What is it about Americans that many French people dislike so much? I can't figure that one out. I have not met with alot of people who feel this way, but for ANYONE to dislike me simply because I am American really confuses me. I have met people and had conversations with them on the street, at cafe's, the beach, etc. and a few have actually WALKED AWAY without anouther word once they realized I am American. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

I've never really felt that they disliked us, more so our government.

I can't say I'M all that crazy about it, either.

There should be no reason why we don't accept each other on a person to person basis. Stereotypes hurt everyone. So if someone walks away from you because of preconceived notions about America or America's government, which is also subjective, just ignore them. Or try to.

It's too bad people have to deal with stereotypes like that, but the good news is that not every French person would walk away as soon as they know you're American :)

Now if only I can make sure my French is good enough that I don't end up insulting them while trying to say hi lol

yeah, a lot of people are narrow-minded and can be too rude just because of the misconceptions they get from media. americans are not only the ones stereotyped. i myself am very infuriated to find some nasty comments about asians.

To me, saying that French hate Americans is just as prejudiced as hating us in the first place. I would definitely say it's true that they don't like our government or the way our country handles foreign affairs, and perhaps some of them take it out on us... but, I've met plenty of people here who are perfectly pleasant on finding out I'm American. Eventually, they might ask me how I feel about my government's policies (or how the heck I can stand them), but that's something different.
________
Washington dispensaries (http://washington.dispensaries.org/)

I NEVER use the word "hate" when referring to ANY person. I am NOT prejudiced. I am a bit offended by that comment, Karenlyn.:(

Hi all,

I would like (as French) give an answer.
Until now, there was absolutely no problem with Americans in France.
For the majority we thought that American were friends. Sure, there was stereotyped view on both side, but anywhere there are stupid people.
Bush and his govnerment launched a hating campaign against French .
I understand why. It is just politic. When you focalize attention , there is less time for questions...
This campaign was relayed by the us press and a part of your population and did many damages in France. (the "Punish France" of Mrs Rice).
One of my friend experimented a terrific experience in Chigago airport because he was French. The son of another friend, in the frame of school exchange was refused by an US family because he was French...
I had a hard "welcome" in 2003 in NY seeing "Fu*k France" stickers on some car, taxi and even firemen trucks...
So don't worry, we are not ready to put stickers on our car, but there is a deep deception here of what are USA today.
Americans , as individuals are welcome in France but for many French that loved USA it will take time to fix the damages between our countries.
It is stupid to hate someone because of its nationality.

I'm afraid USA has more than it's fair share of imbiciles. I am very sorry you were insulted. I guess I just turned a deaf ear to all of that "Boycott French Products" idea while I was home, because to me it was just ridiculous. I honestly was not aware there were actually bumper stickers, as I've never seen one. I am not even the least bit interested in politics, I find it ALL so hypocritical.

New York City was a horrible place when I visited! I'm american. Maybe it is places like this which the sterotypes are based. In my part of the country, I have never seen a bumper sticker like that either.

Hypocritical or not, avoiding thinking about politics is pretty impossible when you're living in a foreign country and viewing the U.S. or Britian (which ever is home) from abroad. Seeing politics from a different perspective is one of the great learning processes about living somewhere other than home.

I totally agree, Vicki. :) When I lived in the States, I had a much different view than I do now. Not just because of how people here feel politically, but because of what they see. Information is very... different in the States.

Ameri-cannes... sorry! I didn't mean to make it sound like I thought that you were prejudiced... just that generalizing about a particular culture hating a particular culture is actually a form a prejudice (prejudging people by grouping them that way). It wasn't supposed to be directed at you... sorry! :)
________
Bondage Cam (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/webcam/fetish/bdsm/)

That's quite alright, Karenlyn. I agree with what you are saying. I, too, feel quite differently now. I am more aware (and more than a bit ashamed) of certain subjects that I chose to ignore back home. But please, let me reiterate ONCE AGAIN, I never said ANYone HATED ANYone. I was simply curious why SOME French people were unwilling to be friendly once discovering where I come from. Had I known it would create such a stir, I wouldn't have asked.

I think Americans, in general, have a tendency to be pretty insular ...it's a big country and outside of direct borders with Canada and Mexico, many Americans never have or never take the opportunity to go abroad. They only know what they hear or see on television. It's very different for Europeans to go two hours in a plane and see a totally different culture. And, it's a part of European life. That same way of ease in seeing other places is not indicative to Americans, and i think it's one reason sometimes they don't quite get it when they do go abroad.

I am American myself. I like to be open minded to different cultures and people. I have heard wonderful things about Paris from co worker who visits there whenever she can. I would love to go one day.

May be ... have a look to Superfrenchie site.
You will understand how the French expat in USA feel...
Now, have a look in the French media or french press and you will be able to decide if things are balanced or not in the 2 countries.

Like my Mom always said, there are bad apples in every tree.

It's interesting; my son travels the world with his career and he has a great take on it; if a person travels to Europe and walks, talks and acts like a Nascar/GW Bush fan openly, they will encounter prejudices. The thing is, someone like that is frowned upon in many communities in the States as well. My son however, when traveling to places like Indonesia if asked, tell people he's Canadian because being an American in many places is a dangerous moniker.

Do you know ? There was a lot of "Canadiens" in France in 2003.
:)

Hey Toc,
Today I re-visited the "other" site (I won't mention any names), and I did a bit more browsing. Now I understand what you were saying about "bashing". It's like a written war zone over there! Everyone hates EVERYONE! It's a very scary place. Just makes me more grateful I have found this site. The entire atmosphere is so opposite. I suppose maybe it (the other) at least offers a place to vent, if ever someone feels the need.

Yes . I tried many other anglophone sites and generally received some insults after 2 or 3 days, just because I am French.
It is why I stopped to chat with american people for about 2 years.
It is funny but not very useful.
(there were generally no problem with English, Australians or other english speaking people)
The positiv point is that I know a lot of insults now !
The link I sent to you is the site of a French expat, living in USA, and experimenting day after day the French bashing.
I hope that the american expats living in France don't feel the same way in France.

What link?
And no, I don't generally feel that way. I have found most French people to be very polite and friendly. I was rather shocked at some of the posts "over there".

I found most of the people I met to be polite as well. I mean, we get irritated with people who don't speak the language, why shouldn't they get a little frustrated with us as well?

What link?
And no, I don't generally feel that way. I have found most French people to be very polite and friendly. I was rather shocked at some of the posts "over there".


Oops. Sometimes I have some difficulties to write what I mean.
Read : the link I suggested to you ...
I agree with you, most people we meet are very polite and friendly.

Internet is different because people are behind a screen and plastic keyboard and all become possible...
However, I find this site very friendly.

Perhaps some of the dislike comes from the US itself. There is a site that I found called f***france.com. I have never seen so much racial hatred in my life and cannot understand how this site is allowed. In my opinion free speech is good, but these people are as bad as terrorists.

I just saw a reference to that site myself today. I honestly thought it was a joke (in very poor taste). It actually exists? Some people just enjoy hostility I think. Personally, I would never visit such a site.

-Toc, I'm sorry, but I don't remember you mentioning a link- forgive me, I am very forgetful lately.

I have always fund it strange that Americans always need to be liked by everyone. The Government however tries hard to be disliked by the rest of the world. There are many reasons people do not like Americans and you cannot divorce yourself from your Government as Americans are quick to point out it is Government for the People by the people. So sadly you have to take some responsibility for it. I think the hypocritical pronouncements of GW do nothing to foster universal love of Americans.

I do not dislike Americans by the way. I have been married to one for 25 years and spent most of those years in California. I still find you hard to understand.:) ;)

You know, my son travels to Europe and Asia quite a bit with his music and I have to say, he's very "anti-american" when it comes to how our media and government portray the messes in the States. In Europe or anywhere, I think once you take the time to respect and appreciate who's country you happen to be in (language, history, communities) then there is no reason to dislike or "bash" at all. When it becomes so common and hateful is when Amercians land on foreign soil with the same arrogance that the display in their own country and so many Americans have money to travel but not the slightest degree of diplomacy or tact outside their own borders. Its this arrogance that has gotten us in the mess we're in right now in the Middle East and elsewhere.

To me, its only to be true to oneself and be decent to your neighbors - remember that old saying "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything" and that's what I choose to do. I will remark however that when I or my son travel we do find in some places its not always good to pronouce we are Americans until we've established a bit of repore with our foreign accquaintences.

Very well said, Twistoffate.

:confused:
The true question is why do so many Americans dislike Frenchs...

One sample here from our great "friend" Glenn Beck:
http://superfrenchie.com/?p=967

But we can found many (many) other samples from other guys like this (Bill Oreilly, for example).

I know that stupid people are everywhere, but , however, I find rather difficult to find the same level of hate in my country.

Hi everyone
I'm new to the forum...a bit of background about me before I reply - I'm American, from NYC, and I've been living in Paris for quite some time now. I first came as a student, and now I'm living with my (French) partner. I'm also pretty much bilingual in French and English.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that I don't think that the French hate Americans per se, but they have their own ideas and they stick stubbornly to them whether they are right or wrong. In case you have not noticed, the French do not like anything that suggests change. They do not feel comfortable in settings that are un-French-like. Most do not feel this need for adventure that many Americans have - they are comfortable where they are and they do not want anymore than that. A majority of the French are from the suburbs around Paris or from rural areas. When the French go on vacation, a majority of them like to go with other French people, notably on those club med type vacations of which my family in law is so fond of, because then you are with other French people even if you are in a foreign country.

I guess it makes them feel safe? Anyway, my family in law is a prime example of typical Franco-American relations. (BTW, I love them very much, and they are very good people with good hearts and intentions). But...they have these preconceived notions of the US and anglophones (that are totally incorrect) and nothing I say can convince them otherwise (despite the fact that I am American). We spend a lot of time talking about the differences between France and the US. One of the biggest debates is how Americans are much more open and friendly, and how in the US our society is not as classist as here in France - that is, you can be from the ghetto and totally become successful in life and rise above the ghetto.

My in-laws are forever telling me that I am totally wrong about that, because "everyone knows that these "success stories" are not true - everyone knows that these people who claim to be from the ghetto were actually born very rich and they just made up that part about being from the ghetto so that the masses feel that they have a chance to become successful too, but everyone knows that this is not possible". (I should point out that the in-laws have never lived anywhere except in France, and the only time they visited the US was back in something like 1972 with a bunch of their French friends.

Also using Bill Clinton as an example did not help because they don't believe me about how he's from a broken home in Arkansas - they insist that he's from a family like the Bushes). Another big argument at the family dinner table is that my in-laws keep telling me that Puerto Rico is the 51st state...I have tried every possible way to tell them that it's just not true - it's not a state! But they are just SO convinced that they just refuse to believe me. They also have these weird theories about how the Americans are barbaric because we can buy vitamins in any store without a prescription, and how we drive so much slower than in Europe, yet there are more accidents, or because we are a country that is very pro-Israel when it comes to the Middle East, or how we Americans think we are the Rulers of the World because we think we saved everyone from WWII.

Anyway, I'm not trying to put anyone down and I am not saying that EVERYONE in France thinks the same way, but from my personal experience a majority of them do. It's just a lot to do with the French culture that is very hard for us Americans to understand, even if you speak the language or have a French spouse or whatever (a lot of it has to do with the whole concept of friends here, which I won't go into now). I mean, my in-laws definitely do not hate me because of my American-ness nor do they hate Americans, but they just have their ideas about things and they stick to them, regardless of whether they are true or not.

Hello all,

This is my first post but I've been following this thread with lots of interest.

Like the previous poster, I am a native NYer (born and bred in Manhattan!) of Franco-Lebanese descent who attended the Lycee Francais in NY. How's that for multi-culturalism? :D

I am also completely bilingual English/French and travel to France 3-4 times a year for pleasure/business. In addition, I recently got married outside of Paris, with most of my family, friends and business associates coming from the US, many for the 1st time.

To make life easier for them, I wrote a 32-page guide to Paris and France that highlighted the cultural differences more than the tourist sites. By doing so, I realized several things about the differences between these two great nations.

The French have a love/hate relationship with the US, and it's been like this for years (and vice versa, frankly). Recent political events have exacerbated these differences, of course.

But I don't think the French really hate the US. There is a sense of both jealousy and admiration for the American capability for re-invention and success. However, there is also a pre-disposition to see all Americans as loud, rude, crude and arrogant. And if you spend an extended period of time in Europe, you start to notice that Americans (and Germans) are usually the loudest people around. But that's just a reaction from a culture that tends to be pretty formal.

As parisiannewyorker said, the French hate change (ironic, from a nation that had so many convulsions from the late 18th to early 20th centuries!), while Americans tend to embrace change as an opportunity. This makes the US culture rather scarily unpredicatable for most French.

So there are some fundamental world-view differences.

But it isn't hate.

And as an American, if you show some basic considerations for the French culture (such as saying "Bonjour" when you enter a shop or not wondering why your waiter isn't asking you how the meal's going every five minutes), things smooth out considerably.

I mentioned a lot of these things in my guide and everyone said that it had helped them get a better grasp of French culture.

If anything, I've seen more anti-French sentiment in the US than anti-US sentiment in France.
Someone mentioned bumper stickers, but that's just a reaction from narrow-minded folks who don't have access to international experiences. In NYC, we're blessed with folks from all over the world, but the rest of the nation is quite different. And don't get me started on the talking idiots on Fox...

Cheers! :cool:

Impressive, Vinotas! And very interesting.

(pls see pvt msg.)

Thanks, Ameri-Cannes.

It is sometimes very frustrating for me because I feel caught in the middle between two parents who are divorcing. I love both countries and cultures, heck, I grew up watching the Brady Bunch and reading Tintin!

So it's very annoying when I hear terms like "Surrender Monkey" or hear about the cold-hearted American way of business and life from French friends and family. Now there's an argument to last hours and hours, but at least it's usually over lots and lots of bottles of good wine... ;)

Yet somehow all my friends/family who came to France for our wedding in early October had great experiences, even the more skeptical ones. I am still hearing about how they are dying to go back to Paris, though with the recent rise in the Euro I'm not sure how soon that will be. :(

BTW, great forum, David!
Cheers! :cool:

hey everyone!

welcome, vinotas! i am so glad to see another native NYer here!

anyway i totally agree with what you wrote. and it is true that americans (or even any anglophones) generally tend to be very loud. sometimes it makes me cringe when i am on the metro or on the street and i can hear them from miles away. i don't know; maybe we are just a much less restrained bunch of people, or maybe, as a new yorker, i am used to shouting in order to be heard since it is so loud in the street, but i am definitely not immune to the loud american thing. i guess sometimes when you are having fun, you tend to get a little loud. i have noticed that it doesn't bother me so much in the states, but it can be embarrassing in europe.

also, i think that the french tend to get all annoyed if you, as a non-french person, criticize their country or the culture (not necessarily in a mean, ignorant way, but more like in a constructive criticism way). like that time i was talking with the in-laws and my boyfriend and we were talking about the problems in france, like the unemployment, and how the french are not very good at speaking english or learning other languages, and i said something like "oh, well, i think the labor laws are probably a huge barrier to the unemployment thing, and that 35-hr work week is definitely not helping any, and also, france needs to accept the fact that french is not the most spoken language in the world, nor the most dominant, so the sooner people accept it, the better it would be because then they could do things like in scandinavia, where they start teaching english at a very very young age, and all the US and UK TV shows are always on TV in english with subtitles, so your ear gets adjusted to english at a very young age". anyway, everyone got kind of mad at me and said i didn't understand anything about the labor laws, because that is SO not the problem in france, blah blah blah. i didn't really say anything, but then about 15 minutes later, they started the subject up again and they were all "yeah, you know, if they changed the labor laws and stopped the 35 hour work week, it would probably create a lot of jobs and open up the labor market, and yeah, it's really too bad that everything is dubbed in french on TV, and we are really the only people in europe who are so hard-core about our language". i was all "hey! that's what i JUST said!" but everyone ignored me. so i think that the french do not appreciate being constructively criticized by others, but it is ok for them to criticize themselves. kind of like in a family.

i also think that americans tend to me a much more adventurous people (hardly surprising, since the country was founded by some very adventurous people), so it's part of our culture to go out and embrace change, and i think that for americans to just go and live in another country is that very idea of adventure, where you're scared and terrified and everything, but at the same time, that's what makes it fun and exciting. i think that a lot of french people just do not find this kind of endeavor fun and exciting, but a huge and uncomfortable change. i have been trying to convince my boyfriend to move to the US (because i really do believe that in our (artistic) industries, there are much better job opportunities, and we can advance our careers much faster) and he keeps saying he's into the idea but i can tell that he's really terrified, and not in a good way. he keeps coming up with excuses like "my english is not good enough" and "it will take me too long to find a job" and "but i don't know anybody there besides you" and "i don't have the right contacts to get a job (the whole "piston" theory) thus i won't be able to get a job". it does not help when his family says stuff like "why on earth would you want to go and live in a foreign country and start all over again?" (even though career wise things are not really moving as fast as we would like).

Well Kim,you know I do,the question to be asked is'Who do the French like',is France an open society actually welcoming anyone?

I saw that someone mentioned the Superfrenchie blog. I agree that this particular blog can be very nasty and it is almost impossible to have a proper discussion there. There is an awful lot of anti-American remarks on that blog, even by the person who runs it.:mad:

I must say, however, I wouldn't judge Americans by those who post there. Most Americans love the French and would never think to say anything that would be considered hurtful to them. Most of the French that I have met in person are not at all like those on Superfrenchie who lob personal insults and anti American sentiments.

This is my first time posting here and I like the rules and regulations on comments. I've also read many of the comments from the regulars here, a very nice group of people! :)

This will be fun and a breath of fresh air for me!

Mamamia, I find that SuperFrenchie blog absolutely hostile and ridiculous. I'm even shocked the guy has the free time to actually post insult after insult that way. I don't really understand why he lives in the US if he's so displeased with the country and its people. He can leave, it's not like he has no choices. His blog annoys me and all he does is spend time trying to find fault and insult in every utterance and gesture. It's ridiculous. :confused:

His blog just show how much some Americans, especially journalists (well, that how they call themselves) and rotten flatty politicians bash on the French people and Nation. By my side I'm so fed up with this that I don't even try to explain / avenge myself and my compatriots on board or to US people trusting the bashing :rolleyes: (here in France stupid crowd follow the liar we now have as president, and you in the USA seem to have quite similar people easily abused by stupidity and totally silly critics about the French).

Speaking about american bashing in France, most of the time it is about politics (war, oil, Israël, etc) or sometimes about comportments that an European CAN'T understand, as the cult of guns for example. But most of the time a person saying "I'm anti american" have nothing against the people. It's just against some actions of your politicians.

BTW i didn't want to say that when i came on this thread :p
Wanted to say: Did you hear the speech of Sarko tonight? I did feel like I was watching some theater drama... a French politician never knelt down before the name of the USA as he did tonight. I can't find my words... what does he want to do??? Blair Bis? or a new Aznar? He says he want to rebuilt the spirit of our Nation... lol, on the American model? Aznar was kicked out so far in the Milky Way that I didn't see his moustaches on TV since the Madrid attacks. And Blair is collapsing. That clearly prove this is not the trend to follow for the moment.
I don't mean i'm against trying to become closer allies, but the way he presented that was a bit scaring. Like if George Bush said "oh yeah, Mister Chavez, we're good friends, let's go drink a Margarita and swim naked in my pool. After that we'll attack Norway for its gas and next year I'll attack Persia with Sarko".

I'm fed up with politics, and its always hard to speak politics with an American when you're French :). So, the better is just to have some drinks and fun together!

Wel, it's late, I have a mega-super-day-of-ewams tomorrow. Good night.

I HATTTTEEEE the term "bashing". It's such a ridiculous, over-used term and should be banished from the English language. I was trying to read the post above, but my attention span completely disolved after the repeated use of the term "bash/bashing" (I apologize, but that term REALLY drives me crazy!).

Such an extreme term to mean, simply, "something unfavorable was said".

SuperFrenchie gets his ignorant panties in a bunch over EVERYTHING, ALL of the time. Clearly this guy has way too much free time on his hands, and it seems to all be spent online.

EVERYTIME someone says something that can be (even remotely) perceived as "less than favorable" about anything French, this nitwit goes nuts. You know what? Who cares if someone says something unfavorable?...this happens all of the time to ALL groups of people, and French people should be no exception.

It's like he feels as if the French are supposed to enjoy some sort of special immunity to ill perceptions. Well you know what? I'm Black and people say negative crap about us/me all of the time...who cares?! I don't expect to confront or berate EVERY PERSON that I feel hurts my feelings.

Seriously, SuperNitwit needs to grow up, get real, and get a life...instead of spending it online...all day...everyday.

I must admit he notes every little critic about the French ;)

Sorry if the use of the term bashing is not appropriate or to strong, but as a foreigner its hard for me to get the deep sense of the words , other than simple translations... ;)
Translations are always approximative... :)

Well, maybe I've been lucky here as an American because I find it very rare to feel dis-liked. In fact, I expected it to be worse when my wife and I moved here since I knew how idiotic the Americans can be about the French. When asking American people what it is about the French that makes them so negative they really never have anything concrete. Usually it's something shallow and cliche like "well, uh, they're arrogant". To this I always smile and say "wow, 60 million arrogant people in one place, it's hard to believe!" In fact, I find that some are shy, some are silly, some are sad... Just like people anywhere!
Maybe my experience has been blessed by the fact that my wifes family here in France is amazingly cool and welcoming and politics is a conversation with us not a judgment. I find in America now politics are not to be spoken of if you want to keep friendships, I think Americans could learn a lot from the French in this arena.
My point here is that I find the French to be fairly ok and accepting of my American(ness) regardless of the anti-French movement that seems to roll endlessly into deeper idiocy in the U.S.. But maybe that's just my experience, I'm sure it depends on where you are as well. Good luck and stay positive, it's the best thing we can offer as Americans, our positivity.
Mark

You know, I live in Nashville, TN (I'm considering working and living in France one day), and as many Americans know, Southerners are usually known for being ultra right wing conservative Bush supporters. I, myself don't like any of them..... republicans or democrats. Straying from my point, what I'm trying to say is:
For a very short period of time, on a rare occasion, I may have heard a small remark about France, but the "trend" was very short lived, and no one around here demonstrated any hate towards the French; not that I know of. And I certainly NEVER saw awful bumper stickers or signs with derogatory messages. I haven't really heard anything negative in a long time. Maybe this is just a New York thing.... not sure. I actually have friends from France that live here, and have met several other Frenchmen in this area of the US who very much enjoy living in the Nashville area. But again, I can only speak for Nashville and the crowds with who I associate.

Hi, first I feel your pain but can't say I agree with it. I don't live in France, but whenever I've visited I've always felt very welcome. Just smile and press on.

I actually had a tube attendant in London, though, tell me he felt sorry for me when I said I was a visiting American. I bristled visibly and made him apologize (which he did).

Ignorant people may hate you, but as the Bush administration winds down I imagine things will get better.

On another note: I am writing a story about life in Paris. Can anyone help me? If so write to me at ctwriterlw@aol.com.
Thanks

I find it hard to believe that a french person would walk away from you, upon finding out you are American. I myself am from the UK, and like the french, us Brits have a certain amount of 'dislike' of the Americains. This is by no means hatred, rather just an aura of ridiculousness which surround them- driving HUGE cars, eating lots of food unnecessarily- everything is supersized in the US! I guess it is quite sad, Americans that I have met are all pretty cool!

Peace out! x

Well, think about it this way. I mean, the average American person probably doesn't like the French (but for a different reason.)
The French's reasons are probably because they think that Americans are wasters and capitalist pigs. The average American... well I don't know a lot of Americans don't like the French... that one's got me stumped.

French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy, who wants to be president, said at his nomination that he thinks the French should speak English more, and raised the ugly spectre of French anti-Americanism when he met with President George Bush, such is the continuing level of enmity toward the US.

And we know that there were Americans who also feel disgusted to French.
________
Side Effects Of Avandia (http://www.classactionsettlements.org/lawsuit/avandia/)

I'm afraid the anti-French behavior went right over my head. We were too busy starting a French Club - Francophones Des Vignes here in California and we now have 72 members. My husband and I have always dreamed of living somewhere in France and now at 72 we are finally exploring the possibilities. Perhaps it is not too late. The French appear to have the right priorities and we just hate the political climate in America. We will take a long term rental and look for our home in a small village so that we can become part of the life and support the small local businesses.

To return to the original post, I'm not sure that there are many French people that dislike Americans. :confused:

The reactions that one gets from different people in different societies is often caused by our own ignorance.

A simple example:

An American who introduces herself as Ashley Petersen, would quite expect to be addressed as "Ashley".

An Englishman who introduces himself as John Clark, may expect to be addressed as "Mr (Mister). Clark"... but would be quite comfortable with "John".

But, a Frenchman, Carnot Marie François Sadi, would expect to be addressed as "M.(Monsieur) Carnot"… until such time as he invites you to call him "Sadi" (which is unlikely… he died in 1894).

When I pointed this out to a friend of mine, who was raised in the USA, he laughed. He said that was ridiculous.

I think he needs to make a paradigm shift. :p

I've been coming to France on holiday every year for the last 30 years or so, and now I live here permanently. Those readers that would like to get a better understanding of French customs, etc., would do well to read "French or Foe" by Polly Platt ( an American - and I wish I had a commission for every time I make that recommendation :rolleyes:)

To me, saying that French hate Americans is just as prejudiced as hating us in the first place. I would definitely say it's true that they don't like our government or the way our country handles foreign affairs, and perhaps some of them take it out on us... but, I've met plenty of people here who are perfectly pleasant on finding out I'm American. Eventually, they might ask me how I feel about my government's policies (or how the heck I can stand them), but that's something different.

I find nearly all perfectly pleasant. I have only had one person at the ANPE blame me for the crisis. Higher educated people tend to be some what impressed by me and love to show of their English and talk about their family in America.

They like to believe they don't discriminate because they are pleasant... But try getting a job. French are not accepting people when it comes to immigrants, but they are much more accepting of Portuguese and Russians. Even Arabs fair better in the job market then an American. The exception of coarse is if you have a higher degree. Professional respect tends to get you ahead.

I have been to France twice,the last time in2004,and I lived on the streets of Paris ( intentionally ) for 28 days,in order to learn all I could. I had heard ahead of time all the garbage about how the French don't like Americans. My experience showed me that the French didn't particularly like our government,but in fact, very nearly everyone was polite,very helpful,and very, very kind.I did observe that they were put out by Americans who made no attempt to speak French,and I was often embarrassed to witness such encounters.Also, some Americans tended to be loud,demanding,and often making insulting remarks about the French,which were of course understood by many.I spoke to hundreds of Parisiens,eager to share my story of why I had come,and hungry to learn all I could about everything I could. I received extraordinary acts of generosity,and kindness everywhere I went,and made lasting friendships that I strive to maintain to this day. They genuinely liked ME,and accepted me as I was. Unlike others,I am unabashedly Predudiced - I am a French-american,and a total snob when it comes to my French half. Oscar Wilde once said," When good Americans die, they go to Heaven.But, if they have been very,very,good - They go to Paris ! " My name is Benjamin,and I hope we can become friends...