Are French People Actually Rude?

The difference between France and the United States’ culture is as clear as the Louvre Pyramid

Katrina Bailey

Have you ever heard the saying, “French people are rude?”. Well, I have evidence to both support and deny that claim. Take it or leave it.

I lived on the west side of Germany for my last two years of high school. To be exact, I lived in Kaiserslautern, Germany, an hour drive from Strasbourg, France. The city was located on the Rhine River, which forms the border between the two countries. Depending on what side of the river I’m on, I get to ask “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” or “Parlez-vous anglais?”

I have been to Paris, Strasbourg, Nice, and other cities. For the most part, French people are indeed rude. I have had locals almost push me into the busy road in front of the Eiffel Tower, claim my boyfriend and I were not allowed to eat the food we ordered when there were seats available inside, and more. Even with the disrespect, I learned that trying to speak to the locals in their language is a sign of respect.

There was a different time when I tried my best to order food at a restaurant in French and they smiled at me. I know, something unusual, but it showed the locals that I respected their language and culture. Once I did, they spoke to me in English, showing a level of mutual respect.

The United States’ culture is different. From my experience, it can go either way when a language other than English is spoken. Sideways glances and hushed conversations happen or I’ll hear people listen with awe, wondering what language had graced their presence.

France, compared to the United States, is different, as respect is earned rather than given. Some may say the same for our country, some may not. This concept gets messy in the mixing pot of the United States, but at least here, we don’t have to pay for water.