We recently visited Paris. My husband planned the trip as a birthday present for me. Personally, I wasn't too fussed about the place. Of course, I had never been there before - but it also was not on my top 10 places to visit! My husband however, had been there before and was convinced I would love it if I gave it a chance. So while we were waiting to board the flight to Paris, I began to wonder, why am I not excited about visiting one of the most talked about cities in the world?
I realized then that having grown up watching the 101 Dalmatians, I had built up more than a few stereotype 'images' about the French and in particular, the Parisians. I was expecting to see glamour, style and fashion from the moment we landed. Not to mention, encountering the famous Snobby Parisian Attitude! What I found however was something completely unexpected.
1. Parisians are rude.
This is definitely not true. I did not meet any rude Parisians on my trip. This could mean one of 2 things; I either did not meet any Parisians, or, not all Parisians are rude. I choose to believe the latter.
I do however think they are very direct and to the point. This can sometimes come across as rude. But this is all part of the Parisian charm!
2. Parisians are all uber stylish!
Not really being much of a fashionista and generally preferring to blend into the crowd, i was horrified at the idea of standing out like a sore thumb and although this stereotype isn't exactly wrong, it isn't entirely correct either.
Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world and it being October, I was expecting to see Mink Coats, Chanel Handbags and Louboutin Shoes on every street. What I noticed in my short time in Paris however is that Parisians are not necessarily setting out to be stylish but in fact, aiming to 'not look sloppy'. Regardless of age or gender, Parisians like to put their best dressed foot forward every time.
3. Parisians are impossibly thin.
To me, French women in general seem to be on the skinny side of the weight scale. But when you think about their lifestyle, its not that much of a surprise. From an early age, children are introduced to a variety of cuisines and healthy meals. Schools provide parents with a menu that shows them what their child will be eating for lunch at the school cafeteria on any given day. Many schools even go one step ahead and provide parents with meal suggestions for dinner which complement the lunch provided!
When you consider this life long healthy eating diet with the amount of exercise an average French gets, it is no wonder they are so slim!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovO18E-hgew
4. Parisians do not speak English.
This is totally untrue. Not all Parisians refuse to speak anything other than French. I found the young, and or the professional are happy to practice their English. If you do encounter someone
that refuses to speak English, it is more than likely they are uncomfortable speaking the language. The French are perfectionists; if they cant speak the language with perfection, they wont speak it at all.
5. Parisians (and the French in general), drink wine all the time.
Yeah... I found this one to be mostly true. And with French wine being so earthy and light and just yummy, who could blame them?
What was your experience? What are some of your stereotypes about French people?
I realized then that having grown up watching the 101 Dalmatians, I had built up more than a few stereotype 'images' about the French and in particular, the Parisians. I was expecting to see glamour, style and fashion from the moment we landed. Not to mention, encountering the famous Snobby Parisian Attitude! What I found however was something completely unexpected.
1. Parisians are rude.
This is definitely not true. I did not meet any rude Parisians on my trip. This could mean one of 2 things; I either did not meet any Parisians, or, not all Parisians are rude. I choose to believe the latter.I do however think they are very direct and to the point. This can sometimes come across as rude. But this is all part of the Parisian charm!
2. Parisians are all uber stylish!
Not really being much of a fashionista and generally preferring to blend into the crowd, i was horrified at the idea of standing out like a sore thumb and although this stereotype isn't exactly wrong, it isn't entirely correct either.
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| How a Parisian would dress to go shopping |
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| How I would dress to go shopping |
3. Parisians are impossibly thin.
To me, French women in general seem to be on the skinny side of the weight scale. But when you think about their lifestyle, its not that much of a surprise. From an early age, children are introduced to a variety of cuisines and healthy meals. Schools provide parents with a menu that shows them what their child will be eating for lunch at the school cafeteria on any given day. Many schools even go one step ahead and provide parents with meal suggestions for dinner which complement the lunch provided!
When you consider this life long healthy eating diet with the amount of exercise an average French gets, it is no wonder they are so slim!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovO18E-hgew
4. Parisians do not speak English.
This is totally untrue. Not all Parisians refuse to speak anything other than French. I found the young, and or the professional are happy to practice their English. If you do encounter someonethat refuses to speak English, it is more than likely they are uncomfortable speaking the language. The French are perfectionists; if they cant speak the language with perfection, they wont speak it at all.
5. Parisians (and the French in general), drink wine all the time.
Yeah... I found this one to be mostly true. And with French wine being so earthy and light and just yummy, who could blame them?
What was your experience? What are some of your stereotypes about French people?
