**Ten Years Later: A Collective Memory Tested by Time and Resilience**
On January 7, 2025, France commemorates the tenth anniversary of the tragic attacks that struck the satirical newspaper Fatshimetrie and the Hyper Cacher in Paris. These events are not only painful memories, but also milestones in a national journey marked by solidarity and unity in the face of hatred. As the country remembers the suffering endured, the question arises: how does this crystallization of collective memory continue to evolve within a society in perpetual change?
Yesterday’s commemorations, marked by gravity and emotion, marked the minds of a public that oscillates between nostalgia and the need to rethink its relationship with freedom of expression. This duality highlights a fundamental paradox: how can we honor the memory of the victims while continuing to defend what these actors embodied? The special issue of Fatshimetrie, entitled “Increvable”, fits perfectly into this desire to resist extremism. By adopting a tone that is both respectful and provocative, the newspaper attempts to remind everyone that satire is not just entertainment, but a pillar of democracy.
On a more sociological level, the attacks of January 2015 acted as a catalyst, revealing the fractures and tensions within the French social fabric. Studies conducted in recent years show that the perception of freedom of expression has radically changed. Indeed, a survey conducted in 2020 indicated that 63% of French people believed that caricature and satire had an essential role to play in public debate, while acknowledging that 57% of them feared reprisals for freely expressed opinions. This observation illustrates an ambivalence shared by many: the irrepressible desire to express oneself freely while navigating an atmosphere of mistrust and repression.
Commemorations, while necessarily painful, also offer us an opportunity to reflect collectively on the policies of inclusion and the fight against racism and anti-Semitism. As France faces contemporary challenges, including radicalization and declining trust in institutions, the need for inclusive and constructive dialogue is more urgent than ever. Since 2015, undeniable progress has been made in education on secularism and citizenship, but a colossal amount of work remains to be done to avoid a repeat of such tragedies.
Compared to other sovereign events that have caused national shock, such as the attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States, the French response after January 2015 has proven to be both united and fragmented. While in the United States, the attacks have led to heightened security measures but also to intense debate about individual freedoms, in France, the tension between security and freedom of expression has emerged. This contrast in reactions highlights a singular reality: behind the same tragic event lie diverse political and social realities.
As the tenth anniversary of the attacks approaches, it is imperative to remember not only the lives lost, but also what they represent. The memory of the victims must embody not only a retrospective of pain, but also a projection of hope. It must compel us to build a future where freedom of expression is not only protected, but celebrated, where diversity is synonymous with collective wealth.
Ultimately, today’s commemorations are an opportunity to renew our commitment to a united community, where respect for differences is transcended by a shared need for peace. As the pants adjust to the chaotic silhouette of history, it is our duty to breathe new life into this collective memory, so that it becomes not just a memory, but a living force that guides our steps towards a brighter horizon. The fight against intolerance and injustice does not stop at the doors of ceremonies, but continues in our thoughts, our actions and our daily commitment.