 When Christophe and I
first met, the first thing I probably asked was ,"So! Why do Americans call French
people 'frogs'"? To this day I do not know that I agree with his answer, but he
replied, "I think it is because we eat frogs legs and you don't". This seemed
tremendously silly to me, but I decided to research more of the stereotypes and determine
where their origins came from, and prove some of them wrong if I could:French Myth #1 - All French People Love Jerry
Lewis
We still argue over this one! Christophe swears it isn't
true, but when last we visited his parents, what videos had they rented from Blockbuster??
Cinderfella and The Nutty Professor. Need I say more? Still, Christophe claims that if in
fact many French people like Jerry Lewis, it is out of a sort of pity for an actor who was
once great now reduced to marathons. I think it is because many French people appreciate
the slapstick, basic humor, but then so do we, no??
French Myth #2 - French People are
Rude
This is a pretty "deep" topic and would take
volumes to explore. Basically, it is not that French people are rude - we just perceive
them that way because our social styles are so different. For instance, in America,
smiling is synonymous with politeness. If France, people don't require a smile to be
considered polite. They only smile because they feel like it, not because it is expected.
In America, the smile has become our polite mask which we use everyday in every encounter.
Personally, I feel it is much more liberating to be able to wear our "real"
faces when in public. Funny cultural note: The smiling Happy Face symbol means "Have
a Nice Day!" in America. In France, it is the symbol for "idiot". Get it?
:-)
French Myth #3 - All French People Speak
English, They Just Choose Not To
This myth is a source of frustration for both American
tourists and French natives alike. First of all, it is not true. Although most French
children are taught English in school, it is only as a second language and should never be
assumed. Secondly, if you are in France, the person you wish to speak to will naturally
expect you to use the language of the country. We Americans feel the same way! Do we not
complain about immigrants who do not learn English immediately? If you plan to travel to
France, do your best to learn some simple phrases and use them often. You will find that
if you try your best to communicate in the native tongue, the natives will do their best
to understand you (and, speak a little English in return, but only if they know some!)
French Myth #4 - French Men are More
Romantic
Well, I must walk on eggshells here, and am certainly no
expert. It does appear, however, that there is a grain of truth to this myth. French
people seem to enjoy everything life has to offer to a greater extent, so why should love
be an exception? Most take hours just to enjoy a simple meal. Imagine, then, the time they
dedicate to more satisfying pleasures! Plus, they are trained from birth to appreciate and
respect women (generally speaking). They are also more accustomed to offering gifts and
"courting" in a more formal manner. All this is enough to sweep any American
girl off her feet! (The accent is particularly charming, too). |
American Myth #1 - All
Americans are Superficial
This myth is obviously untrue, though decidedly difficult
to prove to a new resident of Southern California, USA. Admittedly we do focus on money
more, but on an individual basis it becomes plain that we enjoy more in life than just
"having" things. Americans are people too, and people are people are people. To
say that ALL Americans are superficial is like saying all French people like Jerry Lewis!
In addition, the American economic schema is much less social - as a result, money talks -
and it speaks English!
American Myth #2 - American Woman Have
Larger Breasts
Can you believe this one?? I mean, really! It is almost
not worth mentioning, but I've heard it so many times I've decided to include it. Plus, it
is sort of a fascinating topic! From what I've seen, large breast size is certainly not
something American woman have an exclusive market on. This myth probably stemmed from the
realities that 1) breast implants are a LOT more common in the US, and 2) the public
relationship with the breast is much more casual in Europe. There, topless beaches are the
norm and no one glances twice at a breast-feeding woman. In America, the breast is more
commonly viewed as a sexual object, therefore, American woman might tend to
"display" them more obviously to get male attention than their French
counterparts may. I don't know, what do you think?
American Myth #3 - Americans Have No
Fashion Sense
This, as all stereotypes, has its basis in truth. It is
not that we have no fashion sense. It is that we simply use it less often! What else can
one expect of a country whose President is often photographed in a jogging suit? Still,
depending on what part of the country you live in, many people can be seen dressed just as
elegantly as any Parisian. Dress here, just as Europe, depends a great deal on the
individual's life style and background. We are a less formal society in general, and our
way of dressing reflects that. We may not be the most sophisticated dressers, but when it
comes to comfort, practicality and expressing individual style, I think we fare better
than most. We certainly know how to get the most out of our tennis shoes and Levis, don't
we? |
American Myth #4 - America is the Place to
be for Business
Well, this one I must agree with, as do many of my French
acquaintances. It is true - ask anyone in the world. America may not be the best at social
relations and family structures, but one thing we do well is make money and practice
common-sense business. A French person with American business experience is often more
sought after in France than the native who has never ventured over to the New World. We
are accustomed to "bottom-line" results without the restraint of social issues.
Some people call America the "Satan of the World" or evil because we work this
way - placing business ahead of family. Still, more families settle here than anywhere
else in the world for that very reason - we get things done, and we make money. Is this
good or bad? Let me know what YOU think... |
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