In a stunning reversal of fortune, a poll just released by Public Policy Polling reveals that American hold a higher view of France than of the U.S. Congress! To be be fair, Americans also hold a higher view of cockroaches and traffic jams (of which France has plenty, at least of the latter), but this nevertheless represents a huge step forward for my beloved France.
But seriously, why is France so unpopular in the U.S.? It is because their food is better than ours? Their wine a fraction of the cost? Their health-care system easy-to-use, convenient, and ...FREE? Or that their government actually works? I often hear that the French are rude -- that's not been my experience, except for one case when I deserved it, and even then the indirect cause of my thoughtlessness in holding up a busy line was that the Frenchman at the train ticket widow was being so unfailingly helpful and patient.
Wait, I know...it's because they have no shower curtains on their bathtubs (because you're supposed to shower while sitting with a handheld showerhead which you aim very carefully). I'll have more to say about French showers in my forthcoming book about learning French, but in the meantime, I'm gratified to see that France's popularity is on the upswing. Oh, sorry, I just checked the numbers, and it's actually more the case that Congress's popularity is approaching that of malaria. Regardless, vive la France!
Add your comments as to why Americans hate the French
this is why http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRzi8iyRlBE
ReplyDeleteHillary, not sure how your link to Rocket Languages answers the question of why we hate the French. Or does it address why we hate French language software? Actually, I think Rocket's semi-OK, but I'm not a huge fan. You can read my full review my clicking on the Product Review menu item on this page.
DeleteYour blog is informative. I really enjoyed while i reading this nice post. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
ReplyDeleteIt's because they have Henri le Chat Noir. (Yeah, I know, he's from Minnesota...)
ReplyDeletegood luck with your French. and thank you for The 64 dollar tomato. picked it up at a book fair benefiting some needy organization for a few bucks and have read thru it non- stop. Will look for the bread book just because you flow, A recommendation will be forthcoming to my gardening buds that they read your experiences in the garden. you expressed them succinctly
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Doug. And watch this space for upcoming news on the French book.
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