Stereotypes of French people explained

Stereotypes of French people include real or imagined characteristics of the French people used by people who see the French people as a single and homogeneous group.[1] [2] [3] French stereotypes are common beliefs among those expressing anti-French sentiment.

There exist stereotypes of French people amongst themselves depending on the region.[4]

United Kingdom

Stereotypes of the French by the British people, especially the English people, have existed for centuries. This is in part due to the many Anglo-French Wars (1193-1815).[5]

United States

Americans view the French as effeminate and cowardly.[6] [7] Francophobia and xenophobic sentiments towards the French have been an established part of the culture of the United States.[8] The French have a reputation for tipping poorly.[9]

The French tend to spend less on food, clothes and cars compared to most Americans.

Common stereotypes

Culinary

See also: Haute cuisine. French cuisine is a major part of French culture, and French food is often regarded as among the best in the world, with The Guardian stating "a really fine French dish represents one of the undisputed pinnacles of human cultural achievement."[10]

The French are commonly regarded to enjoy eating cheese, snails, frog legs, and plenty of bread, particularly baguettes and croissants. The French are also known for their fondness for wine.[11]

High fashion

France, particularly Paris, has been perceived for being a high fashion place where designer clothes and cosmetics are made.[12]

Hygiene

The French are perceived as having poor hygiene, originating from American soldiers during World War II.[13] [14]

Laziness

The perception that French workers are prone to strikes and take a lot of time off has established a stereotype of the French being workshy.[15] [16]

Onion Johnny

A common stereotypical image of French people, especially in British media, was of a man on a bicycle wearing a striped jumper and beret with a string of onions around his neck. This derives from the "Onion Johnny," a nickname for Breton itinerant onion-sellers who cycled around England and Wales in the 20th century; for many British people, this would be their only contact with French people.[17] [18]

Military

Despite being one of the world's leading powers from the mid 17th century to the early 19th century, the French military had been perceived as poor in armed combat and could be easily defeated in armed struggles, thus likely to surrender. The stereotype is attributed to France's roles during World War II and the Franco-Prussian War, in which the French government surrendered to German forces.[19] [20] This stereotype was referenced on The Simpsons, where they were described as "Cheese-eating surrender monkeys".

Anti-French sentiment in the United States increased due to the French government's opposition to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. This precipitated the renaming of "French fries" to "Freedom fries" in several congressional cafeterias.

Romance

French people are perceived as being very romantic.[21]

Rudeness

French waiters have been perceived as rude and disrespectful, especially to foreigners who speak little to no French.[22] [23]

Smokers

Smoking in France is a common trope when associated with France, especially the local Gauloises brand.[24] [25]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The biggest misconceptions about French women, debunked . November 10, 2022 . July 13, 2017 . Susanna . Heller . Insider.
  2. Of Stereotypes and of the French . Eugen . Weber . 1 April 1990 . Journal of Contemporary History . 25 . 2 . 169–203 . 10.1177/002200949002500202 . 159912234.
  3. French Women Take On the French-Girl Cliché . Lauren . Collins . The New Yorker . 19 September 2019 . 8 May 2023 .
  4. Web site: What truth behind French regional stereotypes? . . 4 January 2016 . 7 November 2021 .
  5. Web site: Introduction . Vive la différence! The English and French stereotype in satirical prints 1720-1815. The Fitzwilliam Museum. 2019-10-01.
  6. Web site: Pardon Our French: French Stereotypes in American Media . Ferber . Lauren . 2008 . digitalcommons.unf.edu . 2019-06-05.
  7. Web site: American Francophobia Takes a New Turn . Vaisse . Justin . June 14, 2003 . Brookings.edu . 2019-06-05.
  8. Web site: The French and the American culture:always the same stereotypes on both sides? . static1.squarespace.com . 2019-06-05.
  9. Web site: 'The French among the world's stingiest tippers' . Sophie . Inge . 31 July 2014 . 8 May 2023 . .
  10. News: Stereotypes: The best food in the world . . 22 March 2011 . Henley . Jon . 8 May 2023 .
  11. Web site: Demystifying French stereotypes and cliches . 8 May 2023 . 7 November 2018 . cia-france.com .
  12. News: The World; For Americans, It's French Sissies Versus German He-Men . Nina . Bernstein . The New York Times . 28 September 2003 . 9 May 2023 .
  13. Web site: French stereotypes: failure to wash . Jon . Henley . 25 March 2011 . . 8 May 2023 .
  14. Web site: 10 of the most common stereotypes French people have about Ireland. Marie. Desevedavy. 18 February 2019. Irishmirror.ie.
  15. Web site: 9 May 2023 . Contrary to national stereotypes, French workers are more productive than their German counterparts and only marginally less productive than American workers . Hancké . Robert . 25 February 2013 . .
  16. Web site: The worst cliches about the French that really need to be dropped . 31 January 2018 . . 8 May 2023 .
  17. Web site: Passmore. Susan. Last of the Onion Men, The. gwales. 26 April 2017. – Review of Book: Griffiths. Gwyn. The last of the onion men. 2002. Gwasg Carreg Gwalch. Llanrwst. 9780863817830.
  18. 22 November 2013 . Gwyn 'Winwns' is honoured in Brittany. Cambria. https://web.archive.org/web/20141023135743/http://www.cambriamagazine.co.uk/gwyn-winwns-is-honoured-in-brittany/ . 26 April 2017. 23 October 2014 .
  19. Web site: John . Noonan . dead . The French Military's Bad Reputation is Inaccurate and Undeserved. 25 August 2016. The Weekly Standard. https://web.archive.org/web/20181205192255/https://www.weeklystandard.com/john-noonan/the-french-militarys-bad-reputation-is-inaccurate-and-undeserved . 5 December 2018 .
  20. Web site: Anti-French Stereotypes Still Served Up. Myriam. Miedzian. 15 December 2006. HuffPost.
  21. Web site: French stereotypes: arrogant and good in bed? Bien sûr!. Jean-Michel. Normand. 26 January 2012. .
  22. News: 15 August 2017 . The truth behind French stereotypes, from its surly waiters to its lousy music . Chris . Leadbeater . . 9 May 2023 .
  23. Web site: Are French People Really Rude? Exploring the Myth. November 9, 2019 . 9 May 2023 . thoughtco.com .
  24. Web site: The French and smoking: Is France really 'Europe's chimney' . 2 May 2017 . . 2021-01-10.
  25. Web site: Small, White and Strong: How French Cigarettes Became the Coolest in the World. Imran. Rahman-Jones. April 27, 2019. Medium . 9 May 2023 .

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