Why do the French hate Americans so bad???

Question

What is the problem between these countries. It seems they always have a reason to hate Americans. Why? What are some of the reasons?

Answer 1

Because we're arrogant, condescending, overbearing, and believe we have the God-given right to tell everyone else (and every other country) how to live their lives and manage their affairs. Or at least, that's the image we project when we elect leaders like George Bush, and insist on meddling in the affairs of other countries.

As for the French in particular, how long are they supposed to bow down and kiss our backside as thanks for our assistance during WWII? How are they supposed to react when Americans- particularly Conservatives like Bill O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh- talk about them like they owe us, and should just do as their told like good little boys and girls?

Answer 2

Great question...and many possible answers... First..lets cover some of the wrong answers..NO it's not George Bush..this is a fabrication perpetuated by those that don't know their a$$ from a 2 party political system(I'm speaking of Americans here)as the French have complained about the U.S. for many decades..and for those of you that are just old enough to vote but to ignorant to know that most of our presidents(both parties) bring positives to the table..Bush was only elected 7 years ago... NO it's not that they have an old culture and we have a young one...NOBODY is old enough in either country to have lived long enough to personally attest to this(I feel Iike I'm talking to Zoolander). NO it's not just Americans... The French have had notable rivalries with the English (We very well may not be the USA without the French help in our Revolution against the English) Also the Germans...Kiddies...back in the day...way before WE WERE BORN...The Germans had a propensity to over run France on their way to take the rest of Europe.. France is a very old country with a rich history..One that they are very proud of..and rightly so... Americans also have the right to national pride... This "young country" has accomplished a hell of a lot in a relatively short time.. The U.S. military might is arguably the most powerful the world has ever seen... Back a few hundred years ago..France..and others could say the same of them selves...

Simply put... National pride, Jealousy, politicians that set different tones for their nations (the new French Prez is actually pro-American) and commentators that are loose with the facts..often perpetuate negative stereotypes.

SO....a couple of facts to remember...Without the French..the U.S. probably would have not gained their independence from the English.....AND Without the Americans..The French would be speaking German right now...and maybe the rest of Western Europe.

I think a quick answer would be difference in philosophies.. Think of it this way....The French of today are sorta like our Democrats..Usually passive..Hoping that people will leave them alone....And a little frightened by the Hawks of the world.. When I see the French and Americans having Diplomatic riffs.. I just remind my self that they are pretty much the same as our Democrats...except the French have really hot woman.

Answer 3

The American who thinks the French hate him is having delusions, or has an inferiority complex. Now there are other countries, like those that have been invaded, that have reasons for hating Americans.

Answer 4

I don't think the French feel any differently about Americans in general than they do about their neighbors (in general).

Yeah, they think our leader is an idiot, but so do most Americans!

The French, however, do feel that their culture is extremely important to preserve so ANYONE that seems to be eroding it should be treated suspiciously.

Hollywood is the biggest culture eroder on the planet.

That is, people want to see the next big flick that comes out of Hollywood regardless of its cultural values because of the excitement, the star appeal, etc.

However, Hollywood does not adhere (by a long shot) to the cultural values of France.

After Hollywood comes Television ... and yup, most television shows come from the US. After Television comes Internet ... and yup, most Internet media comes from the US.

The US "culture" is extremely young, and its vibrance does tend to overshadow cultures that are centuries older.

However, youth and beauty fade - so does cultural vibrance.

Answer 5

Americans love to hate the French, I think because we perceive them to be snobs, and we hate snobs, they make us feel insecure,
Thing of it is, if not for the French under Gen. De Grasse, we couldn't have beaten Cornwallis at Yorktown. So if the French had not sided with the American revolutionaries, we would all have rotten teeth and would be drinking tea.

Answer 6

After W W 2 the French,British and Israel had planned to take over the Suez canal ,get this ,to protect their oil shipments The U S put a stop to it The Brits pulled out due to pressure from the U S the French felt betrayed and they were and that put a stop to the fuzzy feeling to us yanks After WW 2

Answer 7

well im also French from my moms side and they dont hate Americans, I have lived here my whole life.

Answer 8

The french are aloof and ignorant and they hate everyone. They seem to think they are better and forget that at one time they needed our armed forces to save them. My mom hosted three french exchange students two summers ago and they were snotty and arrognat and never thanked her for anything. They complained that "americans are stupid and eat too much". They had no problem with her paying for them at amusement parks and boardwalk and restaurants and shows even though they had their own spending money. One of them got caught shoplifting at the mall while with my mom and she was very embarrassed and hurt that this guy put her in such a bad position. Two of the teenage boys told my 7 year old nephew that they would kill him and threatened him in the bathroom at Great Adventure and said the child was annoying them. My mom told the church that she will continue to host foreign exchange students in the summer since she is in NY area but she will never again accept a french student.

Answer 9

Because Americans think that wherever we go, everyone should speak English. I know, because I went to France, and that's what I expected. I was wrong.

Answer 10

i have NEVER known a French person to hate Americans...never