ROThe article explores how France and the United States, two nations that claim to base their legitimacy on universal principles rather than ethnic origins, use national holidays to reinforce their identities. It references scholar Jérôme Viala-Gaudefroy’s analysis published on The Conversation, which examines how these celebrations go beyond commemorating historical events by periodically redefining the nation itself. The piece highlights the political polarization around these rituals, suggesting they now reflect deeper debates over who can legitimately represent the nation. It contrasts the American and French revolutions, noting how each nation constructs its identity through different narratives—American focusing on independence and new order, while French emphasizes internal rupture and rational equality. The article also discusses the concept of 'civil religion,' drawing on Robert Bellah’s work, where national symbols and rituals function similarly to religious practices.
Bias read (Center): While the article discusses politically sensitive topics like national identity and ideological narratives, it presents an academic analysis that does not overtly favor one side. The framing remains balanced, discussing both American and French perspectives without clear ideological leaning. The use
