Answer Question
Why so harsh to foreigners?
Hello,
I have a couple general questions regarding French culture. About a year ago, I was traveling extensively in Spain and managed to pull a day trip to the French Basque country. In one town, I had a magnificent experience. In fact, it really inspired me to learn the French language more seriously (as I am doing now with Fluenz). Later that day, however, my friend and I continued on to the town of Biarritz. It was there that locals stared at us harshly. Store owners literally closed their doors in our faces. No one would talk to us in French, Spanish, nor English for that matter. It was like walking through a ghost town. My father had warned me about this kind of thing, but I never imagined I would actually encounter such arrogance, much less in a seaside town. For what it's worth, I majored in anthropology in college so I am used to working with diverse peoples and cultures. We were very respectful, and not 'ignorant tourists.'
At any rate, I still find the French language beautiful and I want to give France a second chance. Though, my limited and somewhat traumatic experience has left me very conflicted about the country and culture. So, I am wondering, has anyone else had this kind of experience? Or can anyone help me better understand it? Are there well-known explanations for this kind of thing that I am not aware of?
The cause for my question is that an opportunity has presented itself for me to live in France temporarily. I am currently carrying some apprehension regarding whether I want to do it or not. I don't want this to be a 'hate on the French' post, because some of my good friends are French. Plus, I'm sure the same experience could happen here in the states. Perhaps others that have traveled around France could enlighten me on whether my experience was a fluke, or if the stereotype is widely true about arrogance being central to their culture. My decision to take the job in France (location unknown) is pending, so your help is greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Matt
I have a couple general questions regarding French culture. About a year ago, I was traveling extensively in Spain and managed to pull a day trip to the French Basque country. In one town, I had a magnificent experience. In fact, it really inspired me to learn the French language more seriously (as I am doing now with Fluenz). Later that day, however, my friend and I continued on to the town of Biarritz. It was there that locals stared at us harshly. Store owners literally closed their doors in our faces. No one would talk to us in French, Spanish, nor English for that matter. It was like walking through a ghost town. My father had warned me about this kind of thing, but I never imagined I would actually encounter such arrogance, much less in a seaside town. For what it's worth, I majored in anthropology in college so I am used to working with diverse peoples and cultures. We were very respectful, and not 'ignorant tourists.'
At any rate, I still find the French language beautiful and I want to give France a second chance. Though, my limited and somewhat traumatic experience has left me very conflicted about the country and culture. So, I am wondering, has anyone else had this kind of experience? Or can anyone help me better understand it? Are there well-known explanations for this kind of thing that I am not aware of?
The cause for my question is that an opportunity has presented itself for me to live in France temporarily. I am currently carrying some apprehension regarding whether I want to do it or not. I don't want this to be a 'hate on the French' post, because some of my good friends are French. Plus, I'm sure the same experience could happen here in the states. Perhaps others that have traveled around France could enlighten me on whether my experience was a fluke, or if the stereotype is widely true about arrogance being central to their culture. My decision to take the job in France (location unknown) is pending, so your help is greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Matt