a few thoughts on Franco-American relations

As I was preparing for my trip to Paris, part of me wondered how I would be received as an American - and one that does not speak French, no less. Anti-American sentiment is rampant across the world, and Franco-American relations are somewhat bruised these days. And of course, you always hear about how the French are so rude.

That could not be farther from the truth, at least in my experiences so far. First of all, the people I have interacted with have been so kind and patient with us as we trudge through basic French, no doubt making complete asses out of ourselves. I still feel like a supreme jerk not speaking the language, but I am trying and I think they understand and appreciate the effort.

Further, it seems there is much more anti-French sentiment in the States than French hatred toward Americans. (Anyone remember the Freedom Fries debacle? I was living at D.C. during the replace-everything-French-with-the-word-'freedom' trend, and I recall the cafeteria in the Capitol building renaming the side dish to eliminate references to the French.)

This morning, we heard from CNN foreign correspondent Jim Bitterman who made the point that if Americans did and said those things against a minority group in the U.S. that they were against the French, there would be riots. It would be unheard of. But treating the French like that was somehow OK.

But fixing the relationship between the two isn't just up to the Americans, of course. The former French foreign minister Hubert Vedrine, who we heard speak last night, explained that while the US must improve its approach to allies and better manage its power, Europeans have to figure out what they want out of the relationship too. With no clear geographic boundaries or historical definition, Europeans are suffering from something of an identity crisis, not knowing just where they want to be. They want US protection, but they want to protest against the US - this all according to Vedrine. What there did seem to be consensus on among Vedrine and most of the audience was that the Bush administration isn't doing much to bridge the divide, and it will likely take time and new president to make any significant changes. (ah... remember the days of Madeline Albright...)

OK, here are a few more observations on the two cultures:
I do think Americans are loud. Myself included. As seen in the elevator coming up from the Metro last night when myself and three other Medill women were carrying on what we thought was a completely normal - albeit extremely jovial - exchange, only to realize everyone was looking at us, silent. Oops. Then a young French woman said to me, smiling, "It's OK, you can talk. They aren't, but it's OK. Maybe they are sad... or tired." Needless to say, we were mortified. Then carried on laughing so hard I was crying.

I have not seen as much cell phone use among French people just strolling down the street as with Americans. Perhaps that is because they take three hour lunches and have plenty of time to chat then.

Parisians take their time. A noon reception might get going at 12:45 p.m. A 10 a.m. meeting may or may not happen. You'll get your check at the restaurant when the waiter is ready. It can be a little frustrating for someone as high strung as myself, but I am starting to appreciate it.

Sorry I was long-winded here. But I love the comments and I look forward to updates from all of you!