Devoirs

Hello! So im taking this seminar with my program called "Living and Learning in France". I wrote a paper for this class last week and I thought that I would share (don't worry, the paper is in English but its the first english paper that i've written in a while, so please excuse any errors!). Also, im currently watching Harry Potter in French!!!!!

Colleen Roth

25 March 2010

Cultural Literacy Assignment

Before arriving in France, I was aware of how much the French people admired President Obama. However, I soon found out that the word ‘adore’ more accurately describes the sentiments that the French feel towards the President. Through watching the news, meeting new people (including friends and extended family members of my host family), and general discussion, I have discovered that the French society pays great attention to the goings on in the United States, and what is more, everyone has an opinion on them. For example, one Sunday after the regional elections here in France, my host mother took me to a victory party for Le Drian. It was here that I met many different French politicians and politically conscious people. I was introduced as ‘my little American’ and therefore, the first question that most people asked me was what political party I belonged to. I found this question to be rather intrusive, because, in the United States, such information is not usually demanded or giving during an introduction. Just when I think that I am completely beyond shock, France continues to surprise. I was introduced to one woman who, immediately after learning my name, asked me who I had voted for in the last presidential election. This question I found completely rude and I had trouble formulating words to express my point of view. So, as is natural when trying to speak a foreign language, I came off as an inarticulate and uneducated American, which if far from the truth.

After this encounter, I began to reflect on the differences between politics in the United States and politics in France. I also wondered why I was asked such questions. I think that the answer lies in the value of French conversation. Here in France, people believe in the art of discussion. Over dinner, among friends and acquaintances, the French will discuss such topics such as politics, religion, money, cultures, sex, marriage, drugs, and many other things that would be considered taboo in certain American homes. As lively as these discussions may get, each person is free to share their own opinion, and respect is given to those who are able to clearly state and defend their own opinion. (It is at this point when many of us non-native French speakers encounter difficulty). France’s love of discussion and debate represents a part of their cultural identity for which they are most proud and this love is passed down to their children. So, what may seem to as outsider as an inappropriate conversation between a parent and their child, may actually be the passing on of an important aspect of French culture. Another love of the French is politics; everyone is aware of the current events and possesses their own opinion. This is why, I believe, that I have been asked such seemingly rude political questions. French society is just curious about our American culture and our political opinions. It is a strong possibility that these questions were just the openings for a discussion. After all, isn’t a political setting such as a victory party ideal to bring up debate and discussion? As a philosophy student, debate is not a foreign concept to me. However, it doesn’t inhabit a place in my day to day life. The French value and appreciation of a healthy debate is something which I would like to bring home. I expect that it will be quite refreshing to be able to fully and intelligently express my opinions in my native tongue. I have also noticed how much the French society follows politics and cultural events. My house mother reads the paper daily, as well as many political and interest magazines. She also watches the news frequently. In fact, her fifteen year old son also watches the news, and it is shocking in a good way to see a teenager so interested and concerned about cultural events.

This political encounter was quite an eye opener into French culture. Through talking about the experience with my American friends and my host mother, I was able to gain some insight into the experience and I learned some very valuable lessons. First, I learned that the French love to discuss, and if they do ask a question that seems impolite to me, I should first appreciate the fact that they are merely eager to discuss (perhaps they have even chosen a topic that they believe I would most knowledgeable about). Second, if I do not want to answer I should learn how to get over my shock quickly enough to construct a polite answer. Lastly, I need to become an active American citizen who is knowledgeable about current events and political happenings. I need to be able to clearly form and state my opinions so that I can bring the love of discussion back home with me. Perhaps one day, my French language ability will be advanced to the level that I will be able to clearly form, state, and defend my opinions in French.