If I were to mention that I was Mexican, what opinions would you start forming about me based solely on that fact? That I’m lazy? Would you form a mental image of me as a drunken girl who has twenty siblings, works as a maid, and dances around a sombrero shooting pistols in the air and eating tacos? It probably seems like I’m shining a harsh light on Mexican stereotypes, but I have heard all of these—and more—when the subject of my heritage comes up. Stereotypes exist for a reason; they help us sort things into neat little boxes so we can generalize whole groups to save time. The problem with that is most people can’t be contained and categorized in this manner. That’s why I’d like to share, and debunk, some French stereotypes that seem to be prevalent in the media.

 

French People Are Rude

 

If you’ll recall my previous blog post on politeness, you’ll remember my stating that sometimes what one culture perceives as perfectly commonplace can be interpreted as incredibly rude by another culture. Sometimes “rudeness” can be accounted for by simple cultural misunderstandings. Another reason this stereotype stands the test of time may be because it is largely circulated by tourists who have only been to “touristy” places. Imagine you have a favorite bar, not necessarily to drink, just a quiet place you’ve adopted as your own. Now, imagine your bar is overrun by a constant stream of tourists who don’t bother to learn the correct way to order and don’t care enough to be respectful of the regulars. After a while, I’m sure you’d be pretty disgruntled too. Paris is an international tourist hot-spot, I’m sure the locals are tired of dealing with typical tourists. The solution is as easy as the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. Try to fit in on your trip and make an effort to be courteous, I’ve no doubt most people will be courteous to you in return. The exception to this rule would be people who are just rude in general—they exist all over the world, not just France. Read the mentioned blog post for how to deal with that eventuality.

 

 

Stereotypes about French Women

 

One stereotype I’ve heard about French women is that they don’t shave their underarms. This is ridiculous. While I, personally, have adopted a pro-choice attitude about body hair: your body is your temple, landscape it however you’d like; I can honestly say I’ve never seen a French woman who wasn’t impeccably groomed. This stereotype likely got its start from American GIs during World War II. During that time the country was so devastated by occupation and bombing that shaving wasn’t much of a priority.

Anyone who’s been to a French beach can, most certainly, vouch for the fact that French women do shave their underarms, unless they were too distracted by the stereotype that all the women go topless at beaches. This is also untrue. Sort of. Sure, you will find some exposed chests on the French beaches, but fewer and fewer young women are opting to sunbathe sans top. So if you’re a woman, don’t worry, you won’t feel out of place for using both parts of your two piece bathing suit.

 

 

Stereotypes about French Men

 

Frenchmen are cowardly: false. I’m sure that there are a few who are, as there are everywhere, but I don’t think that the French should be generalized in that way. Since 387 BC, France has fought 168 major wars. They’ve even gone against heavy hitters like the Roman Empire, the British Army and the Turkish forces. Of those 168 wars, they’ve won 109. Not to mention, the French resistance was one of the most enduring symbols of Nazi opposition in Europe, in spite of the fact that France had no choice but to surrender early in WWII. Opposing Nazis even though the French were technically under their rule; doesn’t sound very cowardly to me.

 

Another common misconception about French men is that they are effeminate and that France wouldn’t really be a good vacation destination for a “manly-man.” I’ll agree that some of the things France is famous for, its cuisine and museums, may not appeal to outdoorsy fellows (or gals, for that matter), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t adrenaline fueled activities for those so inclined. After all, the “manly-men” who call France home need something to do in their free time too.  Great mountain climbing, hiking, and skiing areas can all be found in France. Or, if you crave a bit of sport, maybe a soccer match or a bullfight would be more to your liking.

 

 

Next time you hear a stereotype about a group of people, take it with a grain of salt. I can tell you from experience that it doesn’t feel very nice to be on the receiving end of those kinds of generalizations. Yes, I am Mexican, but none of that other stuff is true. The exception being, I am a bit lazy—that’s not a cultural failing, just a personal one—but that just means I’d never make it as a maid.

 

What stereotypes have you heard about the French? What is your opinion on them, do you think they hold merit, or are they just ridiculous misconceptions?