When discussing la banlieue to an unfamiliar person, the example always given is that it is similar to the “projects” in America. Although while it is understandable to make this comparison, there are several distinct differences between the two that should not be overlooked.
1. American inner cities are enormous in comparison
The “projects” in America generally extend for miles and are in nature cities of their own. This is not the case with la banlieue they are much more defined areas. Although there may be several banlieues surrounding each other, each is a distinct area. Formally speaking, the word banlieue is a socially neutral term, designating the urbanized area sourounding the city center, which is composed of both sparsely and heavily populated areas. Consequently, in the Parisian area, for example, Neuilly-sur-Seine, the suburb Nicolas Sarcozy and many other wealthy residents live, may be referred to as a banlieue the same as La Courneuve, where Alibi Montana was raised. To distinguish them, Parisians refer to a banlieue aisée, or comfortable suburb for Neuilly, and to a banlieue défavorisée, or disadvantaged suburb, for Clichy-sous-Bois.
2. There is less racial segregation in le banlieue
While American Projects tend to be extremely segregated by race, la banlieue is a very pluri-ethnic community. This is shown in several films such as La Haine (1995), in France minority groups have a tendency to unite, and race is not a divisive force.
3. Residents of the banlieue interact more with the city they are near
Gang Leader for a Day, a sociological piece written by Sudhir Venkatesh describes life in the “ghetto” of Chicago. He finds that these areas are similar to mini-cities, and outside interaction with the surrounding city is rare. In contrast, residents of the suburbs often interact with the surrounding city because there are not many grocery stores, movie theater, or even places to work in la banlieue.
4. Guns are much more common in American inner cities
One of the most notable differences between these two areas is the availability of fire arms. In France, it is highly illegal for citizens to possess assault rifles, only police are permitted. Although violence in the banlieue might be just a frequent, there far less deaths in these areas than in than in the American projects.
5. There is significantly more police presence in la banlieue
Additionally, while Police tend to stay out of the “projects” as much as possible, in France the police are very present in la banlieue. Many believe that this is part of the reason for the extremely tumultuous relationship by the police and banlieue residents.
6. Instead of Rap and Basketball, French youth hope to leave the banlieue through rap and soccer
The dream of making it big as a rapper of basketball is not unique to American “hood rats”. The only difference is that for their French counter parts soccer is the sport of choice. The documentaries Hood Dreams (1994) and Les Yeux dans la Banlieue (2008) provide great insight into the dynamics of these aspirations.
–Brianna Losoya
blackfrance 