Do you think the French are arrogant?

[JulieLamar]

I know that many foreigners can think that, there are even some people who think that the French believe themselves superior to the rest of the world. Honestly I wonder where these stereotypes come from, of course there are idiots everywhere so you can have hyper arrogant French people etc but we can not make a generality

[nightdrot]

Not really. Like all peoples, they have their virtues and their vices, but these are in general and in any case are usually based on some outstanding moment in time that sticks in the popular memory.

In the case of France, it was the perception of DeGualle's haughty attitude and some would say ingratitude to Churchill and Roosevelt in World War II that set the standard. That was partly a function of DeGualle's individual personality - he was as God made him, as the old expression goes - and partly of DeGaulle's astute, and frankly wise, assessment that he had to compensate for France's weakened and dependent position.

Through daring and an arrogant attitude, DeGualle would seek to assert French national interests in compensation for French material weakness. For this, Churchill - himself not lacking in aristocratic hauteur - was reasonably tolerant. From FDR he earned seething contempt.

This blend then creeping into the popular imagination and thus did the French earn a reputation for arrogance. This not being helped by France's string of setbacks in Indochina, Suez and Algeria, not to mention the domestic upheavals of 1968. This in net giving the French, rightly or not, a reputation for arrogance disproportionate to their accomplishments.

Of course, this is all in the popular imagination and at a distance. In truth, Churchill knew he needed DeGualle and "Free France" as a counterweight to Vichy and indeed, in an odd way, to FDR. Ditto France remained important to the USA, thus did French soldiers serve - with distinction - in the Korean War of 1950-1953. (Indeed, this as France was trying to rebuild its armed forces and thus why it was unable to hold Vietnam. It having deployed its - at that point still diminished post-WWII - best assets elsewhere.)

The geostrategic realities was that France remained a great power, albeit diminished from where it had been. Juxtaposed to DeGualle's arrogance, and the French reputation for arrogance was locked into the popular imagination. To which might be thrown in American tourists in Paris who were less formal than the European tourists that people in the French capital had grown accustomed to, thereby setting the stage for all sorts of misunderstandings.

The funny part is that the other side of that equation is that the French, at least in the American popular imagination, have a reputation for being artistic and for being lovers. This comedically and good naturedly captured in the old Warner Brothers cartoon character Pepe LePew. Say what one will, arrogance was not part of that character's distinguishing characteristics.

Put it all together and the French do have something of a reputation for arrogance, and at the same time that reputation is less prominent then most people - including the French themselves - imagine. It is there, and like most reputations, it has some rootedness in reality. National characteristics are a function of culture.

However, also like many general impressions it can be exaggerated and often is. Can the French be arrogant? Yup. As DeGualle demonstrated when there was a need. Does that define them and their country? Nope, as any close examination of history, culture and circumstance will show.

[JulieLamar]

You're right, but I'm not sure pepe lepew is a very flattering image for France 🤣

I don't know why but often on this site Americans say to me "you French you hate Americans" honestly I don't understand this sentence it's not true the vast majority of French people like Americans, I don't know where this comes from impression, maybe because of de Gaulle 🤣 But the French also sometimes have the impression that the Americans don't like us lol.

Really I'm amazed by your knowledge of France, you know that France was a great power, but most people don't even know that France was that great lol. In truth this second world war to ruin our image in the world lol, the truth, since Waterloo, France had already declined, because from 1815, England will dominate the world, Prussia will dominate Europe , and we will see the emergence of Russia. But sorry I completely changed the original subject lol

[nightdrot]

Thanks for the kind comment and yes, you have left quite a lot on the table.

The only point I will address is the point about France's status as a great power. It is true that after 1815, France was no longer Europe's preeminent power, but that does not mean that she was still not among the great powers.

Between 1815 and 1945, roughly, the British were the preeminent power, but the international arena as a whole was defined by multiple great powers. The UK was number one, but France, Germany, the USA, Japan - the latter two starting roughly in the 1890s - and Italy to a lesser degree, all ranked among the great powers.

To be so ranked - and to be sure such rankings are somewhat subjective in any case as there is no formal scorekeeping - does not require that a state be number one. Only that it be competitive and capable of asserting its interests through economic, diplomatic and - if necessary - military means.

Indeed, I would argue that, though diminished from what they were, the UK and France, with their high quality armed forces, independent nuclear weapons arsenals, and large - especially for their size - economies, can still be credibly so ranked. Not number one or two, but certainly carrying more weight in diplomatic and economic terms than most nations on the planet.

France peeked in the early 1800s. No doubt of it. Yet even today she remains a credible player on the global stage. That, by any reasonable analysis, gives her a fair claim to great power status.

[nightdrot]

P. S. Oh, about Pepe LePew. Flattering no. Humorous, yes. All in good fun. The point being it plays with characteristics defined as prototypically French.

Just as Yosemite Sam plays with characteristics associated with the American west. Not flattering, but all in good humor.

[JulieLamar]

Haha of course, I know it's humor 🤣

Yes we remain despite everything a credible power, after for the history of France I admire two periods, Louis XIV which we will call the great century, or even some historians will call it the century of Louis XIV or on Napoleon.

Moreover, very few people know it but under Louis XIV France will have a larger navy than England, it is also the only time in our history that we had a navy that surpassed the English lol, and for defeating us will require coalitions on land and sea lol

On the other hand, we French have always been bad for the economy, the English, Americans and even Germans have always been much better than France for the economy. I don't know why lol

[nightdrot]

Well, an economy needs relative stability, and - as I have mentioned before - the French have a reputation for being ungovernable. The French revolution - of which Chou en-lai was asked in 1971 what he thought of it and he responded that "it was too soon to tell." Two empires, five republics, a commune and of course, two of your greatest leaders - Clemenceau and DeGualle - get the boot. (With Clemenceau getting the extra kick of being largely forgotten. "Yeah sure, you won us a world war, but what have you done for us lately?")

Suffice to say, that kind of political and social tumult does not lend itself to economic stability and prosperity. Even then, today France ranks - even given its relatively small and aging population still ranks 6th globally in size.

Not bad, not bad at all.

[JulieLamar]

Yes you are right, but the English, and of course the Americans, you have the genius of capitalism, of business, which France absolutely does not have. The reasons you mentioned instability is the fact that France is difficult to lead doesn't help, but even if we weren't like that, we don't have that genius that you have, we don't have that entrepreneurial spirit.

[nightdrot]

Well, to be sure, I was using those examples to demonstrate that there are numerous cultural and social factors at work. That said, France has not done too badly. It was not the birthplace of free market economics, but it has adapted, given the cultural and other factors, reasonably well.

[JulieLamar]

Yes you are absolutely right, I have to go, it was great to talk to you again, I wish you a good day 🙂

[nightdrot]

Actually, I have to sign off too. All the best and a pleasure chatting.

[mynewsworld]

@nightdrot This is not to exaggerate, the French are a fucking arrogant people, they have always believed the center of the world, if you analyze the history of France you will see that it is a constancy, they always believed themselves superior, the more civilized etc. They have spent their history giving lessons to other nations, things got even worse with the 17th and 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, which are really the periods of great French megalomania. I wonder where they get this feeling of pride because this Nation has never done anything great and has never brought anything to humanity

[nightdrot]

@mynewsworld Please tell that to the very sweet polite young lady from France who wrote this question. Furthermore, I have traveled in France and can attest that like Americans, Brits or anyone else, you meet all kinds.

[mynewsworld]

@nightdrot I wrote her a private message but she never replied, she doesn't even take the time to reply to people who write to her.

The difference is that the English ruled the world and the Americans still dominate it, so they can be proud.

We must not refer to individuals and this people has throughout its history always been a giver of lessons and even xenophobic

[nightdrot]

@mynewsworld As far as not getting a reply to a private message. If I had a nickel for every private message I have written to which I did not receive a reply, I would be a millionaire. It is hardly the definitive barometer of arrogance.

My point was rather that when you actually meet people face to face, the generalizations that we make about them - at the very least - must be modified.

As to the dominance of the Anglo-Saxon world, proud they may be, but pride, to be justified, ought be measured against an objective standard of virtue. The simple fact of our dominance does not thereby confer justification.

It need only be recalled that, for a time, the Axis Powers - Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, Imperial Japan - dominated the world. Whether they OUGHT to have been proud of that fact is a different and more philosophical question.

[JulieLamar]

@nightdrot I saw his message very well, but it's just aggressive and violent, so I didn't want to respond. I never refuse to debate but it must remain respectful. This man just hates France and I don't even know why

[nightdrot]

Yes, that was my sense too. Grant, my starting point is that he must be given the benefit of the doubt but he did seem more ardent than reflective. (Though his second response to me was somewhat more temperate.)

It has been well said that you cannot reason a person out of a viewpoint into which they were not reasoned to begin with. My sense being, again, that his views were more visceral than intellectual in their origins. So odds are that a response on your part would have ended in mere vituperation on his part.

Still, it might have been worth it to draw him out on the sources of his - for lack of a better word - bitterness.

That of course is your choice. That said, you and I have discussed your country and that of my own and I have never found you to be anything cordial even when we have our differences. That is why you are my Exhibit A for the case against the French being deemed arrogant as a people. Like all peoples the French have their national traits - but those are broad generalizations and as apt to have as many exceptions to the rule as those who fit the stereotype.

People, as I say, are more complicated than any stereotype may suggest.

[JulieLamar]

@nightdrot Yes you are absolutely right, I like talking with you because you have arguments, you do not speak just to say that the other is wrong, and to give you your point of view. So yes in these cases I like to debate.

He wrote me a message like "France you are the worst people on earth", it's not even an debate, it's really just anger against France. I think I would just have wasted my time trying to debate, because in his head it will remain that we are a bad nation.

Maybe he's a nice man but he acts really badly being aggressive

[mynewsworld]

@nightdrot Were you able to argue with this girl? how is that possible in one of her comments she said she quit school at 17 to start working selling handbags what kind of debate can you have with a person who quit school at such a young age? you debate of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? 😂😂😂

[nightdrot]

@mynewsworld We don't agree on many issues - as she mentioned above. However, she seems reasonably well informed. Certainly not prone to the outbursts of vulgar language and caricature that seem to afflict you. (Also, she knows to capitalize the first word of a sentence - see also your sentence: "you debate of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs?"

"Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone."

[mynewsworld]

@nightdrot Listen if you like wasting your time talking with a girl who quit her studies at 17, good for you, but really I'm curious, what the hell is that fool talking to you?

[nightdrot]

@mynewsworld Not sure what you are asking as your writing appears to have been garbled.

No matter, it is a discussion site and we have disagreed cordially enough in the past. I enjoy the exchange of ideas - even if I do not always find merit in those ideas.

You, on the other hand, appear content with vituperation and slander. Not my style, though it does appear to be the ethos of the era.

[mynewsworld]

@nightdrot I don't understand how a man like you who works for the government can waste his time talking with a girl who has the intellectual and cultural level of a fish, I mean seriously what kind of debates can you have? You must crush it so much with your superiority that these debates are a waste of time

[nightdrot]

@mynewsworld While I am not terribly religious, I do find merit in the ethic of the idea, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

My only question is why, if you find this all such a horrid waste of time, you do not move on to things more worthy of your superior intellect. Suffice to add that how I spend my time is no concern of yours'.

[mynewsworld]

@nightdrot I am speaking in relation to this French girl, I was saying that it was you who were superior to this girl and therefore you must waste your time talking with her.

Excuse me I didn't quit my studies at 17 lol, therefore I could have an intellectual debate and use words that this girl wouldn't even understand the meaning of.

[nightdrot]

@mynewsworld Life is not so short that there is not time for courtesy. In any case, as I say, if this be, as you claim, such a waste of time, your actions betray your words. Best you find better ways to spend your own time rather than worry about a discussion that does not include you.

[mynewsworld]

@nightdrot It is not a waste of time if I debate with people who are intellectually interesting.

Ask her if she knows how much is 10 times 3, we will see if she answers correctly, and tell her that the use of the calculator is prohibited 😂

[nightdrot]

@mynewsworld Sir, such sneering contempt does not become you. Yes, yes, you are the superior being. It still does no harm to show courtesy and compassion to others, rather you consider them your more equal or not.

[mynewsworld]

@nightdrot Ah nightdrot you make me think of these old people in the movies or each of their words seems filled with wisdom and who would rise up against the death of an ants.

Laugh a little, and make fun of people, your kindness will not come out more alive than me you know

[nightdrot]

@mynewsworld Well, glad I could help.

[JulieLamar]

@nightdrot sorry I did not forget to answer your question, but my grandmother who was very ill just died today

[nightdrot]

Oh, I am so sorry. Don't worry about it. My sincerest heartfelt condolences and hopefully we will get back together under happier circumstances.

Again, my condolences and my your grandmother rest in peace.

[dmgstarfleet]

I have found the French to be quite polite. The problem is often Americans assuming their cultural norms apply worldwide and do not bother to read up on basic customs printed in every guide book. Treat people with consideration and you get it back and that applies worldwide. Act like an ass and get that back and that applies worldwide too. That said, Americans are just clueless not deliberately rude. A recent survey among staff at major hotels rated Brits as the hands down worst tourists of all nationalities.

[VIVANT]

I lived in southern France with my great grandmother mother for some very formative years when I was a child. We lived in an artist community and I have never met a more inspiring kind hearted group of people since. That was 15 years ago. I still have family there (same province generally, tho not in the same location) and they are beautiful as well. I plan to move back in fact. I think a stereotypes of places take the absolute worst personalities that have the most influence (driven by money not morals)

I wonder if people who think the French are arrogant stop to ask what the stereotypes based on most obnoxious personalities of their country lol it’s all completely absurd. Most trends that are promoted are 💯 obnoxious. If All I knew of where I live was what I hear or see on on line, I’d never have come here. 😂 🤦‍♀️

Luckily, people worth giving time to, understand it’s worth giving time to others in order to understand them, and don’t jump to ridiculous conclusions.

Nice to meet you. 💜

I would take advantage of the opportunity to write in French unfortunately it’s been done years lol tho I speak and hear reasonably well, my reading & writing is poor. I’m working on it 🙃

[JulieLamar]

Yes, you are absolutely right 😊 I think that we are a welcoming country maybe there is difference in cultural perception, maybe some things are considered arrogant by foreigners but for the French not at all, after unfortunately we have idiots but it's not just for France lol.

[SpiderManFan2002]

The French Government? Absolutely, I mean as a Muslim girl it’s hilarious hearing a bunch of old non-Muslim French men discuss how they’re ✌🏾liberating✌🏾Muslim women by taking our right to wear the hijab, niqab, burka, and burkini away- but hey, I guess that’s the just their inner-colonizer shining through because they did almost identical things to Muslim women when they were colonizing Algeria which was less than 100 years ago, I have no respect for that government at all. This woman puts it best:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b5-JOPpsLp8

Anyway, if we’re talking about the French people in general you can’t really say they’re arrogant or not, there’s good and bad in every community so let’s not generalize.

[EyesOfGod]

Some girls like to be slaves I see. You were raised well.

[SpiderManFan2002]

Hijab isn’t slavery😂😂

Here’s an idea, stop getting your information about Islam from Western media, and start learning from real life Muslim women.

No person told me to wear the hijab. I wore it on my own accord because the hijab is what frees me, and that might be so hard for you to contemplate- but hijab and modesty frees me from the toxic beauty standards imposed upon women. It’s funny how it’s always men who seem to have a problem with the hijab. Sorry not sorry but refuse to be eye candy for you and for men who want to reduce me to my appearance.

[EyesOfGod]

Yeah you're the only Muslim woman who I've ever heard say that lol your so brainwashed its cute. You must be the type to go naked under your robes just so men will have easy access.

[SpiderManFan2002]

Oh yes, me, who’s studied Islam, has a minimal understanding of Classical Arabic, who’s learned Islam and the concept of hijab from qualified people who have dedicated their lives to studying Islam, is brainwashed- you on the other hand probably don’t even understand hijab is far more than hair covering and hijab is not exclusive to women, who has probably learned Islam from the Western media CNN or Fox probably- is not brainwashed😂😂

I mean, just the way you talk about me regarding that last comment goes to show your lack of respect for women and what you reduce me to.

[SpiderManFan2002]

And FYI, there’s plenty of Muslim women out there who love their hijab, here’s a few examples:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VnRzpaiYQVI

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aLelnk29P1o

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LGyS2uqlTiQ

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dV4rCx1qw8Y

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tyincrBwwK8

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_lzS0ghfYVU

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ8MHbTNVoU

[SpiderManFan2002]

That’s just a few examples, I can send you more if you like😊🧕🏾

[EyesOfGod]

All i need to know is if it wears a scarfhat 30% chance they are a terrorist

[EyesOfGod]

Also i don't want examples i need your nudes to confirm your not just some weirdo

[SpiderManFan2002]

Hmmm “scarf hat” you’re very well versed in Islamic terminology I see😂😂And if there was a 30% chance of me being a terrorist, I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t be saying this stuff me or you’re even more pea brained than I initially thought😂😂

You do realize that hair coverings are not exclusive to Muslim women, right? Orthodox Jewish women cover their hair, some Christian women cover their hair, Amriti Sikh women cover their hair, I’ve even heard of non-religious women covering their hair simply because they prefer modesty- so hey I guess in your books we’ve all got a 30% chance of being terrorists😂😂😂

[SpiderManFan2002]

Not you reducing me to my body, men like you are the perfect example of why I’m happy to wear the hijab- I’d rather not give you the power to objectify me thank you very much😂😂

[EyesOfGod]

Lol sure but most women like being objectified because it makes them big money.

[SpiderManFan2002]

Ah right, so you speak for most women now? We’re not all the same, so I don’t know why you treat us as if we’re a monolith🤦🏾‍♀️

[EyesOfGod]

Like one girl opened her onlyfans when she turned 18 and instantly made millions. All just because she's pretty and the simp world gave her money lol.

[EyesOfGod]

Or how porn is 99.5% women focused.

[SpiderManFan2002]

Ah so one girl equates to “most girls” now? And why are you even looking at stuff like that? Seems a little sus to me lol

[SpiderManFan2002]

Yes, because it’s profitable because perverts like yourself exist. I’d rather not give you that power so yay modesty🧕🏾✌🏾

[SpiderManFan2002]

And even then I doubt your statistics are true at all I mean according to you, me, a girl who struggles to carry her textbooks has a 30% chance of being a terrorist- I wouldn’t take you or your stats seriously😂😂😂😂

[EyesOfGod]

Well women are luck if they are born pretty they don't have to work a day of their life and just be thrown money. Also when will you shut up?

[SpiderManFan2002]

That’s not true, and ahhh you don’t like a woman speaking back to you? Makes you feel small does it? Your misogyny is showing😂😂

[EyesOfGod]

In Muslim culture you shouldn't be talking back to me and id have the right to beat you or stone you if you did. In Muslim culture women are trash and should be seen not heard. So shut up since you like Muslim culture so much.

[SpiderManFan2002]

No you wouldn’t have the right to do either of those things😂😂😂In fact you’d be told to lower your gaze and condemned for asking me for nudes sooo yeah lol😂😂😂

[yofuknutz]

Either get these two wack-jobs a room or put them in the boxing send them back to their corners

[OlderAndWiser]

I have never been to France and I have not known any French people here in the US (but I have known people of many other nationalities.) Other Americans who have visited France have consistently told me that the people of Paris were rude and condescending.

[JamieLoves]

LOL 😆 You can’t even imagine!
When I’m there, I’m nastier immediately.
They don’t know what to do!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[loveslongnails]

Let me say this - I've been in the travel industry for over 10 years. Prior to Covid, when people still traveled often, various hotel organizations would survey hotel and restaurant owners in popular tourist destinations. They asked "who are the rudest travelers and most difficult to deal with". The exact rankings changed from year to year, but the same country's tourists were always in the top ten consistently. They were, in no particular order:
China
Japan
France
Germany
USA
United Kingdom
Brazil
Russia
Italy
India
and a special nod to certain Arab countries as well

My personal experience is that the French, once outside their own country, expect everyone else to know how to speak French, and make little effort to speak anything in the language of the country they visit. I've also found Parisiennes to be more arrogant than those in the French countryside. But that's typical of most places - the smaller the town, the nicer the people.

[JulieLamar]

Some French people still believe they are in the 17th or 18th century 🤣

[menina]

I've heard that many times but I'm not sure if it's true. So far, I only met two French people in my life and they were nice to me.
I guess this stereotype comes from the fact that before English, French was the most common "lingua franca". And then the US and the UK started to gain more power and French was left behind.
Also many non- French people see France as a role model country. Perhaps that boosts French people's ego and makes them look or act in a arrogant way.

[JulieLamar]

You are right, besides the French live very badly this downgrading lol🤣

[menina]

Hahaha

I'm curious, can you give me an example?

[JulieLamar]

Of course, regularly on the French news channels there are economic, political, military specialists, or quite simply intellectuals, who keep talking about the French decline. It really is a French obsession lol.

I have a more measured outlook, it's true that France is no longer a powerful country like before, but we still remain a great power over more than 200 countries in the world lol

[menina]

Yeah, I can see the obsession Lol
Yes, I also think that France still has an important role in the world. It's not like the country and its people were forgotten or erased. It's just that the world has changed.
Thanks for answering. :)

[JulieLamar]

You're welcome I'm really amazed that you knew all that about France because, when I talk to people and tell them that the culture, and the French language had dominated before being overtaken by the English and the Americans people look at me like that 👀

🤣

[menina]

😂😂😂😂😂 I know what you mean. I'm not American and I studied linguistics and languages in college, that's why I know these things.

[JulieLamar]

Oh yes great, what nationality are you?

[menina]

I'm from Angola. Not sure if you ever heard about my country since many people don't know it exists.

[JulieLamar]

I know it by name, and I've seen some pictures before and it really looks like a very beautiful country, but I don't know its history or its culture. Has my country had relations with your country? do you still live there?

[menina]

Yes, it is beautiful despite all the problems that we have. I might be wrong but I think it didn't have any relation with France.
No, unfortunately I left Angola when I was 3 and I haven't gone back yet.

[JulieLamar]

The problems? the photos i saw look like a developed country, what country do you live in now?

[menina]

Yes, there is a lot of poverty and the health care system has many issues. I live in Portugal.

[JulieLamar]

Wait now I think I read a biography on one of your queens, I'm not sure but I believe it was a queen of Angola Queen Njinga Mbandi, is that correct?

[menina]

Yes, that's right. That's exactly her name. Interesting, why did you read it?

[JulieLamar]

I am curious, and I am not only interested in the history of my country. and she was really an amazing woman 😍

On the other hand, what made me laugh is the story of the man's harem which she owns and which she obliged to dress as a woman 🤣 a real strong woman 💪

[menina]

That's great. I believe that it's good to learn about the history of other countries besides our own. I don't know much about the history of France but I know a couple of things and I'm also interested in it.

Oh yes she was. 😍 And she didn't do more for Angola because the Portuguese didn't let her. :(
Hahaha yeah that story is always funny. 😂😂😂😂

[JulieLamar]

Yes but she was really extraordinary and in addition she was very intelligent in her relationship with portugal.

Yes it's really incredible this story 🤣 You can imagine if she lived today she would force her men to wear heels 🤣 but I have no pity for them too many men behaved worse than her

[menina]

That's true, that's why the Portuguese didn't like her. They wanted to control the country and she didn't want to let that happen.

Oh, I would love to see her forcing men to wear heels 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Yes, you're right men have done worse.

[JulieLamar]

Yes, she was more courageous than many men.

Oh yes me too I would love to see her do that lol🤣 especially to unfaithful and sexist men, or maybe she would use our modern technologies to force them to change their sex 🤣🤣

[menina]

Oh yes she was.

I absolutely agree with you, she would have done a great job with sexist and unfaithful men. She would be my idol. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[JulieLamar]

I already admire her a lot 😍

I'm sure too, frankly it would be an incredible pleasure to see unfaithful and sexist men forced to live like women 🤣 When she had this idea of forcing these men to dress like women she had the best idea in the world lol , I hope that one day another woman will have the same idea lol

[menina]

Me too! 😍

Oh yes that would be amazing and I would pay to see it 😂😂😂 Maybe you'll be inspired by her and you'll do the same 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[JulieLamar]

Yes that's on I'll pay too 🤣 Aha is alright I'm not a queen so I have no way of forcing unfaithful and sexist men to live like women but if I could I sure would lol I will make them wear heels and I would make them so girly, it would be real princess lol, and you what would you make them do?

[menina]

Hahaha I would love to see that!

I would force them to wear makeup, to wear thigh clothes and to be catcalled.

[Anonymous]

I’ve been to France many times and all over: Strasbourg, Reims, Lyon, Angers, Bordeaux, Nice, Marseilles, and about 10 times to Paris. It’s a lovely country. I’ve always found people to be friendly and helpful. The reputation for arrogance as it is known in America and the rest of Europe is undeserved. I think greeting people in French and asking, “Parlez vous anglais?” goes a long way toward having a good experience. I can’t wait to return.

[Pete671]

been to France a few times, apologising in French for not being able to speak French is wise, I worked with many French people, if they do behave arrogantly I ask them what part of Belgium they come from, if they are nice I try and speak a little of their language,,,

[JulieLamar]

Haha very funny, Bordeaux is my city 😍

[Opinion Owner]

There are two different people commenting here

[Anonymous]

I only spent a few hours in a small village in the Pyrenees, so I haven't interacted with two many Frenchies, but for the most part they were very polite and friendly, some even spoke English. Only annoying thing was, there was a long line forming outside a food stand, and the lady was on the phone completely ignoring her customers, so we left after 5 minutes. And one of my French friends was surprised when I complained about a hotel (not in France), not wanting to call a taxi for us. She said, "In France, it's not the hotel's job to call a taxi for you."

This last part seems a bit rude and arrogant to me, because almost everywhere I travel, hotel call taxi for you. And I also heard they don't like to talk to make small talk with strangers, and it's almost impossible to meet someone outside of work and school.

But I personally haven't had any bad experiences with Frenchies. But I always here that Paris people and Riviera people are snobby assholes.

[TheFlak38]

The only arrogant element I have noticed in French people is that they don't speak English even in situations where it is perfectly fine to do so. Every time I am in France this is the biggest problem I have. And I'm always like "I know you understand me fucktard. Speak fuckin English".

[JulieLamar]

Well because the French don't like foreigners not making the effort to try to speak French in France lol, moreover the French are the worst students in English lol

[TheFlak38]

Asians have a much bigger problem learning English. Or any European language for that matter. French people are doing just fine with it. You're a good example. Or the French Police to name another one. They were speaking fluently with me.

[JulieLamar]

yes but I was talking in Europe lol

[little_rose]

I don't care about stereotypes but I've noticed something with french people

Those who I met irl are really nice and fun people but those who I meet online were the worst... they were really rude but they were also 14 y/o soooo 😂😂😂

I don't think the whole nation is arrogant lmao
Just like in every country there must be some bad apples but obviously not all of them are bad

[Bean2thousand]

I think it's because you have an academy dedicated to eliminating the 'impurities' of the French language, 246 different types of cheese, styles of furniture named after royalty, and claim to have invented everything from fried potatoes to telesurgery.

[JulieLamar]

haha very funny🤣, are you English or American?

[Bean2thousand]

I'm from the United States, but I lived in Paris with my brother a few summers. I actually cried when I had to come back to this giant strip mall of a country.

[JulieLamar]

Your country dominates the world so I guess it couldn't be that bad lol

[Bean2thousand]

It's difficult to explain. Being an American is sort of like being an orphan. Whereas in Paris, I felt grounded in history and culture. It was deeply spiritual, very romantic.

[JulieLamar]

I can understand what you mean, I feel so attached to my country, it is almost spiritual to me🤣 I am not a nationalist, but I just love my country and I am proud of it even if to be honest since then fall of Napoleon France was no longer at the height of its great history

[ChrisMaster69]

Nope not at all.

most know they are not the best 👀

I think a lot of non Europeans get confused with how certain countries are and population etc.

they struggle with this Aloofness

[JulieLamar]

Ah if it is a citizen of the perfidious Albion who says it, it is reassuring 🤣

[Gertrude_Awonk]

Yeah the true arrogant people are the British but their country is way uglier than France haha

[Adam1978]

I didn't notice that when I was in France, but I was on the countryside hiking not in the big cities.

[Anonymous]

I’ve been to France I don’t think French people are arrogant they’re great. I’ve only met one arrogant French person (or at least I think he’s French) because he was very wealthy I think and was being racist towards me (an Asian person). But other than that no arrogance from French people.

I see more arrogance from British people.

[JulieLamar]

Sorry for your bad experience with this French, unfortunately idiots have no nationality😔

[Opinion Owner]

It’s ok just one person most French people I met are great I mean it.

[najekim]

Well, all I know is that my nephew was part of the bombing raid on Libya way back when, and the French refused to let our pilots fly over their country to get there, like it has been done countless other times, for the raid. Nephew said it pissed the pilots off so much they were thinking of keeping a couple bombs for on the way back. Oops!

[Espresso-Grande]

I don't know any French people personally, but when I visited France on vacation I didn't get the impression they were arrogant. I thought they were similar to the British people ; down-to-earth and friendly

[KatherineJ]

Not anymore than anyone else. I’ve met some really nice French people, and some who were not so nice.

[RSStevedmj]

As a retired Sailor, I think the most arrogant are Americans. I've been to the Middle East, most of all of the Asian countries as well as Canada. We tend to stick our nose into other countries internal affairs and tell them how to live. This attitude extends even to the lowly enlisted folks that would visit various ports and meangal with the locals.

[JamieLoves]

A Self Loathing Liberal!
😆😆😆😆

[slatyb]

No, that's silly. If anyone believes in their own superiority, it's Americans. I'm looking forward to visiting France when it's possible. Maybe September 2022.

[Alexandrubaschet08]

From the number of franch people that i meet by now, i will say no.
I meet only nice, funny and very friendly france people by now.
But thous frence people told me it is true that moust of you france people ar very aroggant and snobish

[anon1903]

Pretentious yes, arrogant no. They're like Gujarati that way. Have these elevated opinion of their community... Kinda delusional.

[JulieLamar]

France has no community, the only community it has is the national community.

But what makes you think that? Bad experience with France?

[anon1903]

No, with Gujarati. French people, I've seen in movies, behave in the same manner. I can only speculate.

[anon1903]

Community as in their kind

[anon1903]

Plus all the romanticizing the French...

[JulieLamar]

Ah well I think the films are quite cartoonish lol

[anon1903]

Haha gotcha

[JulieLamar]

Oh ok lol

[Gertrude_Awonk]

I didn’t know Gujarati had that stereotype

[anon1903]

It's not a stereotype. Just my opinion.

[Avicenna]

That's not my experience (for the most part), although you will meet a few arrogant people everywhere.

[The_Maphio]

They are very proud. Both rightfully so and to a cringy extent.

[JulieLamar]

Honestly I think it was true before, but today I don't think we could say it's still the case

[The_Maphio]

We can say this of every country. What people are proud of are the accomplishments of our countrymen from ages past. If we were to be proud of things done in the present, we could as well commit mass suicide for lack of purpose. Let people be proud for their country history.