Thanks MSNBC, I am glad that I won't perpetuate the American stereotype of being ignorant about world affairs!
Ah, American stereotypes. That is probably what I like least about France, and what I have been struggling with the most. I think a lot of it is just cultural differences (for example, the French love to debate, and argue about things. Nobody is offended, and nothing is personal: it is an art of the highest form. I however, hate confrontation of any sort, and find it very difficult to separate the insulting of a persons beliefs from the insulting of the person). And so much of what they know about the US is blown out of proportion by the media.
However, the other day when we visited the European Union Parliament, my scarf fell as we were leaving a room. The incoming group picked it up and the tour guide brought it out. I ran over to get it, and as she gave it to me, I heard her mutter under her breath "Oh you Americans". I was a little shocked, as we were all speaking french at the time. Really? I didn't know about the stereotype of Americans being the only nationality to accidentally drop scarves. The word that really comes to mind is disappointing. It was disappointing to hear.
However, my experience here so far (all 6 days of it) has been pretty positive (save the falling down the stairs). In class, we are reading Tristan et Iseult which is the Middle Ages equivalent of a soap opera. I am really quite enjoying it. The tea is fabulous, and bien sur the food (although I have discovered I am not a fan of white blood pudding. Which is not pudding, or blood. It is white sausage).
Last night Rachel (student, not host mother) and I went to see Percy Jackson: Le Voleur de Foudre. It was funny, perhaps even more so in French than in English. The best part, however, was that we could understand almost everything. Completement en francais.
Et Maintenant, des photos:
This is Haut-Barr. Tres cool, non?
In front of the EU:
The Double Helix staircase in the EU:
(which apparently is based off a similar design by da vinci in the chambourd castle!)
The view from my room:
Also, today I bought some post-cards. Who wants?
Much love from Saverne
Natalie
2 comments:
We want a post card! Love your take on the French and how Americans sometimes bring upon themselves the stereotypes we have (world affairs? What world affairs?). I'll be very interested to see what your take is after 13 weeks with the French - while it may be challenging on occasion, I suspect the exposure to a different culture will be enlightening and even helpful in the future!
Stay warm and stay upright on all your stairs... Lots of love... Andy D.
i want a post card!!!
also, yeah I totally understand both about being passive and like not into debate AND the weirdo way stereotypes play out.
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