[Hooligan Harry]

@G Manifesto

Yes I remember the thread, I have not posted here as long as you have.


Absolutely no where have I taken the position you said I did.

(02-07-2012 01:56 AM)germanico Wrote:  

Quote:

1 - Learning to speak French is a waste of time for most people. Its spoken in France and a few dead colonies. I could think of 5 or 6 languages I would learn before I bothered with it.

American guy goes to France. He couldnt be bothered to learn any french because "there where 5 or 6 languages" that where a better waste of his time.

So he expects that everyone in france speaks in perfect english to him, and gets all pissy when they dont. Its obvious that must mean that french people hate americans. Yeah, because americans are so nice to people that come from other countries and expect to receive service in their own language while refusing to speak even the most basic everyday phrases in the local tongue.

The french also have very steep prices in their fancy restaurants, dont serve hamburguers, and look funny at you when you put ketchup on their faggy food.

Therefore, it is declared from now on that all of the People of France shall be declared rude and hostile to everything that America stands for.

From now on, they are going to be called liberty fries, motherfucker! because this is america! and we dont serve any french fucking faggot fries in here!

Im about to blow up at the sheer level of fucking stupidity here now.

Who in their right mind is going to learn French for a short holiday? The belief that this is a perfectly acceptable expectation is ridiculous and I wonder how many of you actually travel with any regularity at all if you do believe it.

It is fucking impossible to be fluent in multiple languages unless you actually live in these countries and or live with native speakers for a while.

Now, if the best you can wrangle is a bit of broken dialect so you can order a cup of coffee, pay the bill or buy a ticket somewhere, that should be sufficient. It is sufficient in almost every single country I have ever been to. And it should be sufficient for a country whose major language is spoken by so few people around the world AND a country that has such a big tourism industry.

Now the belief that the French are entitled to treat you like absolute shit because you do not speak their language and are seen as a foreign barbarian does not fly with me. If you all want to accept that arrogant, self indignant crap then go right ahead, but criticising those who wish to rather avoid the French is going a bit too far now.

Everyone has made this about language only. Get this into your heads. Its not just language, its the entire culture and attitude of the people that puts a lot of us off. Arrogant, obnoxious, rude, passive aggressive, pretentious wankers who are upset that the rest of the world does not view France with the same sense of glory and wonder that they do.

I will say it again. If you like France, and you believe that France has something to offer, enjoy it! You dont need anyones blessing and different countries appeal to us for different reasons. If France is it for you, good luck to you, but its not for all of us.

[Enfant_Terrible]

Edit: HH, I was too busy typing this up and not following the thread so anything redundant...

read through anyway.

(02-06-2012 10:25 PM)Hooligan Harry Wrote:  

(02-06-2012 02:54 PM)Enfant_Terrible Wrote:  

As for language conflicts (re: Hooligan Harry). Many French have told me, "If we travel to (insert English-speaking country here), we speak English. We expect you to do the same when you visit ours." I agree wholeheartedly. Respect breeds respect.

Its not just a language conflict, its the general attitude and arrogance. Please get that into your head. I have actually done your homework for you now.

Salut HH,
"To disagree, one doesn't have to be disagreeable."
Simply present your case, no need to be condescending now.



"If you cant speak French, you deserve to be treated like shit". Ill take that as the views of the Francophiles in this thread then?

I like to think that we Francophiles come in all shapes and sizes

No, I don't like the premise that you have to be an asshole to someone who doesn't speak your language.

Clearly, your experiences with the French are very different than mine hence your views of them. I won't argue that.

Curious, have you mainly or mostly interacted with French business, banking, or government type of people? Because I think high-status or highly-paid people in that line of work tend not to be "down to earth" with social interactions---my opinion, per my experiences, and not a jab at you, or start an Occupy Wall St. debate.



Now, just to show you how utterly unreasonable all this "when we are in English countries we speak English" bullshit is


No I don't see it as unreasonable, I see it as a matter of respect.

I'm not a business person but isn't learning the language of the foreigners you do business with help relate well with them which is good business practice?

Even if they're the only country speaking any given language?

Last I heard France still has some political and economic clout even with the economic crisis.



29 countries where French is an official language.

I don't care if French is only spoken in France. I love the language, culture, etc. I want to connect with their people and bang the girls. Language will deepen that love and enrich my life. What can I say? I'm all about world peace.

Plus I've encountered many, non-French girls (esp. American) who go ga-ga for anybody who speaks French. I'll be their Prince Charming if I just sound like a frog

More power to me? Thank you, I believe so and same to you.



Only France, Canada, Monaco, Switzerland and the Seychelles viable tourist destinations. The rest are crap holes. There is simply no real reason to learn these languages unless you intend to LIVE in those countries is there?

You forgot Belgium. I love their beer and chocolate and Ms. Belgium 1994 held a special place in my heart when they had the Ms. Universe Pageant in 1994 Philippines:





Too many to count where English is an official language though!

If they learn to speak English, not only does it help them do business in the EU, many of the countries they travel too would actually speak English too. They get far more value in it and its the reason why its taught as a second language in France. The vast majority of people learn it as a second language by default.

I don't deny the power and influence of the English language, but this is a sign of Anglo historical dominance that led to arrogance. Precisely where the "Ugly American" or "gringo" stereotype stems from.

Language is culture and culture is language, won't it be advantageous business-wise to get into the heads (and perhaps the hearts) of these "arrogant French" you do business with through their language? From what you wrote, I assume you prefer more cordial relations...at least...

Again, see my reply to your "..."when we are in English countries we speak English" bullshit..."




French is not even spoken enough to make a top 10 list

More people speak German than French for Gods sake. Now the whole world must come to a standstill and take 6 months off so that you can speak their language for a 2 week holiday?

This is exactly the sort ofattitude I am talking about. Who in their right mind makes demands of people like this, particularly when tourism is a major employer in their country! And how is this a perfectly reasonable request of anyone?

Most of the French I talked to were tolerant of me speaking broken French and spoke English to me anyway. I didn't like that some begrudgingly spoke English to me, but I understand and we got along anyway. The key thing with them is to approach them in French, even broken French, it shows you're sincere in making an effort to connect with them.

Pride is one of the prime cultural attitudes that I learned about them...I learned how to work with it and understood where that pride came from.
I don't see it as "bowing down or crawling up their ass to kiss" I see it as making friends and relating well with people. Attitude begets attitude.

When you understand and tolerate, you lessen the hate. When you think of this "issue" as a matter of heart and not reason, you'll understand.


Do I expect the people in France to speak English to me? Of course not, thats not what I am saying! I dont even expect anyone in any country where English is not an official language to speak English and I will try speak to them in their native tongue with a few phrases I will learn. And I expect people to be rude to me in most places.

So essentially....you agree with us frog-lovers?



The French though have taken it all to another level.

Your experiences have led you to believe this and I understand. I don't know how you typically view people or situations especially when you holiday in other countries, but whatever it is clearly conflicts with your values and maybe the same thing from the French side. I see and interpret my French interactions differently than yours. To me they're "rude" if you interpret what they say and do as "rude."

You're right: "Its not just a language conflict, its the general attitude and arrogance."

Again, language is culture and culture is language--reach out to them with something that's close to their lives...perhaps you'll get better results with them.

[Julio]

I just want to clarify some things for anyone planing a trip in France because when I read some posts here I feel like France is a hell place for English-speaking tourists, where the locals won't talk to you and bash the fuck out of you if you don't speak french.

I will take as an example the place where I grew up before moving to Spain: The French Riviera

1. Almost 15% of the French Riviera population is english-speaking.
   
   The place is crowded by english people, Dutch, Swedish... Do you think all these people would come to buy a second home there or work there if they were treated like horseshit?
   
   With international events such as the Cannes Movie Festival or The Monaco Grand Prix, the turism is very important and so people take english as a second language.
   

I don't know anyone of my friends who doesn't speak basic english. Im not saying they speak perfect english but they speak enough to understand and help you.



For comparison purposes you can do the following:

Go to Milan or Rome, try to game an italian chick without speaking Italian

Go to Madrid, try to game a spanish chick without speaking Spanish

And then tell me where it was easier compared to France


If you are black, Latino, arab, do the same and you'll see where it was the easiest...

[Moma]

I understand what Hooligan is saying and I agree. My attitude towards that is just laissez-faire. Let them have their language and their attitude. Attitudes like that will soon become instinct.

You lot are blowing Harry's statements out of proportion. He tends to speak his mind (just like the French) and yet you condemn him for it.

Even now, I've been going to French groups to work on my French and there is just an overall snobbishness.

I'm not necessarily talking about from people who grew up in France but are immigrants, I am talking about indigenous French people.

My French right now sucks and I speak it painfully and in a labouriously fashion. When I am in the company of French speakers (as in indigenous), I can see them rolling their eyes because I am butchering the language or struggling with my verbs. It is a very annoying and discouraging habit and I only notice it amongst them. I have attended other language groups and I have been amongst other language speakers and I have been welcomed for at least trying.

Maybe some are blinded by the sweet French punani or you just don't have appropriate social awareness but the French are rude, there is no iffs and buts about it.

I speak with an indigenous French lizard daily who resides in the South of France and she makes condescending remarks constantly. She can't help it, she is socialised that way.

I am not knocking it, I've realised that some people are just the way they are, it can't be helped.

For instance, I am British and I know that the Brits are haters and alsorepressed bunch. Some people can't stand that shyt and I don't knock them for it.

But Harry is right. French have this snooty attitude and it doesn't sit well with some.
There is no justification for it. They are a highly xenophobic culture and being rude is a part of it.

Are other cultures xenophobic? Fcuk yea. But France is supposed to be up there with the super powers. It's supposed to be a top tier country.

List another non English speaking country that is top tier that is so rude.

[thegmanifesto]

(02-07-2012 02:36 AM)Hooligan Harry Wrote:  

@G Manifesto

Yes I remember the thread, I have not posted here as long as you have.


Absolutely no where have I taken the position you said I did.

Hooligan -

Good find. Yeah, I would have never been about to find that thread.

I read thru a couple posts, and I see the similarity with you responding to the guy.

You were helpful, but you were also smacking him around for lack of adaptability to Russian culture.

Hell, I liked your responses. Hell, that was the thread I gave you your first rep point for. I thought your insight was great.

Which is why I find your comments about France surprising.

I mean, and I will quote you, you referred to French Culture as a "faggot culture" earlier in the thread.

Come on buddy.

Now I am not saying you are a fat, ignorant, stupid, slob, but comments like that are made by fat, ignorant, stupid, slobs, generally speaking.

That is why you took offense to my sandals post that wasn't pointed at you.

Again, I know you on here and like your points. However, your view points on French culture are not in good company.

We can go round and round on this, and I really don't mind doing it, but I bottom line is I have had way different experiences than you in France.

Just like you have had way different experiences in Russia than that guy who was bitching about Russia.

[Alfonzo]

Funny thread , I'm more in the Harry side on this . I'm french and I respect his opinion and prefer this than a sissy anglo who try to find some good qualities to not offend anyone . Anyways Harry has give the chance to the french and has find that they haven't commun affinities and that's fine . But your stats on the french language are wrong tho . Even the stats you send proove that french is speaked more than german .

[Enfant_Terrible]

(02-07-2012 11:31 AM)Moma Wrote:  

I understand what Hooligan is saying and I agree. My attitude towards that is just laissez-faire. Let them have their language and their attitude. Attitudes like that will soon become instinct.

You lot are blowing Harry's statements out of proportion. He tends to speak his mind (just like the French) and yet you condemn him for it.

Even now, I've been going to French groups to work on my French and there is just an overall snobbishness.

I'm not necessarily talking about from people who grew up in France but are immigrants, I am talking about indigenous French people.

My French right now sucks and I speak it painfully and in a labouriously fashion. When I am in the company of French speakers (as in indigenous), I can see them rolling their eyes because I am butchering the language or struggling with my verbs. It is a very annoying and discouraging habit and I only notice it amongst them. I have attended other language groups and I have been amongst other language speakers and I have been welcomed for at least trying.

Maybe some are blinded by the sweet French punani or you just don't have appropriate social awareness but the French are rude, there is no iffs and buts about it.

I speak with an indigenous French lizard daily who resides in the South of France and she makes condescending remarks constantly. She can't help it, she is socialised that way.

I am not knocking it, I've realised that some people are just the way they are, it can't be helped.

For instance, I am British and I know that the Brits are haters and alsorepressed bunch. Some people can't stand that shyt and I don't knock them for it.

But Harry is right. French have this snooty attitude and it doesn't sit well with some.
There is no justification for it. They are a highly xenophobic culture and being rude is a part of it.

Are other cultures xenophobic? Fcuk yea. But France is supposed to be up there with the super powers. It's supposed to be a top tier country.

List another non English speaking country that is top tier that is so rude.

You and HH's French experiences that formed your opinions are no less valid than ours, we're just giving him a different perspective. People have differences in perspective, you're probably aware of that already as a traveler. I don't see it as not having appropriate social awareness, we simply see it differently from our experiences/upbringing.

[LostGringo]

Ok, France is shit, the people useless, arrogant assholes, a "faggot culture" and don't forget that little midget Sarkozy.

Please, tell all your friends/family and spread the word.

Better for me - less boneheads fucking up the bucolic scene in the Languedoc, drinking wine, gorging myself on Confit du Canard and Fois Grois and fcuking the Moldovan chica I flew in on the cheap.

In fact this could really work out well; if everyone thinks this way the tourism business will tank and demand with it, thus lowering my hotel, resto and bar bills. Who knows, maybe I can afford to fly in two Moldovan beauties.

Merci mon'ami!

[mofo]

Interesting

[Htownanddown]

I understand the importance of respecting local culture and language when your traveling, I mean I think everyone who posts on this forum is disgusted by the way fat ignorant entitled Americans waltz around the world like they own it. Having said that though it seems a little silly to pretend that its not acceptable to travel to a country without being fluent in the language. I mean surely if your being respectful and patient and trying to communicate only an asshole in any country would be a snob. To be clear here, I like France and have been many times and not experienced enough snobbery to effect my love for the architecture food people etc. But people seem to be saying that you deserve disrespect for not being fluent in the language of any country you visit, if that is true there must be a lot of world class linguists on this forum. It is kinda funny though that the countries who seem to have the most issue with people not speaking the language are France and the US.

[Enfant_Terrible]

(02-08-2012 11:05 PM)Htownanddown Wrote:  

It is kinda funny though that the countries who seem to have the most issue with people not speaking the language are France and the US.

Pride...

"That's pride fucking with you."

[tonehammer2009]

In defense of Paris...

...it is the most visited city on our planet.

...now think about it

[Hencredible Casanova]

I've been watching epic documentaries lately mostly about different eras in Western Civilization.

I saw one the other day about the French Revolution. My respect for France afterwards increased exponentially. This might have been the most important story in Western Civ so far.

[durangotang]

(02-04-2012 10:28 AM)letalon noir Wrote:  

(02-02-2012 08:16 PM)durangotang Wrote:  


The French are arrogant, rude, and believe their shit doesn't smell. They are also pretty lazy and want the good life, but don't want to pay for it. Surrendering in WWII, having Americans and English liberate their country, only to put up signs telling Americans to "go home" didn't win our hearts over.

That said, each individual is unique and I would like to spend some time in France. It's a beautiful country that has it all geographically, great food, good wine, feminine women, and excellent style. I am sure that Americans and French could learn a lot from each other - maybe the perfect complimentary Yin and Yang.

I bet you never put a foot in france but it doesn't stop you making such ignorant comments! You say we're lazy.
know few things about us, is that we're not/don't want to be slaves of capitalism like..you know who i think,right?
We want to retire at 60 and not 67 not because we don't want to work but after a certain age you body is becoming so messed up that it's almost impossible to enjoy life(traveling,grandchildren etc..).To many including me it's not fair to ask a guy who works in building trade for 40 years to continue after 60!!Screw those who think the contrary!

about wars??
You also need to mention that if france hadn't entered the American Revolutionary War to help out you'd be certainly talking with an english accent from yorkshire long before you can think of us talking german.

But i agree we should/could learn a lot from one another

Cordially

Black stallion,

You are right, I have never step foot in France.

The local university has a French exchange program and I have befriended a few of the Frenchies over the years.

The French work ethic is not the same as the American work ethic. We certainly have different values. Americans value the American dream, and that is working hard to create any life for yourself that you wish. Think of the expression "only in America." The French value the good life above work, and this is something I think Americans can learn from. There is probably a nice balance to strike. Unfortunately due to globalization and the economy, both countries are working more than we'd like.

Many Americans are fat. Most French aren't. Many Americans have a poor fashion sense (though not all). Most French have an excellent fashion sense. Both have their fair share of stupid people. Americans are capitalists (thankfully). The French are socialists. Americans have a customer service orientation, where as the French do not. Americans are famously crass. The French are famously arrogant and rude. Of course these generalities don't apply to every American or French person, but they exist for a reason.

As for history, I understand French support of the colonies during the American Revolution and appreciate that. We also appreciate the Louisiana purchase. As I am sure you appreciate Americans taking over the French mess in World War II (with help from the British and Russians on the eastern front) and Vietnam. I must correct you on one thing, however, we would not sound like the British even if we lost the American Revolution as the rhotic "r" developed in British nobility years after we won our independence. If anything, we sound like the British used to.

Don't take any of this too personal. Like I said before, just generalities. I think deep down the French and Americans are like brothers, we really love each other but we like to fight and point out our differences. I am invited to visit France later this year and I would absolutely love to go - although I don't know if I can afford to take the time off from work. Spoken like a true American, huh.

Vive la France.

Lastly, I would also like to thank France for producing Melisa Theuriau:

[Yams]

(02-09-2012 06:02 AM)tonehammer2009 Wrote:  

In defense of Paris...

...it is the most visited city on our planet.

...now think about it

and apparently a good number of them will have a rude awakening. The Japenese even created psychological disorder for this experience called "Paris Syndrome".

From a bbc article:

An encounter with a rude taxi driver, or a Parisian waiter who shouts at customers who cannot speak fluent French, might be laughed off by those from other Western cultures.

But for the Japanese - used to a more polite and helpful society in which voices are rarely raised in anger - the experience of their dream city turning into a nightmare can simply be too much.

This year alone, the Japanese embassy in Paris has had to repatriate four people with a doctor or nurse on board the plane to help them get over the shock.

An encounter with a rude Parisian can be a shocking experience
They were suffering from "Paris syndrome".

It was a Japanese psychiatrist working in France, Professor Hiroaki Ota, who first identified the syndrome some 20 years ago.

On average, up to 12 Japanese tourists a year fall victim to it, mainly women in their 30s with high expectations of what may be their first trip abroad.

The Japanese embassy has a 24-hour hotline for those suffering from severe culture shock, and can help find hospital treatment for anyone in need.

However, the only permanent cure is to go back to Japan - never to return to Paris.

[hydrogonian]

I took seven years of French. It's, hands down, one of the most difficult languages to learn - especially for germanic language peoples (english and german speaking). One of the reasons is that the correct prononciation of words is tres difficile when your mind is conditioned for germanic accents, but the primary reason is that the French speak at a rate that is much greater than that of english speakers. Therefore, even when you learn the language on a technical level, the speech still sounds insanely garbled to our ears. You would need to be in country for years to gain a minor profficiency, in my opinion. I sure as hell didn't gain much after seven years of academic study - beginning from the seventh grade. If you are pasing through, learn the basics, but don't break your neck to go too much deeper. It's pretty tough, imo.

I have no problem relating to the French and they like me, generally. If you are having consistent issues with French people than the problem is likely with you - at least in terms of how your particular cultural bent interacts with their own. This is not saying that your culture is right or wrong, just that it may be incompatable with French culture. As for the people that will complain about Americans to your face within moments of meeting you - fuck them. Seriosuly. There are assholes everywhere, and France is no exception. When going abroad as an American, you almost always have to have a thick skin to absorb the social mistakes of others that are so conditioned to blame Americans for so much that the rudeness doesn't even register. These people usually aren't that smart or socially competent.

If you want to relate to a French person, especially a woman, then be sure that you express some aspects of your personality that are unique and endearing to you as an individual, and aren't tired cliches of American culture. If you don't speak French, then at least use proper and polite English. Watch your tone of voice. Smile and relate earnestly and with respect to the language difference. Know enough about politics, the arts, etc, to entice a conversation. You need to show that you are an individual and not a waste of space that has no deeper value or ability to think well. After all, that's the stereotype that you are combatting. Seriosuly, it is. The French have an extremely rigorous educational system (more akin to the Asian academic system than American) and tend to be very intelligent, on average. All of this advice applies to the native French. I have no idea how it varies and applies, across the board, with the other groups that are there now.

[jackson.henley]

Quote:

Lastly, I would also like to thank France for producing Melisa Theuriau:

You sure about that? She married this not too long ago:

[durangotang]

(02-16-2012 01:59 AM)jackson.henley Wrote:  

You sure about that? She married this not too long ago:

Somebody's got game.

[hydrogonian]

That guy played a significant part in the French movie Amelie, which was an international hit. He's got celebrity game. I'm not sure if he was in anything else.

[Alfonzo]

He is a comedy guy also .

[Pilgrim37]

Kris Kristofferson: "How can you hate France?
They've got 400 different cheeses,wine,lots of beautiful women!"

Waylon Jennings:" So has Fort Worth!..Piss on 'em!"

Made me laugh out loud!
I love that Texas old school humour!

[Basil Ransom]

Aside from the historical reasons for animosity towards the French, I chalk it up to Americans being insecure. The reasons for hating Frenchmen seem to boil down to, 'OMG they're so elitist, they're so judgmental, they're so pretentious.' I've personally been accused of the same thing, so I can't help but feel the French and I might be kindred spirits... In America, if you have strong opinions about matters of taste and style, you're an 'elitist asshole.' From what it seems, in France you're merely French. Americans think not only that it's their god-given right to look like, eat and watch shit 24/7, but that you must never hold it against them either. If you do, you're a prick of the highest order. The French seem to think some things are better than others, and this deeply bothers Americans.



What do stereotypical Americans do? They're often fat and plebeian. They picked out clothes from Walmart expressly for traveling, wearing the dumbest shit possible abroad. Every landmark is an opportunity to take a photo of themselves, to document to their friends that "Yes, I was here." They often try and see 5 cities in 10 days, just so they could say they did it. They don't actually stop to appreciate anything. Despite all this, they expect everyone to welcome them with open arms. When some French take a pass, say "no thanks," the Americans are insulted. Maybe the French are the only ones ballsy enough to telegraph their visceral repulsion at stereotypical Americans.

One of my closest friends lived in Paris for a few months, and had nothing but good things to say. He was also a member of a certain minority group supposedly hated by the French, and he encountered no animosity aside from one brief encounter, in his half year stay. He was a workaholic, and has resumed being one since his return. But for a brief time after, he was very desirous of the French lifestyle, of an appreciation for the good and balanced life, instead of the overworked, insecure, money & status rat race of America. Hell, in that book someone on the first page linked, 112 Gripes About France, one gripe reads "His [The Frenchman's] dream is not to become a millionaire, but to retire on a "little" fortune so that he can have a "little" home and a "little" garden and read his paper."

I've studied French and French culture, and known Frenchmen, but have not been to France. I've gotten along with them well. I've shown interest in their culture, and they are only too happy to be its ambassador.

[jackson.henley]

(02-16-2012 12:45 PM)basilransom Wrote:  

Aside from the historical reasons for animosity towards the French, I chalk it up to Americans being insecure. The reasons for hating Frenchmen seem to boil down to, 'OMG they're so elitist, they're so judgmental, they're so pretentious.' I've personally been accused of the same thing, so I can't help but feel the French and I might be kindred spirits... In America, if you have strong opinions about matters of taste and style, you're an 'elitist asshole.' From what it seems, in France you're merely French. Americans think not only that it's their god-given right to look like, eat and watch shit 24/7, but that you must never hold it against them either. If you do, you're a prick of the highest order. The French seem to think some things are better than others, and this deeply bothers Americans.



What do stereotypical Americans do? They're often fat and plebeian. They picked out clothes from Walmart expressly for traveling, wearing the dumbest shit possible abroad. Every landmark is an opportunity to take a photo of themselves, to document to their friends that "Yes, I was here." They often try and see 5 cities in 10 days, just so they could say they did it. They don't actually stop to appreciate anything. Despite all this, they expect everyone to welcome them with open arms. When some French take a pass, say "no thanks," the Americans are insulted. Maybe the French are the only ones ballsy enough to telegraph their visceral repulsion at stereotypical Americans.

One of my closest friends lived in Paris for a few months, and had nothing but good things to say. He was also a member of a certain minority group supposedly hated by the French, and he encountered no animosity aside from one brief encounter, in his half year stay. He was a workaholic, and has resumed being one since his return. But for a brief time after, he was very desirous of the French lifestyle, of an appreciation for the good and balanced life, instead of the overworked, insecure, money & status rat race of America. Hell, in that book someone on the first page linked, 112 Gripes About France, one gripe reads "His [The Frenchman's] dream is not to become a millionaire, but to retire on a "little" fortune so that he can have a "little" home and a "little" garden and read his paper."

I've studied French and French culture, and known Frenchmen, but have not been to France. I've gotten along with them well. I've shown interest in their culture, and they are only too happy to be its ambassador.

It is important not to confound what is traditionally french with the influence of socialism within the system over the past few decades. Essentially such a system allows the average french man to play 18th c. aristocrat without possessing the redeeming qualities of either... In short, it's one big pageant, which along with all the other concurrent running patents in the EU might soon be coming to an end.

[jackson.henley]

(02-16-2012 02:18 AM)durangotang Wrote:  

(02-16-2012 01:59 AM)jackson.henley Wrote:  

You sure about that? She married this not too long ago:

Somebody's got game.

Sorry but there is a point where a line must be drawn. If modern Fr females want a cripple (no matter how talented/popular/game ability), then I don't want the modern Fr women. ad wave:

[durangotang]

Wow. Tell me that's photoshopped. Well, if not why are you upset? Jealous? If that is in fact a real picture, I have nothing but props for that guy. Imagine looking like that and getting such a fine woman - I am telling you he must have wicked game. I find this intriguing.