Paris, January 2015 — A French lesson: “être Charlie,” to believe in the importance of freedom of expression (as the French would call it); a term originating in the response to the terrorist attack at Charlie Hebdo on January 7, 2015. Following subsequent events on January 8 and 9, the term may also reflect a desire to support those who would protect such freedom, the fight against antisemitism, a peaceful vision of the practice of Islam and more generally liberté à la française and other values of the French Republic. Often mistakenly believed to mean a desire to draw, republish or glorify the cartoons of Charlie Hebdo.
Etre Charlie = To be Charlie (Being Charlie)
Je suis Charlie.
Tu es Charlie.
Il/Elle est Charlie.
Nous sommes Charlie.
Vous êtes Charlie.
Ils/Elles sont Charlie.
