Originally Posted by
Dogwood
I agree with these statements about some of the French in general but more as it applies to Parisians: "French people are known for “their abrupt and curt nature. especially while facing foreign tourists" and “The French are very protective of their language." These statements have to be taken in context of a broader perspective THOUGH!!!
Here's one of the potential problems I notice with polls like that. Paris is BY FAR the most visited city in France by foreigners. If you look at where those pollsters opinions are mainly coming from it's taken from foreigners who typically ONLY visit Paris, which IMHO, does have more of a hoity toity nose in the air atmosphere in general compared to much of the rest of France's regions. That can result as there seeming to be more a French superiority complex or the French being rude than it actually is and perhaps particularly in relationships with foreigners that can also have a superiority complex(uhh Americans?) OR limited world view(uhh Americans?). Imagine being a foreigner to America not having any other experiences in the U.S. other than in Manhattan at the typical touristy middle to higher end hotels, restaurants, venues, etc and arriving at anything realistic or comprehensive of an opinion about the U.S. as a whole. Isn't happening. How about if all you knew of the U.S. based upon a feet on the ground experience was taken from limited experiences in just Miami, Los Angeles, Anchorage, Tulsa, or El Paso? Heck LA is like a country in itself with wildly ranging possible perceptions of it depending on a great many factors. How about if as an American you never travel or hike west of the Mississippi as an east coast only resident? Pretty different opinions are arrived at, possibly regarding a great many things, hey?
Again, as another commentator said on that link, "I think it also comes down to how one behaves as a guest in other nations!" I notice all too often Americans ignoring their own behavior and preconceived ideas in how perceptions of the French being rude or acting with their noses in the air or being cowards etc play a role in American perceptions. And, this occurs with other non- American foreigners to France as well.
As I said earlier, and seemed to be ignored, it is our personal behavior that we have the most control of! I think that's the higher road to take, being noticeable of and responsible for our own behavior! We can(as in us, as in you and me) redefine things to a more empowering paradigm.
When I backpack in other nations, and even different areas in my home country the U.S., I not only want to be aware of these things but rather than adopting a negative bitchy finger pointing perspective take on this attitude: challenges in language and culture actually form part of the fun of traveling and backpacking in different areas! As a result, it's my contention that I have more rewarding experiences when traveling. And possibly those who I meet also have more rewarding experiences!
As it DIRECTLY applies here to us we might remember these things as we are the hosts when foreigners come here when we're both hiking the AT or other American trails.
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