Exchanging Bon Mots and the On Going Perpetual Myths About The Ugly American and The French Snob.

Recently I began taking french classes again. It is always interesting to see who my classmates will be. This is my second semester and as with the last, my class is very international. Where as last semester was heavily represented by Japan and Vietnam, this class is by and large American. I am talking about 50%. This is incredible to me for a couple of reasons, one being the US dollar being so low and I have been told that Americans just aren't traveling abroad so much, and two, that young Americans feel the desire to study the french language. I say the last one rather cheekily because of the odd opinion the French have about Americans. Since living here, I have come under the strong impression that the French think Americans hate them. They think Americans make fun of them (well, they do, but Americans make fun of everyone), they feel that Americans are angry at them about the Iraq War (I am not getting political here...just stating), they fear the power that America has (perhaps they want some for themselves in Europe...again, not getting political), but in the end, I really hope the French understand these notions are not true. Americans get a great sense of pride when understanding french, even when speaking it badly. Americans still seek out french wines. Americans still get crushes on french actresses. If Americans only have two cents to rub together, if they are going anywhere in Europe it is to Paris.

I was chatting with a classmate the other day, a rather articulate young woman from Nebraska. She told me about how much she was enjoying her time in Paris. It was an adjustment for her since she is from a small town, so not only is she dealing with issues of being in a big city, but she is dealing with a big city in another country, different language and culture. In talking with her, I could see her excitement and enthusiasm for this new experience. She and apparently other young American women are staying on the Ile St. Louis in a house. The whole thing sounds ideal...a bit like some Whit Stillman movie where the women pair off with various French men, but in the end go back to their American boyfriends and Upper East side apartments. I have been reminded of a time when all rational and serious minded young students wanted to learn something in Paris. Classic American literature is filled with such ideas, but through all the rhetoric and hysteria of the last few years, it has been easy to forget that Americans love to explore the world in a fundamental way. Not so much conquerors, as now believed, but as observers. Americans do not typically believe the world is theirs, but feel that they are a part of it, so why not see it. In my classes, I have heard so many explanations to why a student to studying french in Paris. In most cases, it seems to have job related connections, or the even random decisions like simply spinning a globe and pointing in a direction. When asking Americans, they all say it is something they have dreamt of doing. They believe Paris is beautiful. They love the sound of the french language. They wanted the experience and challenge of a European culture, but not the comfort of everyone speaking English, as in Scandinavia. Americans come here for reasons of pleasure. I wish the french would understand this, embrace it and stop eating the negativity fed to them by media, political propaganda and old fashioned inferiority complexes. This is to the betterment of the US and France.

I am encouraged by seeing the success of exhibitions of American artists in France. American photography is strong in France, with many major museums mounting exhibitions on American masters. I mentioned Jeff Koons in an earlier post and how much attention his exhibition at Versailles has garnered. I see people reading American authors on the metro. I hear American music played in apartments and on car stereos. Still I fear that it is not happening fast on the other end. While the french seemed almost more versed in American culture, than Americans, french culture is all but deserted America. When I was a teenager, my friends and I could not wait till the next French film came out. We knew many of the classic french singers, all of us adoring Serge Gainsbourg. We would save money for french magazines and splurged on french champagne (before carding became so strict). The only thing missing with many of the young American students now, is that they have no ideas about french culture. I don't blame them. I noticed a change in my late 20's and early 30's when video rental died out. It was no longer easy to browse the international section at a video chain and be stopped by a provocative image of Isabelle Adjani, or Isabelle Huppert. As more money was being placed on sure bets, the international section as cd stores whittled down to nothing. French magazines became scarce and French champagne became ultra expensive. Young Americans don't have the cultural experience I had in regard to France. I hope this will change over the next few years, but I am not sure how.

For my part and this little blog, to whom it might concern, I will do my part. I am not only here to give suggestions on how to make the most of your stay in Paris, but I also want to share cultural information. I hope to put an end to blank stares when someone mentions Jacques Brel or Christophe Honoré. Every young American has sneaked a peek at books by the Marquis de Sade, but not Georges Bataille or Michel Foucault. If true culture exchange is to take place, then we need to exchange cultures. I believe it is the only way to combat the continued ignorance between the countries. Dear French person stop thinking America hates you. Stop seeking every opportunity to find fault with what to wrong with the US. If I see french news repeat the same Internet videos of Americans behaving stupidly, I will go back to eating Freedom Fries. It really is a discredit to news coverage in France. On the other side, dear American, once you get here, go out. See Paris. Read about Paris and places to see and things to do. Yes, see the Louvre, but also eat Chinese food in Belleville. Walk the city, get lost and once you hit the Périphérique, turn the other way. Paris is small. Before coming here, seek out a french cd, even if it is an old one. Go on Netflix and choose a couple of french films, old and new. Get an English translation of a french classic. Get french magazines because they are cheaper here. Drink champagne, because yes, it is all french (it's a national trademark). As I always say, make the most of this experience. The exchange starts with you.

This blog post is dedicated to the hard working and extremely patient french teachers of french language schools all over France. Bon Courage.