Before starting to enumerate all the stereotypes in the world invented about the French, I want to mention that stereotypes (in general, not only in case of the French) are mostly myths. They are like legends that pass from one person to another and add colors.
On one hand, a person, who visits Paris having the French stereotypes in mind as rules, will most probably fail to have a good time and enjoy the rich culture. Of course, the French do have peculiarities and a unique character, but so does every other culture in the world. It doesn’t mean that you should treat everyone with one stereotype.
On the other hand, there are certain peculiarities that apply to the majority of the French (some of them can be found in books about France). So, the best option would be knowing the stereotypes, but not making them a priority. Here is the list of French stereotypes that are partially true.
Stereotype # 1 – The French Eat Too Slowly
This stereotype is partially true. It applies mainly to the older generation, who are not so influenced by globalization and still have a strong bond with their culture. When you sit at a table in a very traditional French family, yes, you will be surprised at how slooooowly they proceed in eating that one piece of cake. In fact, this is not a bad peculiarity, they eat slowly and enjoy the food. They eat for pleasure not for filling the stomach. It’s also a great way to stay fit. When you eat fast, your brain doesn’t keep up with the speed to let you know that you’re full. So, you should keep in mind that whenever you eat fast , you eat more than you need.
Stereotype #2 – The French Drink Too Much Wine
When people hear this stereotype, they usually imagine the French drinking wine in the car, in the streets, in the subway, etc.
The French love wine, champagne, and cognac (the word “champagne” comes from the French region with the same name, there is also a town called Cognac in France), but they don’t drink it everywhere. When you visit Paris, don’t forget to try this French tradition. After tasting a true French wine, you will fully understand their passion, French wines taste delicious.
Stereotype # 3 – French Don’t Want to Speak English
We have already covered the issue with the language. Many tourists are afraid to visit Paris, because they think no one will talk to them if they don’t speak French. This myth may be true in the regions of France, where people might not know English.
You won’t come across such a problem in Paris, the city of tourists. If you ask a question in English and don’t get a response, the reason might be very simple. That particular person either doesn’t speak English or he has already been asked the same question (the answer of which is very obvious) already ten times that day.
Other than that, any French person will be more than glad to help you find the attractions and so on.
Stereotype # 4 – French Eat Only Baguettes
When you say “a Frenchman went to buy bread,” you instantly imagine a person with a beret and a couple of long baguettes under his arms. We’ll talk about the beret myth in our next post, right now let’s focus only on the bread.
Yes, the French love baguette. Yes, they eat it a lot. Consider it this way, when the French have to buy bread, they will most probably choose a baguette.
Stereotype # 5 – The French Hate Americans
Many Americans say the French hate them, many Germans say the French just can’t take them. The English are also of the same opinion. So, what do we have here? A few nations think the French don’t like them. Then it’s not only Americans, is it?
Moreover, it’s not like the French hate those nations, it’s just that the French know only two nations in the world, the French and non-French. Their culture is so unique, that if you are not its carrier, you are different regardless the place you come from.
However, if you respect them, their country, and their culture, you can be sure that you won’t earn anyone’s hatred in France.
Stereotype # 6 – The French are Snobby
This stereotype is among the most famous ones in the whole world. I can’t say that it’s true, it more depends on what you understand by saying snobby. They have a clear perception of who they are, what things there are around them, and which things must be handled. If you think any differently, then . . . you’re wrong or weird, in the best case.
Before taking this stereotype at face value, think twice, you’ll definitely find the same peculiarity in yourself and your own culture. The Americans don’t understand how a person can eat pizza with ketchup, Eastern nations can’t think of receiving guests without putting up a feast. Let’s admit it, we have a little of “whatever-you-call-it” (and some call it “snobby”) too. Despite this, there are still many reasons why people visit Paris.
Stereotype # 7 – Skinny – All French are Skinny
All French are not fat, this is probably more precise. They are not bone skinny. The French love eating, desserts, wine, and so on. They never say no to a Crème brûlée if it looks good.
I think this secret was lost centuries ago, because even the French can’t explain it.
Well, these were some of the stereotypes about the French that are fully or partially true. Next time, we’ll talk about the ones that are more legends than stereotypes. Keep in touch!