Got a kick out of this...

[Bigerik]

Found this while rooting around online. Nice to see that the Brits still love and respect the French as much as ever.

[piece-itpete]

LMAO! Is the left in power over there again? :elbowrib:

Pete

[Bigerik]

Originally Posted by piece-itpete

LMAO! Is the left in power over there again? :elbowrib:

Pete

The left is ALWAYS in power over there.

[BlueStreak]

I don't get it.

The French have only given up, what? Twice?--In major conflicts? And one of those was one WE failed in as well. Vietnam. Remember that?

And then one considers the undeniable and significant contribution they made in our revolution......Really. I mean, would we have won without them? I seriously doubt it.

Now, I've been to France and I know how they are, smelly and arrogant.

But, still. I don't understand the downright hatred that I see coming from some people.

What gives?

Dave

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

But, still. I don't understand the downright hatred that I see coming from some people.

What gives?

Dave

I've heard (and believe) that the personality trait you hate most in others is your own strongest personality trait.

Similarly, I believe that the reason we love to hate the French is because they're so much like us - the two oldest democracies in the world who firmly believe in their own exceptionalism, culture, language, self-righteousness ....

I've spent lots of time in France, from Normandy to Brittany, Paris, Provence, the Alsace, the Alps, and the Cote d'Or. Great place and fine people. FWIW, New Yorkers make Parisians seem overtly pleasant and accommodating.

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by finnbow

I've heard (and believe) that the personality trait you hate most in others is your own strongest personality trait.

Similarly, I believe that the reason we love to hate the French is because they're so much like us - the two oldest democracies in the world who firmly believe in their own exceptionalism, culture, language, self-righteousness ....

I've spent lots of time in France, from Normandy to Brittany, Paris, Provence, the Alsace, the Alps, and the Cote d'Or. Great place and fine people. FWIW, New Yorkers make Parisians seem overtly pleasant and accommodating.

You got that right. And who could possibly be more conceited and arrogant than a Texan? Those guys just think they run the whole effin' world.

Dave

[Bigerik]

I guess you are not that close to the Brits. "Rubbishing" the French has been a centuries old tradition with the British. And it is for the most part, harmless and just in good fun. That was the context I certainly intended it to be taken in. And judging by the various stereotypes in the article, I believe that it was nothing more than having a little April Fools day fun at the expense of the neighbours.

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by Bigerik

I guess you are not that close to the Brits. "Rubbishing" the French has been a centuries old tradition with the British. And it is for the most part, harmless and just in good fun. That was the context I certainly intended it to be taken in. And judging by the various stereotypes in the article, I believe that it was nothing more than having a little April Fools day fun at the expense of the neighbours.

Understood.

But, in this country at least, I run into people who do hate the French, among a long list of other people/organizations. And when you press them to explain.....They don't seem to have anything but superficial answers, most likely gleaned from superficial sources who have a nefarious agenda. (Like Rush Limbaugh or FoxNews for example.)

The article is funny, BTW. It just got me thinking.

Dave

[Bigerik]

Ok. Gotcha.

I know I found the Freedom Fries thing disgraceful. And, it really made America look stupid in the eyes of the world.

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by Bigerik

I guess you are not that close to the Brits. "Rubbishing" the French has been a centuries old tradition with the British. And it is for the most part, harmless and just in good fun. That was the context I certainly intended it to be taken in. And judging by the various stereotypes in the article, I believe that it was nothing more than having a little April Fools day fun at the expense of the neighbours.

Point taken. I suppose their jealousy over better food, wine, weather, beaches, mountains, prettier women and better art has had a profound effect on the Brits.

My comments with respect to the French was mostly directed at Americans who relish ragging on the French (Freedom Fries, anyone?).