What Does It Mean To Be French?

Within 24 hours of creating my blog I have caused controversy in France! True story! Ok - the controversy, not that I caused it.
It seems that I am dating someone who is questioning their identity.
This morning I woke up to an NPR article about the recent changes in France. The government, specifically French President Nicolas Sarkozy, wants to identify and address concern that the nation as a whole is losing the French Identity. Some in the right wing party are upset that France has stopped serving pork in public schools, while immigrants feel that xenophobia is actually being encouraged with these town meetings. This of course leads to talk and fear about policies regarding the rights of immigrants.
I know, I know what you're going to ask. "Do you really want to date someone with all this baggage (even if it is Louis Vuittan)? Seriously, these are serious issues! - Cut and run!" Although I am not ready to dive into the France's deeper issues just yet, I would be rather shallow to ignore them completely. They are a part of France and what France is struggling to become. I felt this was a sign. France was saying "Hello Bradetta, just so you know I am more than good looking with an amazing sense of style and deep roots in history. I have issues, I have concerns, I want to grow emotionally as a country." I say " I respect that, France. Let's talk. However, I think a first date is not unreasonable. Take me to dinner, tell me about your likes, dislikes maybe a horrible story about an ex-fling. Then, if you really want, we'll explore both sets of baggage, yours and mine." So we are agreed. Of course, politics and truly serious issues will certainly be discussed at some point. For now, we focus on the basics. Bonjour, Je M’appelle Bradetta, ca va?