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Monique Y. Wells
Discover Paris!

Monique has lived in Paris with her husband, Tom Reeves since 1992. She writes the Entree to Black Paris Blog and was recently named Black Culture and Heritage VIP in Paris. She has authored several wonderful books and itineraries, including Paris Reflections: Walks Through African American Paris and the Black Pearl Walk. Tom is the author of Paris Insights-An Anthology and the Paris Insights blog. He is co-owner of Discover Paris!

Conversing in Pigalle on a Parisian street

PARIS: BEYOND THE COMFORT ZONE

    African Americans are traveling more than ever, contributing roughly 50 billion dollars annually to the tourism industry. We are particularly interested in traveling to destinations that are of cultural importance to Africa and the Diaspora, both in the U.S. and abroad.

    Paris is one of these destinations. As a provider of travel planning services for African American travelers to the City of Light, I can personally attest to the ever-increasing numbers of people who visit there. Not only do we want to experience its traditional tourist spots, nightlife and shopping; we also want to learn about the bountiful history that our forebears have created there for over two centuries.

    African Americans are more likely to travel in groups than all other Americans. But I contend that we would have richer, more fulfilling travel experiences as Free Individual Travelers sojourning as individuals, couples or small groups (up to six people).

    Sheila Umolu, Director for SoulOfAmerica.com, states that "African Americans stay within their comfort zone by traveling in groups." I believe that this is why we travel in groups. It speaks to the mentality ingrained in us that there is "safety in numbers" and that on our own, we are vulnerable to slights, insults and perhaps worse, because we are Black. Travel abroad adds another element of insecurity for us, particularly if we do not speak the language of our destination country.

    So why do I suggest that African-American travelers go to a city "without back-up", where people are so proud of their language and are rumored not to like Americans?

    First, language is not as big a problem as some might think. Years ago, it would have been difficult to get the French to even admit to having a working knowledge of English, whereas today, people are more forthcoming with this information. More importantly, they are willing to use their English, as long as they are approached politely in French.

    Second, French people do not hate Americans. They clearly distinguish between the American government and its people, and treat American citizens with kindness and respect. Provided, of course, that they are extended the same kindness and respect, particularly with regard to their language and culture.

    Third, our Blackness takes a back seat to our American-ness in France. This should provide us with a sense of freedom that we do not experience at home. While France is far from being a colorblind, non-racist country, the manifestations of its racism are more nuanced and complex than those in the U.S. The moment that you are identified as an American, you will experience a mindset and attitude that focuses on your nationality more so than your skin color.

    Taken together, these three points afford the African American traveler enormous liberty. Once we embrace it, we are able to appreciate Paris, as well as ourselves, more completely. In this light, the need for group travel melts away and the advantages of independent travel become fully evident.

    California attorney and travel writer Elaine Lee visited Paris for the first time in 1989 alone and with no working knowledge of French. The author of Go Girl: The Black Woman's Guide to Travel and Adventure, she made the voyage because friends who she respected and trusted, strongly suggested that she do so. She was reluctant, fearing that she would suffer racism. But not only did she not encounter the hostile attitudes that she expected; she actually felt an affinity with French culture. She stayed in the spare bedroom of a friend, was given a brief orientation on the city and aside from a couple of museum visits with her host, explored the city on her own for three weeks.

    Lee experienced a "soul-defining moment" when she realized that she would change her life because of this trip. Inspired by the French lifestyle, she has adopted a more balanced daily routine and has taken considerable time away from work to travel around the world. Always high on her list, Lee has visited Paris nine times since that first trip sixteen years ago.

    Paris is infinite. It has the uncanny ability to reflect whoever you are. I encourage you to take your next trip there as an independent traveler and discover yourself, as you Discover Paris!