First the Statue of Liberty, then this guy. I like France.

  • Thread starter Thread starter tribdog
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around perceptions of French people by Americans, exploring historical grievances, cultural misunderstandings, and personal anecdotes. Participants reflect on the complexities of American-French relations, touching on themes of pride, resentment, and the impact of historical events such as World War II.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express pride in a French individual's positive remarks about America, contrasting this with historical grievances.
  • Concerns are raised about why Americans harbor negative feelings towards the French, with some attributing it to perceived snobbishness and historical events like WWII.
  • Others argue that the dislike is mutual, suggesting that the French also harbor negative feelings towards Americans and other nationalities.
  • Several participants recount personal experiences or anecdotes that illustrate cultural misunderstandings between Americans and the French.
  • Some participants challenge the notion that the French have "forgotten" WWII, arguing that such statements are insulting and lack evidence.
  • There are references to broader global perceptions of Americans, with some attributing negative views to political figures like George Bush.
  • Discussions include the idea that cultural differences and ignorance of history contribute to tensions between the two groups.
  • Some participants assert that not all Americans dislike the French, citing personal experiences that contradict the generalization.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reveals multiple competing views regarding American attitudes towards the French, with no consensus on the reasons behind these feelings or the extent of mutual dislike. Participants express a range of opinions, leading to an unresolved debate.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference historical events and personal anecdotes that may not fully capture the complexity of American-French relations. Assumptions about cultural perceptions and historical grievances are present but not universally accepted.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in cultural studies, international relations, or the dynamics of American and French interactions may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
Art said:
The French I think look down on the Americans as they believe them to be culturally uncouth
That's their attitude to everyone - the only people more arrogant than the french are Parisians.

but their real loathing is reserved for the English.
Well we have had nearly 900year head start - give it time.

When I told them I was Irish after which they couldn't have been nicer.
Any enemy of the English will do.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
mgb_phys said:
That's their attitude to everyone - the only people more arrogant than the french are Parisians.


Well we have had nearly 900year head start - give it time.


Any enemy of the English will do.

The French are nice to the Irish?! Since when?

French are pretty nationalistic and so are most other Euronations ... my guess is that they are simply nationalistic and most of them have the time of day to have a good ol' conversation about how much they dislike the US.
 
  • #33
The French are nice to the Irish?! Since when?
I think it's more like the 'auld alliance' where the scots and french were able to put aside religious, philosphical and cultural differences to unite in a common bond of hating the English.
 
  • #34
GCT said:
so are most other Euronations ... my guess is that they are simply nationalistic and most of them have the time of day to have a good ol' conversation about how much they dislike the US.

Any source of that claim, or is it your own opinion?
 
  • #35
On a similair note - why do the Americans tell Irish jokes about the poles?
The stereotype of poles in the UK is that they are all hard working plumbers and builders that actually finish the job and time and budget.
 
  • #36
mgb_phys said:
On a similair note - why do the Americans tell Irish jokes about the poles?
The stereotype of poles in the UK is that they are all hard working plumbers and builders that actually finish the job and time and budget.

Americans tell jokes about the poles? Are you crazy? I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for the Poles. There are no finer people on the earth.
 
  • #37
Borek said:
Any source of that claim, or is it your own opinion?

Many nations have adopted a " pan-regional " endeavor of securing values and heritage - especially those that have been invaded many times e.g. tribal England by the Romans and then the Anglo Saxons and also China by Japan. Nationalistic countries have the tendency of regarding themselves as inclusive and unique ; and are usually comprised majorily by one more or less homogenous group with several minority groups.

Are the Polish nationalistic? My guess is that they adhere to culture however there isn't one majority group of people that claims Poland.
 
  • #38
The French people I know are especially kind and wonderful, and I'd say much the same about people from all countries I've met, including English, other Europeans and Americans. If French people do seem to like us and we are Australian, does that mean that we are enemies of the English? I hope not.
 
  • #39
fuzzyfelt said:
If French people do seem to like us and we are Australian, does that mean that we are enemies of the English? I hope not.
That's only because the French don't play cricket against you.
 
  • #40
There is an awful lot of generalisation here. I'd guess that all populations have a range of good/bad people whatever that may be.

There is too much globalization going on to have those little feuds.