|
Student
documents Southern piano winner in New York Senior Pre-Med Major
The
French are so rude! At least that's what I was told by several different
people before I got here. Yet after two weeks, I have found the French
are far from rude. If
accidentally bumped in the crowded Metro, there is always a pardon
or d sol e (I am sorry). When walking behind someone through a
door, it is often held open, and if I do the holding, there is always a merci
(thank you) that follows. In such polite little ways, I have seen many
times that even this city of 10 million, many people care. Before
and after a meal with my French family, there is always plenty of family
conversation. At the dinner table, I have noticed how close the family
is, and even more, how gracious they are to me. And in my own mother's
way, my French mother has made sure I have never left the table hungry. Don't
get me wrong! Those who claim "the French have an arrogant air
about them" are not completely off base. I have seen Americans
arguing with shop owners for not being able to speak English, though
this is Paris. Many foreigners, not just Americans, are extremely loud
in public places and often demand special treatment. Under these or
similar conditions, I have seen some French people seem rude. I have
seen French who are completely fluent in English refuse to speak to an
American because it was demanded that they speak English. There
is an air about the French, an air of being content with the simple
things in life like the morning newspaper, conversation with friends,
bagette in hand, and long walks through the city. Though others may
think I am off, I think the French people have shown me kindness and
care that would rival even my small college town, Joplin, MO, U.S.A. |
Jeremy
Goins