In four months, France will host the Paris Olympics, but which France will show up?
Torn between tradition and modernity, the country is in the midst of an identity crisis.
Right-wing critics say Ms. Nakamura’s music does not represent France, and the prospect of her performing has led to a barrage of racist insults online against her.
The outcry has compounded a fight over an official poster unveiled this month: a pastel rendering of the city’s landmarks thronging with people in a busy style reminiscent of the “Where’s Waldo?” children’s books.
An opinion essay in the right-wing Journal du Dimanche said “the malaise of a nation in the throes of deconstruction” was in full view.
Persons:
Aya Nakamura, Waldo, ”, Napoleon, Dimanche
Organizations:
Paris Olympics, French
Locations:
France, Malian, Paris, Invalides