by Alexandra Dorian

Created on: August 08, 2008

Les Francais, ils sont bizarres, n'est ce pas?
The French are rude; they dislike Americans and are the reigning snobs of Europe.

Not so, mon ami!
Have you visited France, only to return feeling slighted? Perhaps those Frogs have forgotten that good old America bailed them out of one too many conflicts on the Continent. Well, sacr bleu! I have some news for you. France has a culture that varies vastly from that of the US and is protected fiercely. If you expected a hug and an invitation back to a country chateau for a glass of Bordeaux, you would be sorely disappointed. However, if you're open to their way of life, the French are hospitable to Americans and all tourists.

At the ripe old age of 19, I ventured off to live in Paris for about 5 months. I had been studying the French language and culture since the 7th grade, so this was the apex of my Francophile career. Everyday was not sunshine and skipping down the Champs-Elysse, but I gained some invaluable first hand knowledge about the French.

Tourists typically visit the famous landmarks and sights of a country. In France, they're teaming around the Tour Eiffel and jamming up the Riviera. If you happed to live or have to commute through one of these places, it is not always a pleasant experience. As a former New Yorker, I used to dread traveling close to Times Square. It was avoided at all costs. A gaggle of slow-movers blocking the side walk were automatically written off as tourists from Iowa in my mind. Herald Square during Christmas time? Forget about it. When the normal patterns and lifestyles of the locals are disrupted, they get annoyed. This is no different in France. People want to get on with their day, so it is always helpful to know a bit about where you're going before you get there. I'm sure if you asked a Frenchman to take a snapshot in front of the Louvre he would oblige, but then swiftly be off.

As Americans, we have become accustomed to instant gratification. The French have increasingly different opinions about our way of life. Fast food is not as ubiquitous and rarely eaten. Life is just taken at a different pace. The French restaurant, for example, can be perplexing for an American. Waiters are not rushing to take your order or fill your water glass. Actually, it seems like they just really don't care. Tips are automatically included in the price of food in restaurants, so there is little incentive to fuss over a table like there is here in the US. That's not being rude it's just their culture. In fact, the entire tipping culture really doesn't exist. The French have worked very hard and have many legal safeguards in place that give workers incredible benefits and rights. So, if a service worker was a little cold with you, it's nothing personal, he probably just wants a cigarette break. Frankly, a country of mostly healthy, thin people with universal health care working 38 hours a week and getting 4 weeks of vacation must have something going right.

The French have tried tirelessly to uphold their way of life. Everything from proper spelling to the manufacturing of Brie is regulated by some academie or association. They have a rich history and traditions to uphold and be proud of. Instead of thinking the French are rude, it would be more correct to say, the French do things differently and like it that way. When visiting another country, it is only right to respect and appreciate their different lifestyle. The French certainly appreciate a well prepared tourist that is not looking for exactly what can be found at home. A well-read guide book and the correct pronunciation of "Parlez-vous anglais?" will certainly get you through France with a smile.

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