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12/05/2008, 0:13 EmilyGA Joined on 11/05/2008 Posts 3 Do the majority of people in France really hate Americans? I'm 18, currently living in Raleigh, NC and I'm planning on spending a few months in Europe before I start college. I would like to spend most of my time in France but I can barely speak French and I'm American, which I'm assuming might be a problem. From what I've heard, it seems like the majority of French people hate Americans. I'm well aware that Americans are hated all over the world (so I'm not saying it's only French people) but I get the impression that many French people really hate Americans, hate our culture, way of life and generally believe we're all fat and stupid. I once saw an answer on Yahoo Answers from a man from France who compared America to cancer and I recall reading an article once about anti Americanism, and the polls showed that 80% of people in France did not like Americans (not just the government, but also the actual American people). I would really like to visit France but I feel that because I'm American, it might be a problem. I'm not sure if this is the right forum to ask this, but I'm not trying to start a debate or anything, just looking for some advice. Would most people in France be able to tell that I'm American and because of that, would people most likely be turned off by that?    Report

12/05/2008, 7:23 Clarkkent Joined on 23/08/2004 Posts 514 Re: Do the majority of people in France really hate Americans? Like most people that I have ever met, people in France take take others at their face value and treat them accordingly. In other words, Americans are not hated by the French. There are, of course, individuals who will test this rule, but then there are French people who hate Germans or North Africans or East Europeans or even (God knows why) English. Do all Americans hate French - after all, there was much publicity given to french fries being renamed Freedom Fries? There are American-based websites pouring vitriolic hatred against France. In general, Europeans, and that includes British, regard George W Bush as an idiot and cannot begin to understand how a nation could have selected him as their president. They dislike what his administration has done to the world. Europeans do not understand how a nation (or so it seems) can be in the grip of simplistic religion, or so obsessed with gun ownership that life itself seems cheap. But these perceptions are the consequence of the media images that America itself sends to the world, I know a sufficient number of Americans to be sure that they are just perceptions. Provided that you do not walk around in a hermetically sealed American bubble, you will be accepted for what and who you are. Come to France and enjoy the experience.    Report

12/05/2008, 7:29 NormanH Joined on 10/04/2008 Posts 179 Re: Do the majority of people in France really hate Americans? You could contact somewhere like the French American centre in Montpellier for advice. I have sent the URL in a pm in case it looks like a commercial link They have been organising culturam exchangesand language learning for over 15 years    Report

12/05/2008, 7:35 Clair Joined on 23/08/2004 ------- Forum Moderator ------- Lot Posts 6,247 Re: Do the majority of people in France really hate Americans? Hi EmilyGA, A look at this site should reassure you: http://www.americansinfrance.net/ Have a read of their forum Clair, a Real Virtual French Person La vérité est si obscurcie en ce temps et le mensonge si établi, qu'à moins d'aimer la vérité, on ne saurait la reconnaître. (Blaise Pascal)    Report

12/05/2008, 8:34 Iceni Joined on 23/08/2004 Lot 46 Posts 2,906 Re: Do the majority of people in France really hate Americans? Emily Pls decide whether you mean people in France or French people.  If it really bothers you so much then tell them that you are Canadian - though that may mean that your fellows USAns will dislike you. But you can't win them all. John   Di Free resource site for new and aspiring Virtual Workers    Report

12/05/2008, 13:19 Renaud Joined on 23/08/2004 Barnes / Mirambeau Posts 589 Re: Do the majority of people in France really hate Americans? Emily, Clark Kent's 1st paragraph is spot on. I would add - whatever people might think about nations, they still like individuals. I hope that you come and find out why we are all francophiles. Good luck. Gus www.relax-in-france.com    Report

12/05/2008, 13:23 Russethouse Joined on 23/08/2004 Forum Moderator Posts 9,489 Re: Do the majority of people in France really hate Americans? I was with a party of 50 Americans in France last year, a great time was had by all...I think it is just something hyped up by the media. If you are interested in France and French people, the likelihood is that they will be interested in you. www.quimperclub.org 99    Report

12/05/2008, 15:33 Lori Joined on 23/08/2004 Vaucluse (84) Posts 1,322 Re: Do the majority of people in France really hate Americans? Emily - Congrats to you for wanting to take such a big step.  I was born and raised in North Carolina and I know the prejudice that can be found there.  Don't worry, you will love France and French people.  I don't know where you intend to stay, but that can make a little bit of a difference.  Also, if you are coming to stay in a French home (exchange type thing), they will look out for you and help you adjust. I have never felt targeted by French people.  That is not to say that I have not heard many French people speak poorly about Americans (even with me at times, but not AT me).  Most people are careful about what they say.  There will always be those who lash out and cut to the bone, particularly on the Internet, where they can spew out anything in annonymity.  Don't let that put you off.  I feel more welcomed here than I ever did in my adult years living in California.  My dealings with French people have been a great pleasure - leaving off the bureaucratic side of it all. So many Americans never leave their own country, yet they seem to have quite strong opinions about other countries they have never set foot on.  You are young.  Go on !!   Take the plunge.  I'm willing to bet it will be the greatest experience of your life and one you will never forget.  Feel free to PM me if you have any specific or more personal questions.      Report

12/05/2008, 20:22 SaligoBay Joined on 23/08/2004 uncharted outer reaches of Montpellier Agglo Posts 2,951 Re: Do the majority of people in France really hate Americans?  EmilyGA wrote: Would most people in France be able to tell that I'm American and because of that, would people most likely be turned off by that? Yes, they can usually spot an American accent.   No, they won't hate you for it! I think the two countries have more in common than either would care to admit, which is probably why they have this love-hate thing going on.   There's a very strong American influence in French culture, from Lucky Luke to jazz, rock'n'roll, country'n'western, gospel choirs, and lots more besides.    Beloved President Sarkozy is keen to be friendly with the Transpondians. Just don't try to tell them that you won the war for them.        One may tolerate a world of demons for the sake of an angel.    Report

12/05/2008, 20:45 Catalpa Joined on 23/08/2004 Southern Manche - 50 Posts 1,455 Re: Do the majority of people in France really hate Americans? Emily, you've got time to buy a set of teach yourself French CDs (Michel Thomas are popular over here but there may be other favoured methods in the US) and if you are really motivated, you will be surprised by how much French you will be able to pick up before you come. Bon courage, come over and enjoy yourself.    Report

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