Before coming to France, I, like any honest human being, had several stereotypes in my head about the French culture. I thought that everyone would be rude, assume I am American, smoke two packs a day and dress like they are ready for the runway. After living here for nearly two weeks, I have both confirmed and denied several of these generalizations. Today was my first "études socioculturelles," a social science class about French culture. This intro class was all about stereotypes; we listed all the clichés we had about the French and then went through to see which were actually true. We also watched this video, a satire depicting various French stereotypes - here's the English version for you to watch!
The French have mastered the art of irony and use it on a daily basis, most notably in their newspapers. They don't deny negative stereotypes, but rather use irony to correct those that are wrong. In this video, the stereotypes addressed are well-known, and I am guilty of believing in many of them. However, I can now compare what's simply a cliché to what is the truth. Here's a list I've compiled of the stereotypes and their accuracies:
1. The French eat baguettes on a daily basis - TRUE! Whenever I leave the house, I am guaranteed to see at least two or three people carrying their fresh baguettes under their arm while walking or riding their "bicyclettes." They love bread here. For lunch, everyone goes to "le centre ville" to pick up a sandwich - a baguette filled with cheese, lettuce and some sort of meat. They then walk down "la rue" taking bites out of the sandwich, carrying it in the paper package. So yes, baguettes are extremely French.
2. French people are mean and rude, especially to Americans - FALSE! The people here have been nothing but pleasant towards us - they are genuinely interested in talking to us and finding out where we're from, even if the answer is America. They find our culture interesting and love the chance to practice their English (which most of the time is "parfait!"). The only times I get remotely offended are when waiters assume I am American and respond to my attempted French with English. I know you know what I'm saying, just let me pretend for a minute I'm actually French.
3. Paris is the quintessential French city - FALSE! Ok, so even though I haven't visited Paris yet, I have heard the opinion of multiple residents of Angers and the conclusion is that Paris is NOT an appropriate representation of France; it is in fact a terrible example since it tends to fall victim to several false stereotypes. I believe that Angers is in fact a typical French town, which is why I am qualified (self-proclaimed) to write about which stereotypes are true and false. Here, streets are small and quaint, people walk or bike everywhere, small, family-owned "boulangeries" sit on every corner and people are friendly. Also not everyone loves/wants to live in Paris - there are other parts of the country where people are happy to live.
4. Everyone in France smokes - TRUE! I was hoping this one was false, but no, it is in fact true - everyone smokes, ranging from high school students to businessmen to parents. In fact, our classes all have ten minute breaks where nearly everyone goes outside to smoke. When I walk past the high school, kids are outside for recess smoking on the streets. I have even seen several people on bikes smoking while riding - quite the multitaskers. It's a social activity for the French, and, although they have banned smoking in restaurants/bars, the sidewalks just outside each place are full of smokers. Personally, not a fan.
5. French people are extremely fashionable - TRUE! Everyone, ages two to eighty-eight, men, women and children, dresses beautifully, no matter what they're doing. Shopping, girls wear tight leggings, heeled booties, layered sweaters, huge woven scarves and runway-ready peacoats. To the bars, men can be seen sporting sweaters, button-ups, Burberry scarves and shiny leather shoes. Even children wear little leather boots and colorful scarves - arguably better dressed than us Americans. The scarf is the simplest way to fit in - once I forgot my scarf and ran back to get it, that's how important this piece is.
Well, this is surely not a complete list, but these are the major stereotypes I had in my head before coming that I have been able to observe and explain. Of course, this also works the other way around - the French have their own list of American stereotypes, some true, some false (not sure what to think about the sandwich at the bakery named "L'American" that has two hamburger patties, a generous pile of french fries and cheese all stuffed in a baguette...), but hopefully us being here can help to clarify some of the generalizations. Not all Americans like McDonalds...in fact, I'm at the top of the anti-McDonalds list, FYI.
This week has gone by so quickly, but I'm glad it's the weekend (Thursdays in France = Fridays in college - PARTY); time for some socializing and sightseeing! A bientot, et bon weekend!
1. The French eat baguettes on a daily basis - TRUE! Whenever I leave the house, I am guaranteed to see at least two or three people carrying their fresh baguettes under their arm while walking or riding their "bicyclettes." They love bread here. For lunch, everyone goes to "le centre ville" to pick up a sandwich - a baguette filled with cheese, lettuce and some sort of meat. They then walk down "la rue" taking bites out of the sandwich, carrying it in the paper package. So yes, baguettes are extremely French.
2. French people are mean and rude, especially to Americans - FALSE! The people here have been nothing but pleasant towards us - they are genuinely interested in talking to us and finding out where we're from, even if the answer is America. They find our culture interesting and love the chance to practice their English (which most of the time is "parfait!"). The only times I get remotely offended are when waiters assume I am American and respond to my attempted French with English. I know you know what I'm saying, just let me pretend for a minute I'm actually French.
3. Paris is the quintessential French city - FALSE! Ok, so even though I haven't visited Paris yet, I have heard the opinion of multiple residents of Angers and the conclusion is that Paris is NOT an appropriate representation of France; it is in fact a terrible example since it tends to fall victim to several false stereotypes. I believe that Angers is in fact a typical French town, which is why I am qualified (self-proclaimed) to write about which stereotypes are true and false. Here, streets are small and quaint, people walk or bike everywhere, small, family-owned "boulangeries" sit on every corner and people are friendly. Also not everyone loves/wants to live in Paris - there are other parts of the country where people are happy to live.
4. Everyone in France smokes - TRUE! I was hoping this one was false, but no, it is in fact true - everyone smokes, ranging from high school students to businessmen to parents. In fact, our classes all have ten minute breaks where nearly everyone goes outside to smoke. When I walk past the high school, kids are outside for recess smoking on the streets. I have even seen several people on bikes smoking while riding - quite the multitaskers. It's a social activity for the French, and, although they have banned smoking in restaurants/bars, the sidewalks just outside each place are full of smokers. Personally, not a fan.
5. French people are extremely fashionable - TRUE! Everyone, ages two to eighty-eight, men, women and children, dresses beautifully, no matter what they're doing. Shopping, girls wear tight leggings, heeled booties, layered sweaters, huge woven scarves and runway-ready peacoats. To the bars, men can be seen sporting sweaters, button-ups, Burberry scarves and shiny leather shoes. Even children wear little leather boots and colorful scarves - arguably better dressed than us Americans. The scarf is the simplest way to fit in - once I forgot my scarf and ran back to get it, that's how important this piece is.
Well, this is surely not a complete list, but these are the major stereotypes I had in my head before coming that I have been able to observe and explain. Of course, this also works the other way around - the French have their own list of American stereotypes, some true, some false (not sure what to think about the sandwich at the bakery named "L'American" that has two hamburger patties, a generous pile of french fries and cheese all stuffed in a baguette...), but hopefully us being here can help to clarify some of the generalizations. Not all Americans like McDonalds...in fact, I'm at the top of the anti-McDonalds list, FYI.
This week has gone by so quickly, but I'm glad it's the weekend (Thursdays in France = Fridays in college - PARTY); time for some socializing and sightseeing! A bientot, et bon weekend!