O Chateau Blog | Stuff Parisians Like. A blog by Olivier Magny

Parisians love Paris.

But they hate Parisians.

Most Parisians grow up with a more or less conscious belief in the superiority of Parisians. France being an eminently centralized country, Paris concentrates all economic, artistic and political powers. The brain drain towards Paris is – it seems – brutally at hand. Parisians are the elite of the country. End of the story.

As they grow in age, Parisians get to interact more frequently with people who grew up in different areas of the country and of the world. These encounters end up shedding a new light on their fellow Parisians.

By interacting with provinciaux and étrangers, Parisians realize these categories of people have the charm Parisians just seem to lack of. Pointing out to the coldness or to the rudeness of Parisians is the surest way for Parisians to display to the face of the world their difference, and, implicitly, their superiority. When a Parisian criticizes Parisians, he unconsciously crowns himself superiorest amongst the superiors.

Now, claiming that Parisians are cold, snob, no fun, close-minded or rude is not rocket science. The real problem when Parisians criticize Parisians is: then what? The ‘then what’ question is usually not a question Parisians ask themselves. Parisians point at the problem and move on - satisfied with the amount of intelligence they poured on the world.

But when one realizes that the people surrounding him are indeed cold, no fun and close-minded, he needs to ask himself questions. Even a Parisian.

Once the Parisian realizes that indeed, Parisians might not be that superior in the end, one major difficulty lies before him. And that is to befriend provinciaux or étrangers. Parisians usually enjoy these people’s freshness and their different approach on life. But befriending someone implies a level of proximity most Parisians just can’t or refuse to create with provinciaux or étrangers. They are happy to have some in their extended network. They will even share good moments with them. But it will be hard for them to connect at a very personal level. Befriending a provincial or an étranger for a Parisian is like for a guy to date a girl with a big butt.

It is hard to admit socially this is actually what you prefer.

Useful tip: If you criticize Parisians in front of a Parisian, he shall treat your argument with scorn. Provinciaux or étrangers just don’t get it. Only Parisians can criticize Parisians. Only Parisians get it.
Sound like a Parisian: « Non, et puis les gens sont froids à Paris, c’est horrible».

Tags:   judging · people6 Comments