stoof,

Remember the "Freedom Fries" fiasco?

Could the less than cordial relations of a few years back have any bearing on the subject?

Hi Stoofer

That is a good question and the subject of lots of threads on the forum in the past - the consensus seems to be that the French don't dislike Americans at all except for the few that do.

One issue that is not often discussed is the relationship between the French and the English. Do you think that there is any anti-English feeling in France? I went on a Ramblers Holiday to the south of France once with a group that were mainly English and the people in that group often thought they were ill treated because they "were Brits". Do you think there is any truth in that prejudice that a lot of French people dislike the English - call them les Rosbifs or whatever it is?

The only people who I've found were prejudiced against because they were English were those who were expecting it.

My exhusband once dragged me out of a pub in Scotland as "the people at the end of the bar were speaking English when we walked in and then when they heard we were English started speaking Scottish". I patiently explained that they were actually Portuguese and had been speaking English to the barman and Portuguese to each other.

My current husband and I have travelled all over and never come across anti-English sentiment anywhere.

Last time we were in Paris there was a very loud American who was making no effort to speak French and just waved his glass in the air shouting "can I get another coke" at the waiter. Everyone in the restaurant, French and English alike, was less than impressed with his behaviour. Was it because he was American? No. It was because he was a rude person, and you can find them in any nationality.

Hello,

Let me give the point of view from the other side of the ocean (i.e. from a parisian sight) : as a matter of fact, nobody here hates anybody just because they're american or english or pigmees or whatever (except from some stupid racists, but we all have to do with some of them...).

The thing is that, although Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, it is not just a museum designed for tourists to wander around. We are 12 million people living here, working here, being late to meetings here, being stuck in traffic jams here, etc... And there are abouth the same number of tourists visiting Paris every year. As you see, it is just a question of sharing space (Paris was built an antic city, i.e. it is a small city).

Of course, we have our own habits and traditions (in one word culture), that may seem a little bit strange, or even rude, to some foreigners ; but, anyway, it is the same anywhere in the world, and I do believe that it is a great part of the charm of Paris.

As a conclusion, the main point is the relation between local inhabitants and tourists, not between French and Americans or English (that doesn't apply to soccer and rugby games, of course :).

Moreover, tourism is a big source of income for the local economy, and most of the Parisians just do their best to try to show as tourists-friendly as possible.

All tourists are welcome to Paris, especially Americans : we even feel proud to have you visting us.

Well said Gniome! We Americans (some of us anyway) love to come to Paris! I think you are right that most (normal) people of any culture do not hate people simply because they are American, French or British or whatever. I just wish I could speak French better.............

Thanks for your input guys, but I'd really like to hear from some U.S. friends on this, ones who have a belief or concern.

Regarding English, Yes I believe some ignorant people in all countries can be hostile towards the English, it's largley our fault for tollerating anti-social behaviour. Any 'resort' for example frequented by Brits will have a large number of Chavs, giving us a bad name but i think it's ignorant to brand us all the same due to a minority they bump into in resorts or tourist sites.

My belief is that there are rude people in every country and sometimes it's those you remember, also ignorant tourists can be rude to local people and get disrespect in return. In other words, it's got nothing to do with nationality, just people.

But... back on topic of my question, armed with the knowledge that if I go to Spain I must make an effort to 'clear our name' it's not really a concern to me and I don't think the nation hate us.

I feel that the 'typical American tourist' jokes had long gone, that's why I was asking this question. Thinking maybe it has political origins????

Thanks.... hope to hear from some Americans

Stoofer

"Freedom Fries"??? Nope, maybe I was out of the country but I'm not sure what you mean?

Hi Faux

You make a good point. IMO it is to do with English being the 1st language in Europe, certainly as a business language. I've had experience in business where you must speak French to the older generation in particular otherwise forget any deals!!!! Not had that in any other country in Europe or the world..

I can understand to a degree, but I'm talking about a minority, I don't think a large number hate us, apart from the chavs I touched upon.

I don't think it's an option to HAVE to speak french, it's nice and polite if you can but for example I do business with 20+ countries, how can I speak them all? I always say please and thank you and a few basics in the host vocabulary - I try to be respectful.

Stoofer

If you check out the NYC forum, there are just as many, if not more Brits asking what they should wear in NYC. What to wear for the theater, what to wear for dinner? Can they wear trainers to the Empire State Building, etc...

Stoofer,

The feedom fries were what the US government renamed french fries a few years ago when US/French governements fell out over whether to go to war in Iraq. So yes, it may stem from politics.

on the middle east forums there are queries from US nationals asking whether its OK for Americans to visit.

if you remember the French refused to support the US at the UN and relations were frosty for a while.

It didnt help when certain US politicians said that France was part of what he termed "Old Europe".

I am not being political here, just stating facts, and the the european view on America was indeed negative for a while.

Perhaps some Americans remember this?

Or it could just be cultural.

Bronia