Disclaimer: Following the many emails I’ve received, I would like to say that this article - just like the rest of this blog for that matter - is trying to be tongue-in-cheek. I am not actually anti-American. I do not think that Americans are all ugly, fat and stupid. I know right… I’m so avant-garde!
Olivier
Parisians have a bit of a different physiology. Things like a certain inability to smile are quite well known expressions of this phenomenon. Some are much lesser known: an interesting experience when chatting with a Parisian is to place the words ”Les Américains” in a sentence. These two words put together - in any imaginable sentence - immediately trigger a chemical reaction in the Parisian’s brain. When hearing the phrase “Les Américains“, the Parisian will implacably lose track of his previous ideas to just be taken over by one overpowering thought. That is: ”Oui, mais les Américains, ils sont cons“.
There is no exception to that rule. Americans are all stupid. End of the story. The fact that America is the most successful and probably the most creative country in the world should come as no argument. The fact that all Parisians deliberately wear American clothes, watch American movies, listen to American music, use American words or fantacize about American celebrities either. Americans are fat, stupid and ugly. Period.
Parisians who have traveled to the US might have a more moderate opinion: they will view Americans as ”superficial”. Traveling surely makes Parisian more in touch with foreign cultures. ”Les Américains, ils sont hyper superficiels” is a sentence it is impossible not to hear when having a discussion in Paris about America or Americans. Parisians of all classes see every interaction entailing a person from the US as irremediably fake and empty.
The immediate friendliness most Americans display at once sends Parisians insane. “Mais pourquoi ils sourient? Ils sont cons ou quoi ?!” Friendliness, enthusiam and optimism are very American qualities. In Paris, these characteristics are marks of gentle intellectual decay. You do the math. In the Parisian’s mind, Americans are incapable of refinement. Capital Parisian sin. The fact that their vision is based on reality or not has no relevance: of course it is.
Parisians know for a fact that Americans’ exclusive interests are money, sports, war and religion. Americans have no other points of interest in life. No other aspirations. That is good enough a reason for Parisians to concentrate most of their scorn for the opulence of Western life on America. It’s all America’s fault. It is true after all that Parisians by no means partake in this Western lifestyle.
When bringing to the table that not everyone in a country like America can possibly be stupid, the Parisian usually pulls out the culture card. “Ok, peut-être, mais ils sont complètement incultes, c’est grave quand même“. People saying this fall into two categories - that go across the board. On the one hand, people whose favorite after-work occupations consist of watching CSI , Grey’s Anatomy or Sex and the City. On the other, people who worship Woody Allen and Philip Roth. Parisians are avid consumers of American culture and at the same time fiercely convinced that such a thing does not exist. For as Parisians put it, “Woody Allen, il est pas Américain, il est New-Yorkais”.
It would be impolite at that point to bring to the Parisian’s attention that he starts to sound like the stupid American he despises so much. Plus, despite his obvious in-depth knowledge of America, chances are he might not get the joke…
Useful tip (to Americans coming to Paris): Rest assured, most people interacting with tourists know better. They appreciate Americans’ friendliness and taste for good service (read tips). So you’re in good shape. For optimal Paris experience, just leave your New Balance shoes at home 
And of course, make sure to save a couple of hours for O Chateau in your busy schedule!
Sound like a Parisian: “Oh my God, it’s amazing!! Ha ha ha“
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
Tags: America · Americans · Americans in Paris · Culture · Paris · Parisian · people · prejudice71 Comments
71 responses so far ↓
“The fact that America is the most successful and probably the most creative country in the world should come as no argument.” As an American, I have to take exception to this very false claim. There may have been a time when it was close to true, but that time is long past.
Tout ce que tu dis est tellement vrai ! J’étais morte de rire ! Et tu oublies de dire que les (rares) français américanophiles, comme mon mari et moi, passent pour encore plus cons que les américains !! Qu’est-ce qu’on peut se faire charrier là-dessus par nos amis !
Whew. It’s such a relief to know that some attitudes never change, even when I am not there!
Luckily for all us poor Americans, our egos nurtured from birth on the conviction that it was an immense privilege to have been born an American in the first place, not only do we not understand why anyone wouldn’t like us. we don’t care.
Foodie, you rock! And mon cher O. Wasn’t sure what to say… came up with this:
1. A fine example of Parisian schizophrenia… we love you / we hate you (repeat 100x until you have a headache.
2. What was that? Americans are super optimistic, energetic, audacious, exuberant, possessed by the belief that anything is indeed possible? You’re all just jealous!
3. Lastly, I recall a comment from my grandpappy’s generation: Ahem, “If it weren’t for us, you’d all be speaking German right now.” So there.
; ) There’s more, but this is long already.
I have not encountered even one Parisian sporting the attitude you describe. Though, many do cringe at the sound of my accent américain. Your dark, astringent sense of humor has reached a new level. Cheers!
Hi,
I’m french and I would say that I agree, Parisian act like that… even with other french people. So don’t feel offended, Parisian are not nice… where ever you come from !
I would say that Los Angeles people are also pretty superficial… the first time you meet one, you become his best friend, you call him the day after he ask you who you are ?!
“Woody Allen, il est pas Américain, il est New-Yorkais”. Thank goodness you said that! As a New Yorker, I would agree. We hate Americans too. Another brilliant post! (P.S. Grey’s Anatomy is a good show! See, NYers are so diverse!)
We’ve had to wait a while for this latest post, but it was so worth it! I was also “morte de rire” the whole way through, and will be sending this link on to friends.
And Ruth, you hit the nail on the head re: the American cultural ego!!
“It would be impolite at that point to bring to the Parisian’s attention that he starts to sound like the stupid American he despises so much. ”
But if you said ” You know a lot about a American Culture don’t you?” with some sarcasm thrown in, they may not catch it.
Starman… I noticed this tendency amongst francophile Americans to bash their country - sometimes for just reasons, sometimes a bit less! I am no expert, but last time I checked, America was still by far the first economy in the world - certainly living at China’s and Gulf tyrannies’expense(just like other countries like… France) - but after all, if it wasn’t for American dominant military power and tremendous purchasing power, it probably would not be the case. As per the creative thing, recent life-changing inventions like the GPS, Google, or Hip Hop were born nowhere but in America! America let’s face it has many defects, but - as we say in French: “il ne faut pas jeter le bébé avec l’eau du bain”!
FoodieFroggie… Merci merci. Glad if I you laughed reading this. As per the contagiousness of stupidity… tell me about it!!
Ruth… I understand you wouldn’t care - but not that you wouldn’t understand…?? And by now, I’m sure many Americans have started to realize the hard way that not caring was maybe not always the best call!!
Elizabeth… Merci merci. 1- … or fall into depression and blend in! 2- There is a lot of truth to that (As per the “what was that”… I’m just transcripting the vibe here- my opinions would be a different blog - but really not an interesting one) 3- Very true. Just like for wine, you guys saved our sorry a.sses! Now, as per you never encountering such a thing in Paris, I’d blame that on the fact that A-you’re a woman and B- There are many people across teh globe Parisians could share these cheerful feelings with, but certainly not Americans. Thank God you learn first hand info reading this blog - don’t want to be wasting your time!
Brice… Welcome - and merci! As per LA people, I think it also has a lot to do with the fact that they’re all very businessy. It’s all about who you know. Very few disinterested interactions. Im sure if you owned a studio, people would have tremembered your name the next day!
Amanda… Isn’t NY part of America?
Flartus… Merci bcp! Yup, sorry, been quite busy with work and this one was a rather controversial one so didn’t want to mess it up too much!
Taler… American what?!
Olivier I’m so glad to find this blog (thanks to David L).
I laughed reading this article. My friends in France say of me “Mais Lesley, Elle n’est pas americaine, c’est une francaise!” then the “Ah oui”.
I am American, but I lived a good bit of time in France, I speak fluent French, I go there often…they don’t know quite what to do with me.
heheheheh, Olivier! Comme ça va?
Aww c’mon!
The French are also creative. They came up with the “carte bleue” (chip and all) and the minitel!
Thank you for this article! After years of living in Paris, I have become immune to the absurd things Parisians (strangers and friends alike) tell me about my country and its people. There are many aspects of American culture that can be intelligently critiqued, yet the French I’ve encountered prefer to focus on these same clichéd ideas without any critical thought or understanding.
Ironically, they often reveal more about their own close-mindedness and lack of culture while professing just the same about Americans.
If you’re really looking for “stupid Americans,” search no further than the typical apologists living in Paris who think our only contribution to the world has been New York City (and who reinforce that to every French person they meet in order to fit in).
Amanda says, “As a New Yorker, I would agree. We hate Americans too.”
I think the feeling is mutual.
Wow, this sounded really bitter.
Lesley… Well welcome then! Your friends don’t know what to do with you: is that related to your alcohol consumption?
June… Ma foi bien, merci! Welcome here!
A. Ducoing… True - and le monospace as well! Allons enfants de la…
JS… You’re welcome. Your remark made me laugh - it’s nice to hear a bit of a different voice. Next time you have a dinner party, send me an email - I’ll bring some wine!
Lily… Paix et Amour?!
Carlos… It wasn’t, really!
It’s sometimes “a love/hate” relationship between the French and Americans! With my hubby and me- it’s love/love hehe - French and American…
But, with “Parisians”, it’s a different walk in the park… We all know there are some rude ones out there.. and really the rest are quite nice and pleasant, I’ve met most of them in the years I’ve lived here- I’m one of those friendly Americans who smiles a lot and talks to everyone..
I ALSO LOVE NYers- they’re my favourite kind of Americans! LOVE ‘em! I’m from L.A. - born and raised and CAN’T STAND L.A. or the mentality there… Where is this all going? I have no idea right now..
I just want to say that I LOVE the French and they are special and I don’t really love Americans but I understand them, and maybe that’s what I don’t like about them..
Sorry if I offend anyone.. I’m not trying to bash, but it’s part of the reason I live in France!
Cheers and LOVED this post, Olivier…
Bon dimanche !
P.S. I said born and raised in L.A. but I really spent from age 17 - 40 in San Diego.. one of the nicest cities to visit in Cali…
And what, dear Olivier, do your fellow Parisians think of you?
so what do parisians think about dating american girls?
Is this controversial? US Americans, myself included, project and export stupidity to the rest of the world at a rapid rate, so it’s not surprising if people think this way. Of course, if one does some research or actually comes here, they will find that US Americans aren’t really as tabloid-obsessed and stupid as it may seem. & New York is mostly just…expensive! Photos are funny. (as always)
I wanted to add that when I lived in New Zealand as a teen- everyone I met had the impression that ALL Americans were the same in real life as they were portrayed on tv. - That was back in ‘85… I think a lot of attitudes come NOT only from the “loud and obnoxious” American tourist in Paris - but from from tv, film, music as well as from a Parisian’s “real life” experience with American tourists or expats. Keep that in mind, too…
Being from New York was a weird quirk to have while I was living in Paris. Suddenly questions from Parisians turned to serious matters such as if I’d seen the Towers fall or if my school was like the one in Gossip Girl.
I barely smile, so maybe that’s why I had a great time.
Leesa… Why is it that people can’t like or dislike both NY and LA? Is it illegal?
Barbra… Hello! Well… I don’t know really. I’ve kept lowering my standards over the years: starting a business and befriending Americans… I mean, I’m asking for trouble!
E… I probably am biased answering that question - but I’d say that in general, it’s not something you grow up dreaming of. Then if one manages to overcome the “stupid American” syndrome (I’m talking on both sides), then yes - something may happen: our two countries are fascinated with one another. Now in order for the relationship to be somewhat perennial, I would say it takes a strong biculturalism on both sides. Our cultures are very close but very different at the same time (and despite what it seems, I’d say the gap has probably widened over the past 30 years). Now - if by ‘dating’ you mean taking a girl out, then, provided the friendliness and open-mindedness of your average Parisian girl, then I’d say that absolutely… Parisian men are all for it! Anything but Parisian girls will soon enough seem like a treat.
Ingo… Well, this is no Satanic Verses, don’t get me wrong. But you don’t wanna mess it up, still. Can be a slippery road. Yeah, I guess slippery works much better than controversial!
Leesa… Yeah, I’d say the vision is 95% TV (news included) and cinema-based. Parisians don’t really interact with tourists. So after all, maybe Ingo’s right!
Sam… That second question is indeed a pretty serious one! Glad you enjoyed your time here!
I laughed reading this article – so I read your previous ones. I totally agree, they are so true !
And I am really worrried since I am from Paris (born/raised/live in Paris) so I must be one of these parisian girls : cold, neurotic, not really open minded, with no interest in making new friends, going out having fun etc…
I am so afraid, help me !!!
bonne continuation
aurélie
…and their language too, cf period/full stop, trave(l)led, math(s).Oh the (perhaps intended) irony! Or is that something else that US citizens don’t get? On the Paris Métro recently I was cheered to see two different posters advertising English training/tuition, one being Wall Street English and the other suggesting they could help stop the massacre of the english language. I couldn’t help but wonder whether the two were mutually compatible. As for painting the US with a broad stupid brush, I fear that is something that Brits also do. But it is too simplistic. The United States of America is a huge diverse federation of almost mini countries all with their own characteristics, though it might appear that much of the culture shared with the rest of the world comes from either the east or west coasts where the majority of the population lives - a generalisation in itself, of course - and not from the “fly over states”.
Aurelie… Thank you very much - and welcome to the wonderful world of SPL!! Bon, I sense a bit of irony but no matter what… my advice to you: wine!
Peter… Ha… yeah, I figured for this post, I should opt more for American English - as a discreet clin d’oeil. Though the more time flies, the more I tend to prefer British English. I can only regret I will always be quite far from ever having an acceptable level at it. As per your remark “Wall Street English” is a chain of English-teaching programs. The “I Speak Wall Street English” line you see in Paris would be the equivalent of a “Me speakz Busta Rhymes English dog” for anyone willing to learn ebonics from the Busta Rhymes school of ebonics. I’m sure they try to teach “proper” English.
I quite like - and use - some americanisms such as “snuck” for sneaked and the verb flunk is just perfect! I’m not really sure what “proper” English is any more. More people in the world speak non British English and over time maybe a simplified version will win out. Shame!
Terrific post. It got me thinking, how bad would it be to be an American wine professional in Paris. I think that would probably be worse than being George W. Bush over there!?
I think after America produced the Nobel winners for Physiology, Physics, Chemistry, Medicine and Economic Sciences this past year, we are going through a good period of reaffirming ourselves as entrepreneurs, visionaries and intellectuals.
Starman, no need to hate on your own country. We have some good and bad things going on as does everywhere else in the world. The grass isn’t always greener!
More importantly in the wine arena we are continuously gaining ground on our European counterparts! However, the one thing we will never be able to top the best of the Rhone & Bordeaux.
Olivier, you will need to get back over here and do another tour of California, Oregon and Washington.
Cheers everyone!
Peter… What in my mind defines British English is a form of ambition and a form of gourmandise with the English language. Taking the time to unroll sentences like you’d open a present. Plus of course richer vocabulary. I think a simplified version already won. But it;’s like for everything else: La Resistance. It’s not because people drink Yellow Tail everywhere that we should stop drinking Hermitage! I guess our tiny little personal world is what we make of it.
Erol… Hello! It wouldnt be that bad really… As per the wine thing - the good news is that Americans are drinking more and more wine. That’s worth a lot of Nobel Prizes. So cheers for that. Erol, not sure you know O Chateau’s new wine blog: http://o-chateau.fr/blog/english/ - thought you might like it!
Olivier! Incroyable post! I am hesitating between sending it over to all my friends or just keeping as quiet as possible on its existence. Accurately and Scarily Wonderful!
On an other matter, I can’t believe I didn’t know about your wine blog. This will be my next read. A bientot!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8UjLTAfbI0
As an American who lives in Paris this is nothing more then a sad and pathetic generalization.
Jason, I completely agree!
Olivier, thank you for the link, I really enjoyed reading the profiles. Fantastic! I linked it up to mine as well. Between you and David L, the Parisians are dominating my blogroll!
Well, they may think I’m stupid and my friendliness may baffle them, but I’ve never been treated with anything but warmth by Parisians, and not just the ones who expected a tip from me. That being said, sometimes we are stupid, and I’ve seen some American tourist behavior in Paris that made me want toss my passport into the Seine. Generally, however, I’m proud to be American, despite all my country’s faults & flaws.
Peter is right about our diversity — and I say this as a fond former New Yorker who now lives (happily) in a “flyover state.” In my experience, my European friends often have trouble wrapping their heads around the size of the US and the diversity of our microcultures. If you’ve never really experienced the difference between Chicago and Dallas (or any other city, not to mention all the small towns in-between), it’s hard to understand. I think (perhaps wrongly, I’m ready to admit) that Americans are much more defined by their regionalisms than people in smaller countries are.
People from Asian countries tend to smile (for different reasons). Do you think they are stupid for this?
There is one exception to this general rule I noticed as an American (Texan, no less) expat in Paris. If you want to be liked, talk about how much you hate the U.S. Works like a charm every time.
VickyWine… Merci merci!! As per the wine blog, French version is on http://www.o-chateau.fr/blog - bonne lecture!!
Jason… I’m not sure what you are referring to here - if it is this post, I think other Parisians’ comments here attest that it is not completely unaccurate! That being said, I’m not surprised you may not sense that. A huge majority of Parisians think like that - not one would act accordingly when interacting with an American.
Erol… Cheers!
Style Spy… Just as I was saying to Jason, I am not surprised. Parisians are people of grand thoughts and ideas. Especially when it comes to other nationalities. But when they actually get to meet someone from another country, they tend to forget the negative and to just be (parisianly) excited about that one encounter. Most of our clients at O Chateau tell us how surprisingly well they’re treated by everyone in Paris. As Elizabeth stressed it: typical Parisian schizophrenia! Now, as per regional particilarisms being more striking in the US than in the rest of the world, I would kindly differ on that one (but I’ll stop right there - don’t wanna sound too Parisian!).
Diane… I’d say for Asians, it’s a complete 180: the remote possibility that an Asian person might not be preoccupyingly smart has never crossed a Parisian brain. Asians are all uber smart, they’re taking over. If they’re smiling it’s probably to make your meat more tender when they make their move and eat you up. Now as per partaking in the big American bashing game, it is so utterly difficult a thing to do, that it’s really no surprise it be socially rewarded in Paris! Extra points for hating Texas!!
ah yes! but how does this fit with your post about foreign girls?
wow…alors là c’est du très grand Château blog!
quand j’étais étudiante aux Etats-Unis, j’ai eu droit à la même remarque : si nous les Américains n’avions pas été là etc.. etc..
Mais je dois aussi dire que j’ai rencontré et rencontre toujours des Américains très critiques envers leur propre pays…Bon ok, certains sont new-yorkais…
Ce qui me fait toujours sourire est l’engouement qu’ont les Américains (certains) pour la France, le style français, les petites françaises…Ça frise parfois la niaiserie mais c’est touchant !
An American in Paris… Well, good question! Both are perfectly compatible I think. The ‘Foreign girl’ article partly explains the number of transatlantic flings and affairs. And this one probably why very few last more than a few weeks. Interestingly enough, I think you find much more French guy/US girl couples than French girl/US guy. That being said, I’ll let you draw your own conclusions…
MyCastleInSpain… Merci beaucoup. I read once that in France, the masses love America while the elite despises it. The exact opposite being true on the other side of the Atlantic. I think it sums it up pretty well. France and America… so many misunderstandings on both sides. I think I could write a whole book about that!!
maybe you should….write a book about that
Excellente analyze. Comme je suis Parisien vivant a New York depuis 10 ans, je dois dire que j’ai faillit tomber par terre quand j’ai lu ton billet, mais j’etais assis sur ma chaise. Ma reaction a cette attitude des Parisiens se resume en 2 adjectifs: ils sont pretentieux et tres superficiels eux-meme, oh la la ca fait pleurer. Mais tu as tres bien explique deja.
Kim… Maybe indeed. Thank you very much for your continued support. Appreciate it.
Pokerstars… Chapter 1: Once thing French people living in the US and Americans living in France is fierceness against their fellow country people.
I can’t believe anyone, much less Parisians who evidently should have more to worry about at the present time, could fail to see the universal goodness of all true blue Americans. I mean, for the first thing, the US is the country that has saved Europe from Nazism, Communism and Islamofascism. For another, everyone knows that American culture is vastly superior and that’s proven by worldwide sales of blockbuster movies and concerts of US artists. Take that, Johnny “Halliday”!
Genial (hyper sympa??) ton blog Olivier ! Je viens de lire la quasi totalite des post en 2 jours. Needless to say I’m looking forward to your next post, and your english…impecc
)
J’apprecie enormement le style, et bien que je sois pas Parisien (Lyonnais!), je reconnais la plupart de ces traits chez mes copains
Qqes idees pour les prochaines (je te fais une liste quoi
- Les greves
- Les quebecois
- Les clopes
Greedysoul… For some reason, I sensed that I would get comments like yours at some point. The US did save Europe from Nazism (along with the USSR - massively - and a few other countries, for the record - not to diminish America’s unforgettable contribution). And no one would question this. Some forget (and it’s a fault). But no one denies it. Communism was beautifully dodged (though…). As per Islamofascism, I think the worst is yet to come. And again, we’ll for sure need some help with that. Now, when it comes to the dominance of ‘American’ culture, it is obvious. Sales figures don’t lie. But Im not sure Justin Timberlake, Tom Cruise, Jerry Springer, or Christina Aguilera rank as ‘culture’ in the most noble sense of the term. They are commercial hits. And America is for sure reinforced (both domestically and overseas) by the tremendous success of its entertainment industry. But we’re talking much more entertainment than culture. This ‘culture of entertainment’ is fun but blinding and quite destructive in many ways. I’m not saying America is the source of global dumbing down (again… Islamofascism does its fair share), but I’m not sure that the Britney and Madonna kissing are the greatest ambassadors to the American culture. It’s great entertainment, but it’s nothing to brag about. America probably deserves better, and very humbly, probably so does the rest of the world. That being said: Yeah America!
Jerome… Merci merci. Attention à l’overdose! Merci pour l’inspiration. Merde… une muse qui s’appelle Jerome, j’aurais pu rever mieux!! Bienvenue en tout cas!! I’ll try not to disappoint!
Weel I guess you made it again, Olivier…
But think about an old refined country with an inherent universal message of freedom.
How can this country accept that a young country could have an older tradition of universality and freedom, that the independance is older than the FRENCH REVOLUTION, that this young country took the lead…
Aaahhhh and those traditions they have : telling stories, singing and dancing, ce sont des paysans quoi… in a way, just like we do…
The funniest is that we love the “best of America”, especially in Paris… Jazz, Blues, Woody, Rock and Roll, Apple… but you get the point.
I am sure there are parisians that watch Julie Lescaut… they do not spend their time ONLY watching HBO…
but ok, when you’re on the top of the world, you need to indulge sometimes…
Stéphan
Amercia saved us… mmmm they had an interest in it. Jo Kennedy was the ameican ambassador in England at the time and he was antisemit. And America started to worry about Nazis when things started to smell in Japan, and the bomb…
They were clever enough to see USSR as a threat, but made it an ally until the end of the war.
So when we talk about “saving”, we must weight the words, like “saving for islamofascism”. Who created it, who feeds it ? And for what reason ?
Hi Olivier!
I hear I missed a fun wine tasting with AUP this week, wish I had been there.
Can’t wait for another post! I’ve got an idea for your next one- acting like nothing could possibly be their fault when it clearly is. I’ve had some personal experience with that one this week
Here’s the odd paradoxe: the same Frenchmen who critique America will consistently try to get les américaines to drop their pants. Part of their charm strategy, perhaps?
Stephan… Just received an email from a friend that said: ” JFK’S Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, was in France in the early 60’s when DeGaulle decided to pull out of NATO. DeGaulle said he wanted all US military out of France as soon as possible. Rusk responded “Does that include those who are buried here? DeGaulle did not respond.
(Me like to fuel the unrest).
Meghan… Yeah, it was good! As per your bad experience, I really want to crack many bad jokes at this point but I shall refrain!
Emma… French diplomacy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXTN3h-b9nU
As Denis Leary says,
“We Suck”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXTN3h-b9nU
Although talking about Les Américains is a French national sport, and there have been Parisiens who have posted in agreement with what is stated here, this is a gross generalization. I know Parisiens, my husband included, who do not hold this viewpoint. Thankfully. I think you, or someone else, ought to write that book you mentioned in one of the responses. The world could use some new bridges and fewer bridges burned.
ParisBreakfast…
Maribeth… I think this post is more of a bridge than anything else. And I certainly don’t think its content is a “gross generalization” - one may wish it were, your perception might be different (and I’m happy for you if it is) but I can guarantee it’s pretty true. Parisians will happily talk crap about America and Americans, even in their face (at least in France) -and sometines even for good reasons. But very few will look at an American in the eyes and tell him/her: I think your people is a bunch of retards. Yet, I can guarantee a vast majority thinks so - and has no problem conversing about it with other non-American people. It might be sad. It is actually. For Parisians as much as for Americans. So you’re right: maybe I should start to work on this book. And allez… I will!
Olivier
ahem…
Stéphan
Olivier, another very well written post.
Parisians aren’t the only ones who enjoy making fun of Americans…
And I heard this one Parisian making fun of an American because he thought her name sounded stupid.
FuturePilot… Merci beaucoup. Some Parisians really are mean.
Oh my goodness! I’m French but I so agree with you! I might have been an American girl in another life because I smile a lot and I’m always friendly with people.
I don’t like the mentality in Paris… too selfish and superficial for me!
Not to make (more) generalizations, but have you noticed perhaps a thawing towards Americans on the part of Parisians since Obama’s been in office? Perhaps I’m just looking for it as a strange validation, but I swear that my last few trips to Paris, post-election, people have been a bit more… respectful, maybe, towards Americans, and not in the way that Parisians in the tourism industry generally seem to be in order to secure the forking over of cash. When I was there a few weeks ago, leaving a very neighborhoody, non-touristy cafe in the morning, the waiter asked where I was from; when I told him the States, everyone at the counter got excited and started talking about how much they love Obama (in French). It was very genuine. Is it possible that even if ever so slightly, attitudes towards Americans are changing? Or is it just wishful thinking?
Emilie… we should organize resistance.
Genevieve… It is very true indeed. I’ve been meaning to do a “Barack Obama” post for a long time but it’s hard to find things that have not been said a million times about him.
I’m an American, and I speak French almost fluently now. My goal is perfect my French by living in Paris for awhile — maybe longer someday, if possible. I have always loved speaking French. It’s such a beautiful language.
After having read this post, I was totally shocked. I always thought that Parisians would be glad that I loved their language and culture so much. I think it’s really interesting. What do you think most Parisians’ opinions of me would be, due to my earnest interest in France?
Regarding your post about French grammar — I believe that excellent grammar in any language is essential. I was an English major in college. In conclusion, the most important reason that I want to live in Paris is to polish my French — hopefully to an impeccable level. I think that my love of grammar will be key and will help to change some individuals’ views and making Parisian friends.
Cathleen… I feel like you’re not going to like my response but hey - just trying to help here. First, if you want to perfect your French, I believe Paris is probably the worst place in France to do it as most speak (love to) speak English. And the city is very international so it’s easy to spend months without interacting with French people. Then, the fact that you love and are good at French is definitely a plus and will help socially. Not sure it will change Parisians’opinion about Americans though! Anyway… as most Americans moving to Paris, if you do move here, you’ll soon enough realize you don’t really want to befriend Parisians!
Hi Olivier,
Thanks for responding to me so quickly. Thanks for you insight. I really appreciate it. I’ll take what you said into consideration, but I have a feeling that I will end up in Paris anyway, and definitely take side trips to other parts of France, either way. I’m glad that my knowledge of French will help. I think I’ll at least reverse some people’s opinions of us, when they see how into their language and culture I am.
Yes, I noted your “stupid Americans” post featured ex-president Bush, not the current president who is not only Black, long and lean and well-dressed, but also very well-read and an utterly global person - his sister, in the inaugural peloton - has the Asian features of her Indonesian dad and there were people from just about everywhere around them. Have met lots of families like that in the US, Britain and France, and my own family up here has as many diverse origins…
I don’t know who the ditzy blonde chica is - Paris Hilton or somebody else in that vein?
One thing amuses/slightly annoys us chez nos cousins de la vieille France: reserving “America” for the US, leaving all the tens of millions of inhabitants of l’Amérique north and south of there floating on some banquise…
visiting paris for a week starting tomorrow…and I am reading philip roth and wearing my new balance
This makes me sad to be American. I hope everyone realizes there are many smart and serious students who appreciate other cultures and are opening themselves to experiencing it.
Very funny! I LOVED it… dare I say… does that sound superficial and too nice? I am after all an American living and working in Paris :0)
Should I be concerned about sending my 17 year old daughter (half American half Mediterranean) to a Parisian lycee?
Cathleen… Let’s hope so!
Lagatta… Yup, Parid Hilton indeed. As per “Les Americains”, it’s true that we do that. I plead guilty your honor.
C… Hmmm… Did you try one of these fancy American restaurants with the big arch while in Paris?
Ashley… Everybody I’m not sure!
Wendy… Merci merci!! (why is it that only Americans who leave here seem to get this article?!).
American mom… No. Not at all. Once they actually meet (civilized) Americans, Parisians (well, usually just the male version of them) are quite keen to befriend Americans. So no worries for your daughter: she will be the star of le lycee. You should worry instead if you want her to learn about Jeanne d’Arc, Clovis, the Holocaust or Charles Martel. Cause these have become touchy subjects in French schools: Pauvre France!