How come it seems like the majority of the French don't like Americans, when we've helped them so much?

Question

Do they not remember Normandy??

Answer 1

Yeah but do you not remember the war with England.

Besides I got a french joke... There was this guy who arrived in france. The guy taking the passports asked him for his. He said he didn't have one. The french guy was like "that is iimpossible you always need a passport when you come to france. The guy said well on D-day there was no french go to show it too.

Answer 2

I am French and lived for years in the states and have to react to this !
First the majority of French don't dislike the Americans and furthermore they don't dislike them just because they are Americans but probably because many Americans tend to think they live in the only free country in the world. French have no lesson to have from anyone about freedom. Of course we don't forget Normandy but most Americans seem not even knowing what the French brought to the creation of the future United States!!
Go back to your history books and see what happened when Washington was helped by French soldiers such as Lafayette and many more who fought to help creating your country!
Don't forget that on the 4th of July 1776 when the Independence was declared by 13 British colonies, France had all ready not far from 2000 years existence.
Never mind.. at least all French kids are capable to point the USA on a map when most American kids don't even know were Europe is !!
Give time to time you still have a lot to learn instead of thinking you could be the Teacher of the world, the one and only country knowing what freedom and democracy are !
To be complete, i don't dislike Americans at all I just hate ignorant people........
Just to add that : yes Sinned you are right read the answers and laugh with me when you hear that the French are rude !!

Answer 3

This is a difficult question to answer and remain politically correct.

To americans (USA) the confusion is with the French's disagreement with the current foreign policy in Iraq. A fact shared by other countries including Canada. We do not see the link between 911 and Sadam Husseign. Whereas we do see the link with Afghanistan, that is why we (Canadians)are in there. While most Canadians support and are friendly with Americans the anti US sentiment is highest in french Quebec.

In Canada one third of our population is of French origine and french Quebec is attached at the hip. (Sometimes this joint gets severe arthritus).

I think countries or nationalities tend to have personalities or identities and the French appear to be aloof, arrogant and ungreatful but I think this is just different from anglo saxon attitudes.

This also shows up in Quebec where the conquering Brits gave the french religious and language rights, contrary to the rest of the country, which the french have used to push for special status.

France still owns property in N. America, the islands of St. Pierre and Michelon off the south coast of Newfoundland.

They have often appeared truculant in issues with allies and have even pulled out of NATO.

There has been a long standing emmnity between the French and the English and they would often band with the Scots in attacking England.

There problem with Americans may be an extrapolation of this, as the Americans were initially the Brits who won over the French colony of America (Canada) in the "French and Indian war". The gift of the Statue of Liberty to the US was more of an "in your face" to the Brits than anything.

They also forgot quickley the Brit defence of their country in WW 1&2 and where their hero, General Charles DeGaul, hid for most of WW 2.

They argue that it was because of treaties and that the defence of France was also the defence of the UK. That we fought there, which is actually true.

The French are a smart, cultured people but sometimes their logic is hard to figure out.

Answer 4

There was time when the French set the standard for culture in most of the known world, French was the language of inter-national diplomacy, French Cuisine was synonymous with fine dining, Paris Fashion was considered the Best of the Best, and so on. Those times are long past. British and U.S. involvement world wide in the 19th and 20th centuries has made English the international language, and, as a result people now look to the English speaking U.S. rather than to France. I think they just resent being supplanted.

Answer 5

Yes, they do. The French are an old nation. They feel that Normandy was payback for their helping us during the American Revolution. In addition, our treatment of the French, especially in the last 6 years, has not been friendly, and at times hostile.
How would you feel towards someone who insults you and tells you what you must do? You wouldn't like them very much would you?
Look at the previous replies you've received. Not very nice or friendly to the French, are they?

Answer 6

The French culture is heavyly self-centered and proud of itself.
French language, customs, etc.
They have been in a cultural war with England for centuries.
Now there is big America with her quasi-English World culture and, most terrible, English language. More than enough for the proud French.
Another thing regarding "past favours" of America (WWI and WWII): somebody you own him a favour is a pain in the ***.
You should understand that French people have some kind of Latin culture, and Latins think more about feelings and pride than Anglo-Saxons.
I am not American nor French but God bless them both!

Answer 7

It might have something to do with the fact that the majority of Americans don't like the French.

Answer 8

France...they can come and take the lady liberty back, lets have West coast Choppers build us nice "liberty beast" to put smack in the spot where the other was. French peeps are unpredictable eh?
I'm part french, but I like American fries better- always loved that good ole southern style fried taters(little creole in there too, mmm...mmm...yummy).
As for France itself...wow, kerplunk...its almost revolution time er what? But on the other hand, we have every july 4th to remind us they did help us "begin".
As for the US liberating France..they have the Whole Atlantic Wall to view even today to remind them of what we did for them.

Answer 9

I think that it's got to do with the liberation of France from German hand's in WW2, and the more upto date matter's of America muscling european countries such as France into Iraq, and other countries, probably not the answer you were looking for, but i think there are some valid point's neverless...

Answer 10

I have no idea.. I've been there, the french people are RUDE.. I worked with some French engineers and a driver (no names mentioned) on a new GTP car we were developing for the IMSA GT series... I spent more time arguing with them about things they knew nothing about.. i have no use for French people...