Why do so many Americans hate French people? (shop, eat)

[beone]

Originally Posted by carolinajack

in my travels in france, the french were nice people in general, but were rude to Americans and Brits who did not speak or attempt to speak a bit of french. I think it is because the French are Nationalistic sort and proud of their country.

one area, in the Pyrenees was a bit xenophobic of outsiders--but by and large they are decent folk, the Parisians were a bit more into themselves(snooty)

I think it has more to do with foreigners not having the slightest courtesy to even learn minimal words in French. I was in Paris a couple years ago with a German friend. He was fluent in French. I would always ask him how to say something and he would reply, "Why are you always wanting to speak French? They are speaking English, you are speaking English, speak English." He himself spoke English there and wouldn't even attempt French. I think he was nervous to use it in front of the French. But, I would explain that I want to make the attempt to speak in their language and he would teach me the necessary phrases.

Put it this way - if a French speaking person came into a Starbucks in the US and tried to order in French it would be impossible. Why should we, in the US, expect foreign travellers to speak our language when we don't even attempt to speak theirs while in France? I can understand a European (such as my German friend) using English, because it really is every where over there....but you have to consider the fact that most Europeans speak at least two languages. Most Americans speak one. I met a 24 y/o Ukrainian in Prague a couple weeks ago. He was fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, Czech, English and French. Pretty amazing for a 24 y/o.

I think people confuse rudeness (in Paris) with a total lack of customer service. We were visiting an American friend of mine living in France. We decided to spend the day at Versailles. We were at the train station tyring to buy tickets. There was a long line. One person, in the booth, was helping customers, while the other two workers were sitting behind him, smoking, and talking. My friend said, "That's typical in Paris." At dinner a couple nights later, the waitress brought our food but failed to bring utinsels. It must have taken at least 20 minutes for us to get them.

In my general dealings with the French, I did not find them rude at all.

A question to the French poster - why do the French hate the German and Belgians?

[hello-world]

there's a recent album by a band called "Greenday" that might help explain part of it.

[dynimagelv]

Originally Posted by beone

A question to the French poster - why do the French hate the German and Belgians?

I thought the French hated everyone?

[dynimagelv]

B.T.W. I lived for three years in France in the 60's and loved every minute of it and found the French people to EXTREMELY friendly and helpful.....The French Government....well...that's another thing.

[hello-world]

Bleak picture in global security report - Yahoo! News (broken link)

i think we americans had better think long and hard - with ACTUAL INFORMATION rather than sway due to trash talk and empty promises - about coming elections. and maybe even about our habits and attitudes that carry over into geopolitics. obviously not just an issue of "snooty french" and "american idiots"; a little more global than that at this point, eh?

[NihonKitty]

Hmm i am half french, and am born in paris. IMO alot of it is exagerated. I never ever see anti french in orlando. People really dont care lol

[Willys]

Originally Posted by Maki-Chan

Hmm i am half french, and am born in paris. IMO alot of it is exagerated. I never ever see anti french in orlando. People really dont care lol

Excepting the part about anti french in Orlando, I'd agree with this. I've never been to Orlando so really couldn't comment. But yeah, people get on a weird a$$ string about american-french hate. It doesn't exist... just BS.

I have spent some time in France and learned that they don't necessarily appreciate the American expecting them to speak English. I mean, allied troops did take all the good stuff after WWII.

I did learn tho', that attempting to speak some french and showing a little willingness to accept their place on the planet then they are more open. To wit....

If I approach a french clerk, attendant, garcon, gendarme, whatever... and ask if they speak english they may reply 'yes, just a little'. 'A little' being a phrase 'un peu'. This is what they know. Not 'yeah, some', which is what americans know.

The lesson learned... If I approach same french person and attempt to make an inquiry in french, that person recognizing my slack ability to continue to converse in french will ask if I speak english, to which I reply (in a very timid and broken english), 'yes, just a little'. 'A lot' doesn't matter, they're after quality, not size. They'll think I'm german or canadian and give me some slack and begin to use their english, which frankly, is typically quite impressive.

[Livinginabox]

The French are good peeps. If you're in France, make an effort and speak the language, then they'll generally respect you for it, instead of expecting them to speak English. I don't think that the French hate the Americans, or vice-versa. You have to understand that the French have a great deal of national pride, just like Americans do. Get past all that, make an effort to at least try to speak the language and I'll all but guarantee that any American would have a good time visiting France.

[Livinginabox]

Originally Posted by Maki-Chan

Hmm i am half french, and am born in paris. IMO alot of it is exagerated. I never ever see anti french in orlando. People really dont care lol

Because Orlando is a tourist mecca, Disney n' all. They'll basically welcome anyone, from anywhere, so long as they have $$$ to spend at the resorts, because that's Orlando's primary livelihood.

[NihonKitty]

what are you talking about? I LIVED in orlando, east orlando near UCf about 40 minutes away from Disney i went to high school there etc. I never witnessed any anti french sentiment.