laclaire

I feel like this is just another example of how statistics are meaningless. Polling countries on how other nations measure up is such an absurd idea.

We did something similar when I was an exchange student, asking the Japanese students what they thought of Spain and asking Spanish students in Japan for their opinions. It ended up being this weird mirror reflection.

The Japanese said that Spaniards could go out all night and still go to work in the morning, while the Spaniards scoffed that the Japanese were always falling asleep after a hard night out.

The Spanish said that the Japanese worked really hard but not as efficiently, which is why they were always on task, while the Japanese said that the Spaniards were lazy and expected lesser results.

It went on and on and it was really interesting to read because when it comes down to it, it is all about perspective and where you are coming from.

worldinabag

In my travels I have found that you can fall into the trap of harbouring alot of perceptions about people as the result of cultural differences between your country and that of your host's. For example my initial perceptions:

Greeks: surly
Italians: neurotic
Spaniards: indifferent
English: aloof
French: pompous

However I have learnt that people in these countries act the same way amongst themselves and hence it's not because I'm a tourist. It's very easy to get annoyed with people if you don't appreciate that their mannerisms are simply cultural and how someone in one country greets you "Good morning", for eg., differs in its tone and delivery to that of someone in another country.

Toupary

"The French are not rude. However, they have a justified reputation for some of the worst customer service in the world,"

Anthony -

I don't know where you've been going, but the customer service I've received in Paris (in shops and in restaurants) has been impeccable (and my expectations are high). Maybe it's your presentation????

alanRow

Aloof = not loud or pushy

AnthonyGA

Problems with customer service in France have been regularly noted by both foreign and French observers. It is not an illusion. While there are exceptions, overall, customer service is abominably poor, not just in retail sales but throughout French society.