Events Archives
Debate: “Faut-il avoir peur de l’Amérique?”
December 20, 2007
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Library held a book discussion on December 20, 2007 about Nicole Bacharan's book Faut-il avoir peur de l’Amérique? (Should We be Afraid of America?). Augustin Loada, a law professor at University of Ouagadougou and Fulbright alumus, led the discussion. Over 30 journalists, lawyers, students, and other professionals attended the program.
Professor Augustin Loada started his presentation with a brief biography of the author, Nicole Bacharan – a dual French/American national. Professor Loada noted that the book's origins were rooted in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which prompted Bacharan to attempt to explain American society and its reaction to the French public. Bacharan asserted that the American dream is still relevant today. The United States, despite its faults, is a democracy and all of its citizens remain equal before the law.
After the formal presentation, the audience debated the author's premise vigorously. Several participants remained unconvinced by Bacharan's & Loada's arguments, but a solid exchange of ideas about democracy, freedom, and world politics was enjoyed by all.