France wrestles with the line between seduction, harassment
PARIS — France is in a bind over where seduction ends and sexual harassment begins.
Since the allegations of rape and sexual harassment emerged against Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein, the country synonymous with love has been stumbling as it addresses the issue of sexual harassment and violence against women.
Some have wondered if France can address men’s behaviour toward women without throwing out its Don Juan national identity.
“France is a country of men who love women,” Guillaume Bigot, who has written about the Weinstein fallout in France, told The Associated Press. “Seduction is a profound part of our national identity … the culture of the ‘French lover’ and the ‘French kiss’ is in danger because of political correctness.”