The French ARE Somewhat Rude

• I've had many encounters and experiences with the French, and I hate to say this but they ARE somewhat rude. The first time I went to France I was 17 years old and traveling with my American Experience class from Dallas, TX. Once in Europe we rented a bus and thought it would be nice/ friendly to put a banner on the side of the bus that read "Howdy Ya'll, From Dallas, Texas!" When we arrived in Paris the first thing we got was the finger from a woman about 50 years old.
  
  I live in Los Angeles now, and there seems to be a rather large French community in my area. On at least 5-6 occasions, in incidences where you would normally say "excuse me," or "pardon me," they don't. It's obvious and blatant. I can understand that when you visit France, you should learn how to say "s'il vous plait," "merci," "pardon"... but they also need to learn a little of our culture, especially if they live here!

  Mrs. America 16 May 2008, 09:10 - Report

French people are rude?