Miles & Paris - Jazz For The Night People

[davesmusictank]

When I listen to some of the jazz American jazz people have recorded in France and decided to become self-exiled there due to the racism of the USA in the fifties and sixties Paris was a benefactor in many ways. In fact, a recent BBC Radio 4 program explores the encounter between American modern jazz and the French New wave in Paris in the late

Comments

[fairy69]

My French husband and I had a conversation the other day about racism here in France. I didn't think it really existed. Prejudices, yes, but not down-right racism. For instance, as an American, even from New York, I see more interracial couples here in France than in New York so I assumed the best. My husband says no, that racism here is a little more subtle - as a child, he had good friends from the Ivory Coast and whenever they came over to play, have parties, etc. the neighbors would react badly. He says it really isn't much better nowadays.

[davesmusictank]

I find that fascinating because I do have a friend who still lives in Brighton but once lived in Paris and even they said they felt a slight putudown from the white people in Paris and and that it was very subtle. He also mentioned that American negroes got better treatment than he did.

[fairy69]

American black people treated better in Paris than from England? Could it be possible it was just the usual France/England's love-hate relationship in general? LOL Joking aside, France is a very conservative country, especially now as there are more Right and Extreme Right among us who are in fear of terrorism, etc. so all people of color are looked at. However, I don't think there has been an actual racist crime here....that I know of.

[davesmusictank]

He loved Paris whilst he was there but feels that the atmosphere is more hostile. He thinks Brighton is cooler these days. I do not know if it is now but it was whilst I lived there.