What, I have to do homework here?
For my first French homework assignment, I have to write a page on French and American stereotypes.
So here’s a quick rundown on the stereotypes about French people I had before coming here, and how they’ve held up:
1. I’ve counted 4 fat French people. Granted, these were just strangers on the metro and could very well have been American tourists.
2. No, French strangers don’t smile at you in the street, but my neighbors always smile and offer up a friendly “Bonjour.” Same goes for anyone you actually have contact with.
3. There’s a lot of smoking, but also a large amount of “no smoking” signs. From what I’ve been told, they’ve been springing up more and more recently. And I read an article in Le Monde yesterday about how the price of cigarettes is rising 6 percent in October.
4. Pretty sure my French host family showers every day.
5. My French family also doesn’t drink wine with dinner. But I’m sure that’s an anomaly.
6. I have yet to meet a poorly dressed French girl.
Speaking of stereotypical, one of the French kids in my program said that he could never marry a girl who was “too American.” I asked what he meant and he replied:
“I. Must have a minimum level of culture and liking in these topics: literature, music (classical), theater, opera
II. Must appreciate good cuisine. No fast-food
III. Must enjoy traveling and discovering new places
IV. Must speak another language than English”
It kind of made me realize how I have a craving for a McDonald’s cheeseburger.
