept responses from governmental officials in France form the focus of Ly’s film “365 Days in Clichy Montfermeil.”

Ly’s documentary examines the Fall 2005 rioting and aftermath in his town located northeast of Paris.

Ly’s town is next door to the town of Clincy-sous-Bois where that rioting sweeping countrywide erupted after the accidental electrocution of two minority youth while trying to escape harassment by police.

Ly said he knew the electrocuted youth – “they were like my little brothers.” Their deaths were one inspiration for his documentary.

This US diplomat wants to initiate a project to paint murals on ghetto walls, employing famed French artists to work with ghetto youth.




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