Going to France? Read this first
Jun 28th, 2008, 05:08 AM
#21
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Of course it's a J-O-K-E! Some jokes aren't as funny 20+ years later, but it's an interesting reflection of the times in which it was first put forth. Stereotyping is the basis of heck of a lot of humor and that's exactly what we have here - it skewers both French and Americans. I enjoyed a chuckle or two reading it. Now I have to go pack my baseball cap and colorful trousers for my trip to Paris next week! Lighten up, mes amis!
Jun 28th, 2008, 05:42 AM
#22
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The following advisory for French travelers heading for the United States was compiled from information provided by the French Foreign Ministry, the internet and observations of the world community as well as, and some very expensive spy satellites that the United States (US) owns and the world taps into. It is intended as a guide for French travelers only.
General Overview
The US is a large-sized foreign country situated in the continent of North America. It believes it is an important member of the world community, though not nearly as important as it once was. It is bounded by Canada and Mexico although most Americans do not recognize their neighbors. In fact most can not even name their neighbors. The US is not a very old country and has few treasures for which they are responsible. Among its contributions to western civilization TV, the internet, cell phones, video games and many other technology innovations designed to hamper face to face communication. Although the US likes to think of itself as a developed nation, energy is used recklessly with little care for social responsibility. Case in point, the use of air conditioning on a Spring day. It is next to impossible to get decent French food. However "French Fries" can be purchased in 95% of all eating establishments. One continuing exasperation for French visitors is that the people willfully persist in speaking English or Spanish (but never both). Many will speak in obscenities if shouted at. As in any foreign country, watch your back at all times.
The People
The US has a population of 300 million people, most of whom drink and use technology a great deal, drive like lunatics, are dangerous, and have no concept of standing patiently in line. The American people are in general uneducated, gloomy, temperamental, proud, arrogant, aloof, and undisciplined;
FEEL FREE TO CONTINUE ON.....
General Overview
The US is a large-sized foreign country situated in the continent of North America. It believes it is an important member of the world community, though not nearly as important as it once was. It is bounded by Canada and Mexico although most Americans do not recognize their neighbors. In fact most can not even name their neighbors. The US is not a very old country and has few treasures for which they are responsible. Among its contributions to western civilization TV, the internet, cell phones, video games and many other technology innovations designed to hamper face to face communication. Although the US likes to think of itself as a developed nation, energy is used recklessly with little care for social responsibility. Case in point, the use of air conditioning on a Spring day. It is next to impossible to get decent French food. However "French Fries" can be purchased in 95% of all eating establishments. One continuing exasperation for French visitors is that the people willfully persist in speaking English or Spanish (but never both). Many will speak in obscenities if shouted at. As in any foreign country, watch your back at all times.
The People
The US has a population of 300 million people, most of whom drink and use technology a great deal, drive like lunatics, are dangerous, and have no concept of standing patiently in line. The American people are in general uneducated, gloomy, temperamental, proud, arrogant, aloof, and undisciplined;
FEEL FREE TO CONTINUE ON.....
Jun 28th, 2008, 05:54 AM
#23
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There are some real clenched buttocks on here.
Just as well you don't live in Wales where a politician recently called the Italians a bunch of greasy wops. Possibly the first politician fired for telling the truth.
Just as well you don't live in Wales where a politician recently called the Italians a bunch of greasy wops. Possibly the first politician fired for telling the truth.
Jun 28th, 2008, 06:33 AM
#24
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<<The following advisory for French travelers heading for the United States was compiled from information provided by the French Foreign Ministry, the internet and observations of the world community as well as, and some very expensive spy satellites that the United States (US) owns and the world taps into. It is intended as a guide for French travelers only ...>>
Now that's funny! It's always funnier to poke fun at yourself instead of at other people or nations even when it's called satire.
Now that's funny! It's always funnier to poke fun at yourself instead of at other people or nations even when it's called satire.
Jun 28th, 2008, 06:44 AM
#25
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<i>Now that's funny! It's always funnier to poke fun at yourself instead of at other people or nations even when it's called satire.</i>
And the first "advisory" is filled with jabs at Americans, as well. Or did you miss the references to staying at the Holiday Inn, eating Mexican food, traveling in groups, wearing baseball caps, etc? It also mocks the Germans, which, quite frankly, is kind of like shooting fish in a barrel. I would have preferred it made a crack about the Brits and Canadians, as well.
And the first "advisory" is filled with jabs at Americans, as well. Or did you miss the references to staying at the Holiday Inn, eating Mexican food, traveling in groups, wearing baseball caps, etc? It also mocks the Germans, which, quite frankly, is kind of like shooting fish in a barrel. I would have preferred it made a crack about the Brits and Canadians, as well.
Jun 28th, 2008, 06:46 AM
#26
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I thought it was quite funny.
The old cliches aside..
'the country is divided into regions, departments, districts' municipalities, cantons, communes, villages, cafes, booths, and floor tiles. '
The old cliches aside..
'the country is divided into regions, departments, districts' municipalities, cantons, communes, villages, cafes, booths, and floor tiles. '
Jun 28th, 2008, 06:51 AM
#27
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It is old. It is lame. It does say just as much about where it originated from as about who it is about.
It does poke some fun at Americans, but it is also rather rude to the French , and rude is rude even if you try and pretend its funny or a "joke".
Since it is old I say we all just let it die. I know most Americans do know how the French helped them attain independence, and are not igorant like that "joke" makes them out to be,, I also know most Americans that go to France go fully aware of Frances rich cultural offerings and most on the boards here do not run off to chain hotels and eat hamburgers all day.
\
It does jab at each nationality, although as intended it is far more insulting to the French.
Sometimes "wit" like that is just disguised hostility. It really has no place on a travel board .
I don't think it would be nice to go on the boards cracking Polish jokes, or Newfie jokes either, so why is this " joke" ok, ????
It does poke some fun at Americans, but it is also rather rude to the French , and rude is rude even if you try and pretend its funny or a "joke".
Since it is old I say we all just let it die. I know most Americans do know how the French helped them attain independence, and are not igorant like that "joke" makes them out to be,, I also know most Americans that go to France go fully aware of Frances rich cultural offerings and most on the boards here do not run off to chain hotels and eat hamburgers all day.
\
It does jab at each nationality, although as intended it is far more insulting to the French.
Sometimes "wit" like that is just disguised hostility. It really has no place on a travel board .
I don't think it would be nice to go on the boards cracking Polish jokes, or Newfie jokes either, so why is this " joke" ok, ????
Jun 28th, 2008, 06:53 AM
#28
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This would all be more amusing if the US Congress had not changed "French Fries" into "Freedom Fries" in its dining facilities to express outrage at the French for wisely deciding not to follow Bush and Blair into the Iraq misadventure.
Jun 28th, 2008, 10:24 AM
#31
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We stayed at a few b&bs in France last year that had never had Americans stay with them before. They were surprised - they even liked us - they told us so. And surprise - we liked them too.
I sure don't speak French because I don't have a use for it in the Midwest - the French at least in the countryside don't speak English for the same reasons.
Nevertheless we communicate and had a very nice time at each b&b.
I sure don't speak French because I don't have a use for it in the Midwest - the French at least in the countryside don't speak English for the same reasons.
Nevertheless we communicate and had a very nice time at each b&b.
Jul 3rd, 2008, 04:23 PM
#35
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Jul 4th, 2008, 01:18 AM
#36
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>>Is AR a Kiwi? I'm an Australian so I'm allowed to say that.<<
I think the reference was to Wales - where men are men and sheep are nervous. I don't presume to judge what might happen in the Australian outback.
I think the reference was to Wales - where men are men and sheep are nervous. I don't presume to judge what might happen in the Australian outback.
Jul 4th, 2008, 03:31 AM
#37
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Sarvowinner wrote: "It is satire and the target is Americans."
It is exactly that, and nothing else.
It is interesting to observe that when logos999 gently stirred the pot in another thread, things came to the boil very quickly. Many of the "patriotic" Americans took the bait. Yet here, because there is just a little subtlety involved, they seem to have missed the fact that they are the objects of the joke. Is there a disjunction between loyalty to America and having enough wit to appreciate mild satire?
It is exactly that, and nothing else.
It is interesting to observe that when logos999 gently stirred the pot in another thread, things came to the boil very quickly. Many of the "patriotic" Americans took the bait. Yet here, because there is just a little subtlety involved, they seem to have missed the fact that they are the objects of the joke. Is there a disjunction between loyalty to America and having enough wit to appreciate mild satire?
Jul 4th, 2008, 05:06 AM
#38
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<i>It is exactly that, and nothing else.</i>
Oh, I don't know. Yes, much of it is aimed at Americans, but there is a little fun being had at the expense of others. I think the section about Safety is intended to mock the French, and I think it clear that the comment about nuclear bombs in the South Pacific is pointed at the French, as well.
Still don't understand why one would get so indignant, though.
<i>Is there a disjunction between loyalty to America and having enough wit to appreciate mild satire?</i>
The only causal connection you could draw from this thread is that a defensiveness about French stereotypes might inhibit the ability to appreciate mild satire.
Oh, I don't know. Yes, much of it is aimed at Americans, but there is a little fun being had at the expense of others. I think the section about Safety is intended to mock the French, and I think it clear that the comment about nuclear bombs in the South Pacific is pointed at the French, as well.
Still don't understand why one would get so indignant, though.
<i>Is there a disjunction between loyalty to America and having enough wit to appreciate mild satire?</i>
The only causal connection you could draw from this thread is that a defensiveness about French stereotypes might inhibit the ability to appreciate mild satire.
Jul 4th, 2008, 05:56 AM
#39
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Padraig, I'm going to run for US president, you want to be my vice? 
Don't worry, we'll be elected ;-)
Subtility isn't a thing that will be regognized by many of the "patriotic" posters here.
Don't worry, we'll be elected ;-)
Subtility isn't a thing that will be regognized by many of the "patriotic" posters here.
