The French as a People

Upon reflection, we came to France concerned about what we were told about the French being a bit snobbish or standoffish....and hoping that we could move past this.  We have found some interesting traits, and little snobbery or stand-offishness.

First, the French really DO believe in their motto..."Liberty, Equality and Fraternity."  This is the motto that emerged during the French Revolution, and we see actions that reflect this every day.  In the States, we believe that the INDIVIDUAL is inalienable...freedom of speech, and most actions can not be restrained.  Here, there seems to be a bit more tempered approach to speech and actions.  There is a very genuine sense of caring for others.  It is reflected in very gentile language, for example, whenever you enter a store, or greet someone at a cashier's station, they look you in the eye, and say Bon Jour!  And, when you leave, they always say Au Revoir...and often Bon Journee!  They seem like just niceties, but they are truly indicative of the culture.  If you do not respond, in kind, then you are perceived as a bit ignorant, or rude.

We have also noticed, that when we walk into a restaurant, while being seated by the hostess, we are often greeted by others sitting in the restaurant...people we have never seen before, and will never see again, and yet, they nod, or even say, Bon Jour!  Sometimes, after we are seated, when they get up to leave, they will turn to us and say: Au Revoir, or Bon Journee.  At first, we did not know what to think....but now, we just see that it is a way of acknowledging others.

French children are very well behaved...they learn, very early to always greet others with Bon Jour!...even 2 years olds....and to never be loud in a restaurant!  Restaurants in France are always a buzz with light volume levels of conversation.  We have never been in a restaurant in France where there is anyone who is loud or boisterous, and is French!  Americans, Germans, yes!..but not the French.  German children, and American children have been loud...but not the French....and if they begin to get loud, the French family will remove the child from the restaurant.  That simple!

There are many other indicators of concern or caring...not to mention the big burly truck driver who stopped his 18 wheeler on the road (perpendicular to the street where I was laying) when I broke my rib....or the car full of 4 young teenage boys who also stopped to help....or the person who lived in the house nearby who called for an ambulance, immediately!  The doctor who was in his office on a Saturday morning...

When our boulangerie closed for summer vacation for two weeks, they indicated when they would be back, and the next closest boulangerie that is still open for business!...Just so you shouldn't suffer the pains of the lack of fresh bread!

There is just a cultural attitude that says "we are all in this together, and we look out for each other!"

This is a demonstrably kind and civilized culture.