Safety fears.

[ctl]

I am concerned for my son who is scheduled to study outside Paris for the Spring semester. With the current anti-american sentiment in the Middle East and US diplomats and embassies being targeted, I don't know if it is safe to risk letting him go to France for the semester. I know it's the chance of a lifetime and it's highly unlikely anything will happen to him, but I really don't know if it is worth the risk. Of course France is not the Middle East, but it only takes one fanaticist. It's not like it's just a week that he would be there, it's the entire Spring, and he had planned to visit many countries in Europe on the weekends. It seems like the authorities never know about plots until it is too late. It makes me ill to think that he could be targeted just because he is American. He has already been warned by his school not to wear overtly American clothing, and to "moderate" his American accent (whatever that means). He is a very quiet kid and not the "loud" American tourist that so many stereotypically think of. If he is going to drop out it has to be soon. Advice?

 

[caspdex]

This may seem harsh, but IMO he would be safer in Europe than the USA, judging by the number of random shootings at colleges or cinemas.

 

[Carrie_Cat]

Tbh there is always anti American sentiment somewhere in the Middle East, this is sadly just the latest wave

Things can happen anywhere to anyone. There is only he who can decide what he wants to do.

I've been here long enough to see several terrorist attacks and I lived in the UK before that where the possibilty of attacks by the IRA were real

But I still believe that I've got more chance of being hit by a bus

The question of clothes to me means wear darker couleurs, leave the baseball cap at home, that sort of thing as you blend in more and it says less tourist but I find that a bit mad of a school to say such a thing

It also means talk quieter, don't smile at people (like in the metro don't look at people and smile at them) as it's not done here, you keep your distance etc but that's the same in any city

What does he think about it all ?

 

[Pluto_fan]

I know it's your job as a parent to worry about him , but honestly, he will be in no more danger in France, or elsewhere in Europe, than he would be at college in the States. We're an American family living in Belgium for the past three years (DH is US military) and have travelled extensively around Europe with our three kids. I have never felt that our safety was in danger. Yes, there is the occasional nut, but I don't think there are any more here than in the US. Studying abroad will give your son a wonderful opportunity to gain a broader perspective on the world which leads to greater understanding of other people and cultures...and in the big picture, that's how "us vs them" tensions will (hopefully) be reduced.

Have trust in your son's common sense, and try not to worry!

 

[dlpSteve]

Terrorists don't generally target individual members of the public whether they are American or not. I think he'll be absolutely fine and will be moving to a country with far better gun control he'll more than likely be safer than staying in the US. Living in fear is giving victory to these groups.

As a Mother you are going to be worried, it's your job, but he'll have a wonderful time, expand his mind and come back with many stories of his great time.

 

[ctl]

I am so very grateful for your input. I didn't bring this up with my son at all as I didn't want to influence him or put unnecessary worries in his mind. I know what you're saying about living in the US and gun safety, but we particularly do not go into neighborhoods or places that we don't consider safe.
I appreciate the tips, especially the tip about not smiling at folks on the metro. We smile and say hello to everyone (partly because I grew up in Ireland and it's in my DNA), but it is good to know that you don't do that in France. I suppose if the school hadn't started giving us the warnings on what not to wear etc, I may not have freaked out quite so much. I know this will be an amazing opportunity for him. I knew I'd come to the boards and sanity would reign. Thanks again.