Fes Forum 2014, Day Three: Managing and Savoring Diversity in Morocco - an Ideal, a Challenge, a Model

By: Katherine Marshall

June 16, 2014

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Speakers: Abdou Hafidi (moderator), Amine Sbibi (Moroccan Minister of Culture), GaboneseMinister of Culture, the Arts and Civic Education Ida Reteno Assonouet, Eric Fottorino, Mohamed Metalsi, Saoud Talaa Atlassi

Challengers: Henri Joyeux, Younes Ajarrai, Maati Kabbal
On its third day, the forum’s focus was Morocco. A preoccupation with the challenges of diversity in a plural society spilled over from the previous day. Likewise the spotlight was again on the role of culture, though religious diversity was not a central topic. Abdou Hafidi, a spirited and skillful moderator, launched the discussion with a reminder that culture is what is awake and alert when all else is asleep. So, how is Morocco building on its cultural heritage and its much celebrated diversity? Is Morocco an island of tranquility as some describe, a haven in a violent and changing world? Or not? How are the global challenges of religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity and hot debates over cultural identity lived in Morocco?

Two ministers of culture, from Morocco and Gabon, launched the discussion. Amine Sbidi stressed (and came back to the theme several times during the discussion) Morocco’s unusual if not unparalleled 2011 constitutional protection of diversity. It is squarely part of Morocco’s national identity and clearly defined as a human right. But Morocco rejects multiculturalism, instead stressing the right to cultural difference. The path has not always been smooth: some groups contest pluralism and translating an ideal into practice is a challenge. The focus on culture is the main path to translating the national commitment to diversity into reality.

Gabon also, the minister argued, prides itself on its respect for diversity, though it has not often been a visible focus. Culture, in contrast, is a high priority for the current president. It is a point of honor that the constitution defines cultural identity as an absolute right and she noted that the peace and tranquility that Gabon has long enjoyed owes much this welcoming approach to both ethnic and religious diversity. However, harmful aspects of culture, those that are inconsistent with human rights, are discouraged: early marriage is an example. Gabon makes no compromise in its commitment to the core human right to women’s equality and encourages cultural change in that direction. The objective is a healthy, positive culture where people live together, open to national and international difference. Gabon welcomes globalization but treasures and preserves its distinctive culture.

Eric Fottorino explored the conundrum of cultural identities through his recent journey to learn about his heritage and to assimilate its meaning. Raised, he said, without an identity, when he learned that his birth father was a Jew from Fes he set out to explore his own roots. He realized swiftly how far identity involves ambiguity: he, like us all, has multiple, overlapping identities. In exploring his Moroccan Jewish heritage, he was struck by searing contrasts and ambiguity. There is a sharp contrast in this history between a deep fear that permeates cultural memories, born of horrific past experiences (for example the 1912 pogrom in Fes where the King sheltered threatened Jews in animal cages) and the sense of belonging and community that give power to cultural identity.

The discussion returned often to the Jewish element of Moroccan identity and its cultural importance. It was with sadness that people lingered on the fact that, after centuries of living together and thriving, the formerly large Fes Jewish community today numbers only 50. Students are not taught about this Jewish heritage. Yet, it was stressed, Morocco is part of Jewish heritage, as Jewish heritage is part of Morocco.

The themes of interculturality versus multiculturalism were explored from various angles. Morocco thrives in cultural diversity. Morocco’s remarkable history exemplifies the layering of cultural identities. Its unique position on the paths of successive world cultures and religions have left a rich legacy: empires and religions swept through Morocco and their traces are everywhere, even though sometimes they are literally effaced. This diversity today is enriched both by the many Moroccans living abroad and growing numbers of immigrants to Morocco, voluntary and involuntary (thwarted migrants to Europe who remain). Multiple identities are thus part of the cultural mosaic of Morocco. Language, as a living symbol of cultural diversity was mentioned frequently. The role of the Berber language, in education and culture, has special importance today.

A search for the very meaning of the word culture colored much of the discussion. Is culture about a subtle personal identity? Social groups or a nation? The built heritage? Intangible facets like food and agriculture (from which the word is derived)? Ceremonies? How does culture relate to politics? Everyone is plural, noted Maati Kabbal. Even flora and fauna entered the discussion. In short, cultural diversity is no simple matter, and it involves pain and joy. A lingering image used was a poster showing “high voltage cattle”: the meaning? A country can improve its cattle with the best from outside. The message? That is the goal: to develop culture by enriching it, without diluting or losing sight of its essence.

Women’s roles were mentioned, with some regret that this was not more emphasized in the panel’s composition. Women are vital transmitters of culture, but many tense debates around culture do center on women. Modern culture involves a dramatic rise in the power of women, in the public space as in the family. This change is fundamental, though there is still much to do to achieve the promise of equal rights. Likewise youth has to be far more engaged in the discussion.

Michael Barry introduced a theme that echoed: a mirror first reflects how an individual sees themselves and thus their culture. One sees both oneself and the other in this light (including what one most fears). But mirrors are often distorted and the images change over time. A resident of Mexico in one era would reject Mexico’s Aztec past, identifying fully with the Spanish colonial regime and Catholicism, while at another she might celebrate a very different past. This selective memory applies worldwide, including in Morocco.

The reminder of mirror reflections of culture led the discussion to textbooks and education. The right to education is also a fundamental human right. The continuing folly of Moroccan textbooks that show snowy roofs and French names was evoked.

The question arose again of how to continue this robust discussion beyond the five days of the forum. The proceedings are recorded and available, but some asked for careful synthesis and analysis. This was left to Faouzi Skali and his colleagues.

We were challenged in the discussion to go beyond the politically and diplomatically correct, to recognize real challenges and limitations. How can we manage disagreement in this fast changing world? The discussion veered between celebration of and pride in diversity, and nagging worries about how Morocco can be open to the waves of cultural change and an internet culture that drowns difference, yet preserve what makes it unique. The forces of globalization and cultural change are irreversible we were reminded. They are also largely uncontrollable, at least from the vantage point of an individual state or institution. The state cannot police culture. We thus need the courage to recognize limits as well as potential. Morocco is not a folklorical paradise but a dynamic society living in a broader context, of Africa, close to Europe, the Arab world, and the world more broadly. Living with diversity involves pain as well as joy.
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