and got a lot of dirty looks...was wearing shorts and a tank top, so that might be why, or is it just that I'm obviously American? Also in other areas of the city, which were friendlier, I still got the feeling that I wasn't all that welcome. The group I traveled with were young and some were acting a bit spoiled, but on the whole, just want to know, are we very disliked over there? What can we do to change it, besides politics (we really have no way of doing that).
2006-12-27 09:48:54 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ France ➔ Paris
Val, no it was not a really nice section, but I honestly can't tell you exactly where it was. Not far from the Champs Elysee, a short ride on the metro and not far either from Montmartre. By the way, I don't blame them for disliking our politics, I feel the same way, but I'd like to go back because I love that city. However, I want to feel at ease when I go. I'll take all good advice which has been given, thanks
2006-12-27 10:10:30 · update #1
Americans do dress differently and are noticeable. Especially young people who try to be hip and act immature. (that goes for any foreign country)
You stayed not too far from the Muslim slums. The Islamists over there refuse to incorporate themselves into french culture and stay separated, just sitting, waiting for jihad, and collecting french welfare. Because of France's left wing political correctness, they are either too scared, too lazy, or too bleeding heart, to do anything about the problem. It drives many people crazy who don't live in Paris. Many of the French make fun of Parisians and think they are pompous azzes also.
Parisians have basically been rude to Americans ever since we kicked the Nazi's out for them. DeGuall had much to do with the Anti-American sentiment with his pro socialist movement.
Part of the problem is envy. Because of socialim, France can't dig itself out of a 10 to13% unemployment rate. Many are envious of the capitolist success we enjoy in the US.
Other areas of France are not like that except maybe somewhat in the south of france.
My Advise, skip Paris and enjoy the other regions which are much more beautiful, and the people much more enjoyable.
2006-12-27 15:45:17 · answer #1 · answered by Captain Ron 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
We don't hate american tourists! (just your president's foreign policies!) I think that where ever you travel you have to respect the different cultures and traditions and don't expect everything to be like at home, which I think a lot of americans have a hard time with. But if you have a smile on, act polite and be patient with people they will do the same (well there are also some obnoxious french people but not more that in the US!)
Which part of Paris were you in any way?, it couldn't have been a really nice area if it was maily muslims. But no you are NOT hated!
2006-12-27 10:06:07 · answer #2 · answered by Valerie v 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The French are stereotyped as being rude - sometime they live up to this nicely. They are particularly known to be less friendly to Americans (sometime with reason).
To be better liked in France and around the world, we could work on politics or we could work on personal. Personally, I believe Americans should have a better handle on World history, geography and languages for starters. Generally, Americans do not understand European history, can't find another country on the globe without GPS and insist on everyone else learning English.
On another note, don't worry about the French. They will always be there when they need us (writen exactly as it was meant).
2006-12-27 10:01:24 · answer #3 · answered by obiwandog 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, there is anti-American sentiment everywhere, and besides it having to do with politics, it's the way some American tourists act when they're on vacation. I live in San Juan, PR, and I see a lot of American tourists, specially young Americans. I recommend that when you travel, just try your best to fit in, be genuinely interested in the culture and language of the country your visiting, show respect for the locals, and don't act like, well, such a tourist.
2006-12-27 09:56:52 · answer #4 · answered by ltruiz3 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Robert B's post is so strange! What do you call American politics? It's the usual white boys club too. In any case, not one person can make a general statement about the French. The whole damn world is tired of American politics- including Americans. There is always Paris las vegas for those who want to feel fuzzy on the inside.
2006-12-28 04:57:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I was in Paris last year and got the same reaction. I stayed in the Montmarte section of town. They just seems so....disgruntled. I talked to one guy who worked at the internet cafe and he said that the economy is terrible and lots of people are out of jobs. After a few days, I went to Nice, which was just so much more relaxed. Remember, there were riots last year in the Muslim section. They might still be mad.
As far as languages (in response to another answerer), I tried speaking French, but most people I encountered there wanted to speak English. Same thing happened in Quebec. Granted, my French is elementary, but I gave it a shot anyway.
2006-12-27 10:28:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about that, we (French) are populate very proud but not bad, if u act gently, politely and you show your interest for France people will begins to interest to you and talk to you etc...
Especially don't take care of french muslims, most of them are stupid and racist against people who give them food and home, they don't represent France!
We hate your government because we know what is it to loose many sons, to loose our country, to commit cruelty and collaboration we just don't wanted again this for the world and particularly for American G.I who were sended in Irak by a government which only searching for oil and dont care about the cost in lives!!
Sorry for my bad english!! But personnally, i love America, his culture, his landscapes, his big cities and i want to come live in it as soon as i can!!
2006-12-28 09:34:56 · answer #7 · answered by Titisse 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Americans have never really been overly welcomed in Eutrope, France most of all. That's why many used to wear Canadaian flags.
2006-12-27 09:50:58 · answer #8 · answered by gottabuylots 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was always treated well and observed the same for most other Americans, except those who are loud. What the French hate most is as you seem to know -- our lying, arrogant government.
2006-12-27 10:00:17 · answer #9 · answered by Hank 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'd have to say yes.
2006-12-27 09:50:59 · answer #10 · answered by Mal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋