I&#x27;m not endorsing it, but the French attitude (generally) is that religion is a private concern that doesn&#x27;t belong in the public forum.  They view public displays of religion by private individuals with suspicion and distaste, which is different culturally from the U.S.  Like I clarified below, I don&#x27;t admire that specifically -- I do admire that they treasure and protect their civic values in the face of intimidation.