why Americans have an old vision of France?

Question

I am like many french people fed up to see in the americans movies a certain vision of france .It's so far of the reality in france today We always see a french with a baguette in his hands on a bycicle with his beret on his head.and all these old car in the roads.Indeed inf rance we don't drink wine everyday moreover today the law are tough onwine consumption we drove new cars like toyota citroen or bmw and allthe frnh guy are not so romantic.

Answer 1

As in all art, it's someone's subjective idea of how something is. I was in Paris recently and did see many baguettes and bikes, especially with motors, but not a beret in sight! My impression of the Parisians- intelligent, sophisticated, friendly, classy. No ear splitting music, loud cell phone conversations, jeans and sneakers on anyone over 20. They dress well, behave well, take the time to enjoy life. They don't run themselves ragged to do more business, make more money, appease the stockholders. Their tax rate is high- they are willing to pay more than lip service to care for all their citizens. Gas is expensive, traffic is bad and space is scarce, so even new cars are small and efficient, they are for transportation, not status symbols- not a Hummer anywhere. And the public transportation is outstanding! Very wise in my opinion. Maybe you're watching old movies: there would of course be old cars, n'est-ce pas? We're not all cowboys and remember, only half supported King George!

Answer 2

I live in the US. I do not see the French as wearing Berets and riding bicycles. If you are getting this from the TV and Movies, well take it with a grain of salt. I hear that there is many troubles in France, as well as some pretty cool things too.

Problem is that we all see everything the way we want it to be seen. Usually the way things really are is quite different. Everyone seems to think that people who live in the United States are Americans. That is not true. America includes Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, eta. Also many see Americans as grass chewing Cowboys, also not true. I hate grass, and prefer not living around cows. I guess we all have our own prejudices that we have to live with. :)

Answer 3

I don't think thats how France is seen taina. For example in the Da Vinci code, a lot of which was set in France, I didn't see any berets, baguettes or funny little cars, I just saw modern day Paris really.

Answer 4

I think that it is because most Americans have never been to France, and know little about other countries other than their own. And as Jay Leno has proven on countless interviews, most Americans know little about their own country either. Gee, did I just make a generalized statement there? Sorry, I just couldn't help it.

Answer 5

Americans have no vision of other countries, and the educated ones have the old vision indeed. It is because they are ignorant about anything out of their country, and are afraid of anything foreign.

Answer 6

When I went to France, I saw a drunk man masturbating in the street.

Would you rather we had that image instead?

Answer 7

Why do French people generalize about Americans?

And welcome to the Vapid Generalization Club, Nostromo.