I've been reading the posts on this topic because I too have been curious as to the French opinion of Americans. I am 23 years old, and I live in Dallas, Texas. I am traveling to London and Paris this August and wanted to know how the French percieved the American people. I agree with Karen's comments in that I believe the majority of the world believes that Americans are exactly like what the see in American Films and T.V. Most Americans have a great respect for French culture and look in awe at the architectual masterpieces, philosphers and artists that have come from France. I took classes in both high school and college that had a great deal of focus on Descartes, Rousseau, and Voltaire.
While I was in high school we had a French foriegn exchange student named Violette. I'd have to say that the fact she was French made her one of the most popular people at our school. Americans as a whole are very fascinated and interested by European cultures. Everyone wanted to know what it was like to grow up and live in France, French customs, etc., and what the French thought of the American people. I believe what bothered her the most about American culture was gun-ownership. Remember that this is Texas, and Texas prides itself in liberal gun policy. I had to point out to her that this was not what it was like in the rest of the United States. For example- in several states and cities like New York City and Massachusets, it is very difficult to get permission to obtain a firearm. I would elaborate more but I am trying to be consise so you do not get bored reading all this.
My point being that the political viewpoints and social atmosphere differ greatly depending on the geographic region of the United States. There are, however, a few cultural aspects of the American people that tend to be present throughout the greater whole of the United States. In the words of your newly-elected president: "Americans don’t ask about the diplomas or social origins of someone who comes up with a new idea; they just ask whether the idea is good or not. Past failures, if they’re honorable ones, should be seen as an opportunity to learn, and not as a stain on one’s reputation.” American culture holds people who have extreme drive and motivation in the highest regard. In America, if you want something badly enough (admission to a certain college, a job, opportuinity, business venture) then we believe you must work your absolute hardest to attempt to achieve this(moral and ethical restrictions do apply). We believe that to do anything less is to fail yourself.
I know I wrote alot and I deleted several sentences that I hope to elaborate on in this future. I am curious to know more about your opinions of us! I look foward to hearing your reply.
Joined:
Hi Pat,
I've been reading the posts on this topic because I too have been curious as to the French opinion of Americans. I am 23 years old, and I live in Dallas, Texas. I am traveling to London and Paris this August and wanted to know how the French percieved the American people. I agree with Karen's comments in that I believe the majority of the world believes that Americans are exactly like what the see in American Films and T.V. Most Americans have a great respect for French culture and look in awe at the architectual masterpieces, philosphers and artists that have come from France. I took classes in both high school and college that had a great deal of focus on Descartes, Rousseau, and Voltaire.
While I was in high school we had a French foriegn exchange student named Violette. I'd have to say that the fact she was French made her one of the most popular people at our school. Americans as a whole are very fascinated and interested by European cultures. Everyone wanted to know what it was like to grow up and live in France, French customs, etc., and what the French thought of the American people. I believe what bothered her the most about American culture was gun-ownership. Remember that this is Texas, and Texas prides itself in liberal gun policy. I had to point out to her that this was not what it was like in the rest of the United States. For example- in several states and cities like New York City and Massachusets, it is very difficult to get permission to obtain a firearm. I would elaborate more but I am trying to be consise so you do not get bored reading all this.
My point being that the political viewpoints and social atmosphere differ greatly depending on the geographic region of the United States. There are, however, a few cultural aspects of the American people that tend to be present throughout the greater whole of the United States. In the words of your newly-elected president: "Americans don’t ask about the diplomas or social origins of someone who comes up with a new idea; they just ask whether the idea is good or not. Past failures, if they’re honorable ones, should be seen as an opportunity to learn, and not as a stain on one’s reputation.” American culture holds people who have extreme drive and motivation in the highest regard. In America, if you want something badly enough (admission to a certain college, a job, opportuinity, business venture) then we believe you must work your absolute hardest to attempt to achieve this(moral and ethical restrictions do apply). We believe that to do anything less is to fail yourself.
I know I wrote alot and I deleted several sentences that I hope to elaborate on in this future. I am curious to know more about your opinions of us! I look foward to hearing your reply.