je suis contente que tu es intereste dans les Americains ;). moi, je suis une femme Americaine de 20 ans. Je peux parler un peu de francais, que je l'ai etudie depuis des ans, mais il y en a beaucoup qui peuvent pas parler francais, et alors ca fait des problemes, parce que la langue est la porte pour une autre culture. But I'll explain this topic further in my native language, English, since it is a bit easier for me and you seem to speak English at a higher level. It's very nice to know that the French in general like the American people.
I have been to France twice, and not once have I been met with unnecessary hostility by the French. In fact, the French really seemed to like me. But perhaps this is because I do something that those limited number of "snobby Americans tourists" have forgotten to do when visiting a foreign nation. I make sure that I pay respect to each and every person there, and I make the effort to adapt to the new culture with as little complaining as possible (though this part isn't hard for me because I love French culture!) I am well aware from some of my friends who are French natives that there are many rude American tourists that pass through there, turning their noses up at the thought of eating pate (excuse me that there are no accents marks, my keyboard doesn't have them! haha) or at the fact that most places in france do not have air-conditioning. But this is not how all Americans are. It is VERY difficult to state in just one or two words how the Americans feel about the French, because America is truly full of a variety of people. We've had many waves of immigration of different people with different cultural backgrounds. These differences have all mashed together to form a super culture and many subcultures below it. There are a variety of people within these sub-cultures, all ranging from ultra conservatives to ultra liberals. And within the liberals and conservatives there are those who are very educated, and those who are not. These all have an affect on how a certain people feel about another culture. In my opinion, it is education that can make a big difference in how people perceive a culture. I was very fortunate that during my early years of learning French I was taught by a native French teacher who made it very clear that the French do not hate the Americans, and that it was ok for us (the Americans) to become curious about other cultures, and try new things. However, in general, I think the Americans feel indifferent or positive about the French, though this is often combined with feelings of hesitation and lack of knowledge on where the French people are coming from, which can equal to ready acceptance of someone's negative opinions on the French only because people just haven't been taught about other cultures well enough. Though it is common to hear jokes about the French, but this usually occurs only when there are well broadcasted events that are occuring in France to the United States (such as the riots that occured a few years ago, or the elections, etc.) Americans are also so different because of the fact that we are so isolated from other cultures that we do not understand others from different countries or we become close minded and are unwilling to try new things.
But if you encounter an American, 9 times out of 10 they will most likely be friendly to you. I think the Americans are in general very friendly and are always willing to help out foreigners that step into the United States. But if you happen to encounter someone who is not friendly to you just because you are French, do not let this ruin your entire opinion on the American population. The country is still comprised of 30% "Bushies" (ils sont les personnes qui apuyent president Bush) and there is a chance you may run into a close minded person.
In general the Americans do not have a very good idea of what the current French movies are, or of many famous French actors and actresses. The only ones that some may recognize is Audrey Tautou, and maybe Gerard Depardieu. This is because there are not very many french movies that are shown in theaters in the United States. Why? I truly have no idea, though I wish they would show more international films. This is also the same for music.
if you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask me ;) I hope that the French continue to feel kindly towards the Americans. Please don't allow the ignorance of a few to spoil the positive feelings felt towards the majority. I assure you that there will always be those who support and love the french in the United States. I hope I've answered some of your questions!
Joined:
Bonjour Pat!
je suis contente que tu es intereste dans les Americains ;). moi, je suis une femme Americaine de 20 ans. Je peux parler un peu de francais, que je l'ai etudie depuis des ans, mais il y en a beaucoup qui peuvent pas parler francais, et alors ca fait des problemes, parce que la langue est la porte pour une autre culture. But I'll explain this topic further in my native language, English, since it is a bit easier for me and you seem to speak English at a higher level. It's very nice to know that the French in general like the American people.
I have been to France twice, and not once have I been met with unnecessary hostility by the French. In fact, the French really seemed to like me. But perhaps this is because I do something that those limited number of "snobby Americans tourists" have forgotten to do when visiting a foreign nation. I make sure that I pay respect to each and every person there, and I make the effort to adapt to the new culture with as little complaining as possible (though this part isn't hard for me because I love French culture!) I am well aware from some of my friends who are French natives that there are many rude American tourists that pass through there, turning their noses up at the thought of eating pate (excuse me that there are no accents marks, my keyboard doesn't have them! haha) or at the fact that most places in france do not have air-conditioning. But this is not how all Americans are. It is VERY difficult to state in just one or two words how the Americans feel about the French, because America is truly full of a variety of people. We've had many waves of immigration of different people with different cultural backgrounds. These differences have all mashed together to form a super culture and many subcultures below it. There are a variety of people within these sub-cultures, all ranging from ultra conservatives to ultra liberals. And within the liberals and conservatives there are those who are very educated, and those who are not. These all have an affect on how a certain people feel about another culture. In my opinion, it is education that can make a big difference in how people perceive a culture. I was very fortunate that during my early years of learning French I was taught by a native French teacher who made it very clear that the French do not hate the Americans, and that it was ok for us (the Americans) to become curious about other cultures, and try new things. However, in general, I think the Americans feel indifferent or positive about the French, though this is often combined with feelings of hesitation and lack of knowledge on where the French people are coming from, which can equal to ready acceptance of someone's negative opinions on the French only because people just haven't been taught about other cultures well enough. Though it is common to hear jokes about the French, but this usually occurs only when there are well broadcasted events that are occuring in France to the United States (such as the riots that occured a few years ago, or the elections, etc.) Americans are also so different because of the fact that we are so isolated from other cultures that we do not understand others from different countries or we become close minded and are unwilling to try new things.
But if you encounter an American, 9 times out of 10 they will most likely be friendly to you. I think the Americans are in general very friendly and are always willing to help out foreigners that step into the United States. But if you happen to encounter someone who is not friendly to you just because you are French, do not let this ruin your entire opinion on the American population. The country is still comprised of 30% "Bushies" (ils sont les personnes qui apuyent president Bush) and there is a chance you may run into a close minded person.
In general the Americans do not have a very good idea of what the current French movies are, or of many famous French actors and actresses. The only ones that some may recognize is Audrey Tautou, and maybe Gerard Depardieu. This is because there are not very many french movies that are shown in theaters in the United States. Why? I truly have no idea, though I wish they would show more international films. This is also the same for music.
if you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask me ;) I hope that the French continue to feel kindly towards the Americans. Please don't allow the ignorance of a few to spoil the positive feelings felt towards the majority. I assure you that there will always be those who support and love the french in the United States. I hope I've answered some of your questions!
Amanda