What stereotypes or prejudices do you have about France?

[Julie4]

[OpenClose]

Stereotypes? I mean I can think of them, but they're weak stereotypes.

- Beautiful girls who are more petite.
- A lot of sexual openness
- Stern personalities
- Tends to surrender quickly when invaded.
- Viva la revolucion
- More artsy. Less sciency.

But like the "surrender" one makes sense with the tactics used in WWII. Artsy v Sciency is a funny one. They aren't quite Germany, but they're probably a close second in the history of science and math. The stern personalities, I hear, are almost exclusive to Paris. And I'm just gonna keep the beautiful girls and sexual openness ones because I consider both of those compliments.

[Julie4]

The stereotype that France surrenders is cruel, because it is false 😭

[OpenClose]

I mean they had one of the largest empires in the world for a time. They were ground zero for the longest and bloodiest stalemates in WWI. The used to own like half of North America themselves.

So it's definitely false. But it's still a stereotype.

[hafinjun]

Yes it is , on both counts

[Sixgunsound]

Not having the burden of scheming for world domination any longer has really been beneficial for the stress level of the average French citizen. From an outside perspective it looks like all that really happens in France is eating cheese drinking wine making love and talking philosophy. Occasionally an act of terror shatters this ideal lifestyle.

[Julie4]

It's very funny 🤣 I don't know if the French citizens were really under pressure at the time of their greatness. King Louis XIII said in one of his letters to Richelieu "that it was a strange thing that this lightness of the French" .

More seriously, France also has many problems, and in most cases the US is doing much better than France.

Be more indulgent with your country, after all in spite of all the defects that you can find to him, it remain there first world power 🙂

[Sixgunsound]

I wouldn’t dream of moving anywhere else, especially not too modern Germany or modern England, where my ancestors are from. The US government is not perfect, but all the rights guaranteed to US citizens are not to be found equally anywhere else in the world.

I sometimes wonder why nations still play the “Game of Thrones“ when, in the modern era, it is really corporations that all in the world? Schwab and the world economic forum are my prime example. That group of plutocrats, installs people in governments that will benefit them.

[Julie4]

Exactly, the United States has brought many good things to the world and continues to do so.

Well if one day you come to France you will be welcome, you will just have to replace the cowboy hat by a beret 🤣

Do most Americans have English and German origins?

[Sixgunsound]

100 years ago I’d say Americans were mostly Northern European and some African Americans, but now the percentages of Hispanic Americans here has passed the number of African Americans, with more economic migrants just walking or swimming across the border by the hour.

Hey, I have the loud brainless American reputation to maintain, so the hat stays! Just kidding, I honestly don’t like attracting attention to myself, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.

[Sixgunsound]

Before anybody gives me any crap I don’t really care what your heritage is so long as you contribute to society, pay taxes, treat other people fairly, and participate in all the same responsibilities and obligations that I have to.

[Sixgunsound]

Thanks for MHO

[midnightmoon05]

Before I visited France this summer. I thought they are arrogant and fashionable.
they all drink wine lol (this is true so far)
we were in France for 2 weeks.3 cities.
they are very very nice, just like normal people.
they definitely dress better, nicer.

my little sister married a French man two years ago … we are becoming closer and even stayed over at her in laws house.
we also rented an air B and B in Avignon and stayed with a really fun family. Our kids played with theirs, we drank wine and played the piggie game.
we are going back next summer so our kids can play together again.
they are just like us. 😊👍

[Julie4]

I don't know where the stereotypes about us French people come from lol.

But I'm glad you had a good time in France, what nationality are you?

[midnightmoon05]

Chinese American. We are in New Your city.
France has the best dessert.

[Julie4]

Let's just say that generally speaking we're not doing too badly in the kitchen 🙂

Oh that's great, have you lived in China?

[midnightmoon05]

Yeah I just talked to my sister this morning. She said her husband will be making tiramisu and crème brûlée for Thanksgiving!! Me soooo lucky.
Funny his mom said, she was trying to show him how to cook when he was little.. he learned, but he only like making desserts 😂
The French family we met, the 14 yr old boy wants to be a dessert chef and want to come to New York.
I noticed French loves their sweets.
I had a French tenant, they gave me a crepe’s recipe. When I stopped by their apt. their children were eating crepes with plain white sugar.
Is that a stereotype?

I lived in China till I was 10 then moved to NYC with my family since.
So I don’t have a lot of memory of China.

Have you visited NYC?

[Julie4]

No I have never had the opportunity to visit the USA, but I would love to. 😊

[midnightmoon05]

I hope you can visit soon.

[Julie4]

Thank you 🙂

[Bethany22]

That people are rude and snobby, and that the place is filthy

[Anonymous]

I don’t know. It seems kind of pointless to even bother with national stereotypes anymore when countries are being invaded by illegal aliens and economic migrants asylum shopping.

When I think of France I think of Delacroix and Charles Martel and Napoleon. Voltaire. Eugene Atget and Camus—though he was a pied-noir.

Now when I think of France I only think about the terrorism in your country, debates over hijabs, and how you have people from Cameroon and Angola telling you how you’re oppressing them in the country that they aren’t even from.

[msc545]

What a hopeless asshole.

[Opinion Owner]

@msc545 And you’re a sorry, stupid bastard.

🤷‍♂️

[Bluemax]

The stereotype some Americans hold of the French is that they are arrogant snobs who believe the sun rises and sets on Paris.

My interactions with the French do not resemble this.

[Julie4]

Haha 🤣 unfortunately there are really French people like that, but fortunately the majority of us, we are not like that

[MCheetah]

They're rude assholes and cowardly.

I haven't personally met enough French people to know if this holds up on not, but I've never met or seen any nice French people either. Like, not on TV, not in movies or documentaries, not online; nowhere.

[Julie4]

This seems to be a common stereotype about us in the English-speaking world lol.

[MCheetah]

But is it actually false, though? That is the question.

[Julie4]

For the coward yes it is obviously false, any serious historical analysis on this subject largely proves that.

For the rest there are French people who behave badly, who are disrespectful, arrogant etc., but this kind of behavior is in the minority, as there is this kind of behavior from different people, coming from any country. But the majority of the French will behave well.

[Telekinetic-Potato]

I've only met maybe 4 actual French people but so far the stereotype seems to hold up that they're assholes who think they're better than everyone. But I met this French baker who make me think its maybe a cultural misunderstanding. Because at first I thought he was a piece of shit but now I'm starting to like him. Really warm personality. Makes good bread, respects my bread. I don't think he anticipated the quality of flour I use.

[Julie4]

I am sorry that you had bad experiences with some French people, I am personally French and believe me the majority of us behave in a general way very well, unfortunately there is always a minority of idiots

[Telekinetic-Potato]

I still really want to go to France and meet more people. I don't know why I barely ever meet French people. You sound so nice

[Julie4]

Thank you very much for the nice compliment, I hope you can visit France one day and have a good experience 😊

[BJP21]

Fine wines/Vineyards

Sex is part of the culture

Snobbish attitudes

French Fries come from France (They are actually called Belgian Frites)

The Three Musketeers comes to mind.

[Julie4]

I wonder where the stereotype of the snobbish French comes from. It is true that sometimes there are French people who behave badly, and arrogantly, however the majority of us behave well.

For the rest it is 100 percent true 🤣

[loveslongnails]

Parisians are generally rude to anyone who doesn't speak French --- wait, that's not a stereotype, it's true!

Most hoteliers around the world, when surveyed, will tell you that the French expect the rest of the world to speak French and become put-off when you don't. Wait - that's true too! LOL

[Julie4]

No lol, it is especially that the majority of the French do not speak English. But in general if the French can help a tourist he will try to do it

[loveslongnails]

In the countryside, yes. In Paris, not so much. And it has nothing to do with speaking English. Hoteliers from around the world say the same thing. Their experience is that the French make NO effort to learn anything in the language of the country they visit but expect people there to know French. As a travel agency owner, I know this to be true. I've also witnessed it firsthand in Mexico, Italy, the USA, and the Bahamas. I will say the deeper you get into the countryside, the friendlier the French are, especially the men towards women! LOL

[Julie4]

Everyone should speak French the most beautiful language in the world 🤣 ( this is a joke )

[RyanEC]

Mostly positive things since negative stereotypes most Americans believe about France seem silly to me.


Things like French people are more fit, fashionable and attractive.


French people are more sophisticated and cultured.




And French cities and villages are more aesthetically pleasing.

[Julie4]

Yes, these are good stereotypes lol, although the French are not more cultured than other nations, but it is a nice stereotype lol

[Cubus]

- they don't like speaking English and expect you to speak French there
- they eat frogs and snails, at least native ones

[Julie4]

These are true stereotypes, or at least a lot of them 🤣

[Cubus]

Have you ever eaten escargot?

[Julie4]

I never do, and I don't like cheese.

But my parents have eaten, it's rare but they have eaten sometimes

[mickmrly]

I think the main stereotype I hold about France would be it is an overly promiscuous place, with very strange views on sex and marriage for a supposedly Catholic country. Having a President married to his teacher is an example of what I mean.

[Julie4]

France has started to dechristianize since the end of the 18th century

[mickmrly]

True. As has a lot of Northern Europe and other European countries.

I guess some good things about France are their bread and Jams. I get some of their organic Raspberry Jam in Australia. And I guess they have the Louvre as well. I suppose their more artistic nature would be a more positive stereotype? I sure hope they still have berets there.

[KostasKouvalis]

That the people are extremely polite and curteous

[Julie4]

I think it's like that in most countries.

But glad to see that France is also this image 🙂

[KostasKouvalis]

Unfortunately to most people it doesn't. I don't understand why everyone hates the French.
I'll show you something...
www.instagram.com/.../?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[KostasKouvalis]

And you aren't wrong, but the French from my experience are more polite and humble than many other Europeans

[Julie4]

I am French and most people think we are arrogant, rude, etc. lol. You are the first to think the opposite lol.

In any case personally I had the chance to visit Spain and the people were very nice to me, I also heard a lot of good things about the US.

Of course there is always a minority of bad people, but I think that the majority of people in different countries behave well and with respect.

[Julie4]

Yes, these are good stereotypes lol, although the French are not more cultured than other nations, but it is a nice stereotype lol

[Julie4]

Sorry for my last comment, I made a mistake with the wrong people

[KostasKouvalis]

I believe it. I'm honestly surprised. I visited Ax-les-Thermes and have met a few French tourists and expats and they were all so polite, curteous and humble and overall very pleasant people. Even speaking English wasn't a problem. I think the people saying these things are themselves the problem, because I've never had an issue with them. I even know Arabs who live in Paris and haven't said anything bad, so I don't know where people are getting this stuff.

Really? Because one of my tour guides in Catalonia really hated the French.

I was just in Italy and there were tons of French tourists and they had a completely different attitude from the Italians. I've had nothing but pleasant interactions with French people. I honestly wish I'd gone to France instead. Even my South African friend was in Paris recently and had a very good experience. Some French guy gave her his actual house to stay, with all his food, kids toys and pets in it. Just left her the keys and told her she can do whatever she wants, just feed his fish.😂
I don't know how anyone can hate the French.

You have? What have you heard about the U. S. that's good? Because even Americans don't think it's that good.😂

[KostasKouvalis]

I'll be completely honest, I always thought France was overrated, but when I visited I finally understood why so many people fall in love with that country.

[Julie4]

What nationality are you from? I'm glad you could change your mind about my country 😊

You should have visited my City , Bordeaux lol.

Well I have friends who have been to the United States and they told me that Americans are really very welcoming people , they enjoyed their trips to the US

[KostasKouvalis]

American, but my background is Polish.
Yeah, the funny part is, most of these people who trash talk the French have never even been there or met any and are just repeating what others have said.

I just heard the French are very shy around strangers and hotel staff don't believe it's their job to call a taxi. And there was one lady in Ax who was on the phone ignoring a line of customers, but for the most part they were lovely, and the drivers so polite.
Maybe in the rural areas they are friendlier, plus I also read that the Pyrenees have the happiest people in France.
Plus, I have a bit of a soft spot for them 'cuz my GAG crush is French.

I wrote a very beautiful MyTake on Ax on my old account...
AX-LES-THERMES: Why I Fell In Love With This French Town ↗

Why would I like Bordeaux?

Where did they go?
Oui, Americans are very socialable.

Damnit, you're making me miss the country. There are few countries that are dear to my heart.

Another thing I like about France is they have the best geographers and cartagraphers and tourist ammenaties. Their hotels are similar to ours. They were the first to invent all inclusive resorts (Club Med) and hiking shelters. Reunion has hiking shelters, and Guadeloupe is one of the only islands in the Caribbean that has campgrounds.

[Julie4]

I took the time to read your Mytakes and I loved it, and as a French person it touched me that a foreigner could appreciate his trip to France, far from the stereotypes, or on the fact that the French are cowards etc. Allow me to congratulate you for this Excellent work 😊

I would love to visit the Usa, again I've heard a lot of good things about it and I'm sure there are lots of absolutely great things to see 🙂

For my city, you can see its old pictures that I posted on my old account

What do you think of my city in France? ↗

[KostasKouvalis]

Thank you, that really means a lot to me. I really appreciate that❤
I'm familiar with it😊
Where in the US did you go?

[Julie4]

You're welcome 😊

Oh I wrote that I visited the usa? My English is really bad 😅

I wanted to say that the USA is a country that I would love to visit one day, I would love to visit especially the places that would show me "the authentic America", although in a way New York and Time Square is also representative of what the USA is.

I think I would feel like a barbarian visiting Rome 🤣

[KostasKouvalis]

I'd personally recommend the Southwest.
What do you mean by that last sentence?

[Julie4]

Okay I'll take note thanks for the advice 😊

Well I was referring to ancient Rome , I guess for the "barbarians" seeing Rome the Great Dominant Power must have been very impressive.

I think I would feel like that the day I would visit the USA, me who comes from a country like France, visiting the USA, will seem very impressive to me

[KostasKouvalis]

Ah yes, I can understand and relate to that only the reverse😂

[Julie4]

Yes haha 🤣 but me it's because I will see the nation that dominates the world, and the nation that has rocked my entire culture, from cartoons to movies and series etc, my god America you are everywhere 🤣

While today France is an average power and its culture does not shine lol

[KostasKouvalis]

Ah, I see what you mean😂 You might end up disappointed though. Maybe not. It really depends where you go. New York and LA for instance aren't the best representation of America

[KostasKouvalis]

Please don't get an impression of us from what you see on TV. You'll end up disappointed.
I had a MyTake on CA on my old account but I can't find it now and the updated GAG won't let you search for MyTakes

[KostasKouvalis]

I found it
Seven Misconceptions About California ↗

[Julie4]

Haha 🤣 well yes that's why I would like to visit the places that would show me traditional America.
I already took your advice to start in the southwest.

No of course I'm not going to judge the US by the movies, in any case I'm sure it must be great to visit the US.

I will read your Mytakes tomorrow, forgive me it's late now in France and I'm getting tired.

Thank you very much for this really nice conversation 😊

[WhiteBoyChill]

Its kinda weird cuz you grow up hearing that they’re all snobby and rude and stuff but that hasn’t been my experience when I’ve met French people online

[msc545]

None at all except that Parisians are friendlier if you speak a few words of French, and all of the food seems to be excellent.

[AviatorTom]

I worked for a French company. No work gets done in August, everyone goes on vacation for almost the entire month.

[CuriousMufuxka]

Fucking pussies! Really a nation of peace givers, like the Statue of Liberty was a joint project of fine craftsmanship unlike the fabled trojan horse.

[Julie4]

I'm not sure that your belief stands up to historical scrutiny, as France has participated in many wars

[CuriousMufuxka]

Did you just read Fucking pussies and Immediately reply?

[Levin]

Simple.

Men are ponces.

Women are fuckable, and gagging for some English dick.

[Fireguy17]

only one I can think of is that they don't like Americans.

[Julie4]

If, we like the Americans

[Fireguy17]

then I have nothing.
I haven't been there yet, but it is on the list.

[Julie4]

I hope you will have the opportunity to visit France, visit my city Bordeaux

[Rockstarrrrr]

That French people are so kinky 🤣... I feel like it might be true based on movies and stuff

[AngryCarl]

They hate the English. At this point they might have good reasons. When they speak it sounds like they're about to throw up.

[OddBeMe]

Uhg! Their healthcare. Their education. Their baguettes.

[007kingifrit]

the cities are overrun with dangerous muslims

[Anonymous]

A country filled with immigrants from africa.

[greenice27]

The French are intellectual people.

[rachel776]

i like the beaches in Antibes 🤷‍♀️

[exitseven]

They are rude and hate Americans.

[Julie4]

Well, there are some rude French people, but they are not the majority.

Same thing about the USA, we love our American friends

🙂

[exitseven]

I have never been to France.

[bean2k21]

They are all named Pierre Fondue.

[Julie4]

🤣🤣

[Midgetmcwidget]

Men are liars and cheats.

[Noahzaid]

What I have aren’t stereotypes.

[Julie4]

What do we know then?

[Noahzaid]

That they are racist and such long tongued.
They are very unclean.
Believe those or not, this what I have experienced.
Have a good day.

[hafinjun]

There's an old joke,...
Never mind

[SpaceGalaxy]

I LOVE French women , that is it

[cootjuhh]

i love french kissing.

[Anonymous]

maybe more romantic

[PainusNdeeAnus]

Bad teeth

[nevermind53]

Nooo