Paris is an architecturally lovely city, culturally seductive, charming, inviting, erotic and intelligent. In short, all the characteristics that would make for a good lover are to be found here, were she a person instead of a geographical location. Oh sure, Paris can be moody with its ever-changing skies, wet streets, abnormal climate shifts, spontaneous strikes, impromptu street demonstrations and celebrations. And yes, at times Paris can appear to outsiders as a self-righteous and tempestuous wildcat.
The antiracist uprisings that jumped off in 2005 indeed served to expose Paris’ dirty undergarments. She is simultaneously a city full of grace and beauty as well as a deluded diseased starlet with barely concealed festering wounds. Still, hanging slip, smeared makeup, rotting teeth and all, I claim her as my Mistress. J’adore Paris!
In the fall of 2005 when Clichy-sous-Bois ignited (unbeknownst to me), I was attending the after party for Cineaffble, the Paris Feminist and Lesbian Film Festival. A member of the radical feminist lesbian collective that hosted the party graciously invited me. At the festival, I had met several lesbian feminist activists including a number of Black lesbians at a special screening of LOC short films. That weekend my Paris experience had deepened with new lesbian friendships, intellectual stimulation, and a funky good party amongst the womenfolk.
I didn’t learn of the accidental death of Zyed Benna and Bouna Traoré, in Clichy-sous-Bois until I read news accounts the next day. In 2006, I visited Paris several times and observed a palatable radicalization and militancy amongst Black folks. There appears to be a quickening of Black consciousness and visibility. Depending on ones perspective, these are either exciting or scary times in Paris because Black folks are on a move. Consequently, it is no surprise this energy finds fertile ground in all manner of artistic expression.
Paris has a long history of embracing literary and performing artists African American expatriates. Indeed, the African American arts legacy in Paris is a constant draw for me. Intentional or not, I always seem to make a personal connection with that legacy. For example, one of my prized compact disc is a recording entitled, “A Lover’s Question” that features the late James Baldwin reciting his poetry accompanied by 17 stellar musicians including Steve Coleman, Pierre Van Dormael, Slide Hampton, et al.
Years ago, I purchased this disc in the Virgin Megastore on rue de Champs-Elysees. I wept with sadness and joy when I listened to the disc in my hotel room. James Baldwin epitomizes the affectionate and inspirational interplay between African American expats and Parisians of yesteryear. My discovery of the Baldwin recording in Paris is one of many fond memories; a Black arts connection I cherish.
February 19th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
I am so in love with Paris! I always have been. It is one of my dreams to visit and eventually live part-time in Paris. I really enjoyed Skye’s commentary. It was very informative and lively.
November 11th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
[…] to Paris, make it a point to come. It is very likely that you will find me too in the embrace of my mistress, […]
November 1st, 2008 at 8:41 am
[…] (France ’07) Dispatch #10 – Cineaffable: Paris International Lesbian and Feminist Film Festival Travelogue – Paris, France This entry was posted on Saturday, November 1st, 2008 at 8:06 am and is filed under Culture, […]
November 5th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
[…] Out Holiday Inn Gare de l’Est Skyeview: Cineaffable ‘07 Skyeview Gallery: Cineaffable ‘07 Skyeview: Paris Travelogue ‘07 This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 at 8:37 pm and is filed under Culture, […]
December 1st, 2008 at 8:06 am
[…] only been a couple of weeks since my last trip to Paris. How nice to return to my Mistress so […]