Ever wondered why the French seem to have a chip on their shoulder when it comes to the rest of the world? Ever wondered what makes our neighbours across the Channel so famously, and sometimes infuriatingly, proud, aloof, and seemingly intolerant of anyone who isn’t, well, French?
1. Nationalism: 235 Years of Revolutionary Pride
The French have been riding the wave of their revolutionary glory since 1789. Over 235 years later, they still cling to the notion that they’re the pinnacle of civilisation. National pride? Absolutely. Superiority complex? Probably. When your revolution is hailed as the one that changed the world, it’s hard not to feel a bit smug.
2. Cultural Protectionism: 40% French Music Rule
The French government goes to absurd lengths to protect its culture. For example, French radio stations are legally required to ensure that 40% of the songs they play are in French. This “cultural exception” policy extends to cinema as well, where American blockbusters are regularly dubbed into French. Global influence? Non, merci—France is keeping it local.
3. Language Snobbery: 80% of the Population Speaks No English
Only about 20% of French people speak English fluently, compared to over 90% of Dutch or Swedish citizens. The rest are sticking firmly to French, thank you very much. This isn’t just about preserving the language; it’s about maintaining a certain level of French linguistic purity. Speaking English? Sacrilege.
4. Anti-Anglicisation: 5,000 Words Banned
The Académie Française, the official custodian of the French language, has banned over 5,000 English words from official use. The French are on a mission to keep their language free from English contamination. It’s not just about language; it’s a statement against the creeping influence of Anglo-Saxon culture. Keep your “le weekend” to yourself.
5. Colonial Hangover: 1.5 Million in Algeria
France’s colonial past is complex and messy. The Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) left over 1.5 million Algerians dead and deeply strained Franco-Algerian relations. Today, over 5 million people of Algerian descent live in France, often facing discrimination and paternalistic attitudes from the French who are still grappling with their colonial legacy.
6. Historic Rivalries: 3 Major Wars With Germany
France has a long history of rivalry with other major powers, particularly Britain and Germany. They fought three major wars with Germany between 1870 and 1945, and countless skirmishes with Britain before that. These old grudges are alive and well, contributing to a sense of rivalry that can easily be mistaken for superiority.
7. Parisian Pomp: 12 Million Tourists Snubbed
Paris sees over 12 million tourists annually, many of whom report feeling snubbed by locals. The attitude of Parisian elites—cold, aloof, and too sophisticated for the likes of you—sets the tone for how the rest of the country is perceived. It’s not arrogance, darling; it’s just Paris being Paris.
8. Social Formality: 80% Use Formal Titles
A whopping 80% of French people still use formal titles like “Monsieur” or “Madame” in everyday conversation. To outsiders, this level of formality can seem cold or standoffish, but to the French, it’s just basic politeness. If you find it distant, well, that’s your problem.
9. Secular Obsession: 70% Oppose Religious Symbols
France’s brand of secularism, known as laïcité, is so intense that it borders on the obsessive. A 2021 poll found that 70% of French people support banning religious symbols in public spaces. To them, this isn’t intolerance; it’s protecting the republic from divisive identities. But try explaining that to someone wearing a headscarf.
10. Immigration Woes: 6 Million Struggling to Integrate
France is home to about 6 million immigrants, mostly from North Africa and the Middle East. Integration has been rocky, with many immigrants feeling excluded from French society. The French aren’t necessarily intolerant; they just have a rigid idea of what it means to be “French.” And if you don’t fit that mould, good luck.
11. The Frenchness Fetish: 64% Oppose Dual Nationality
Speaking of Frenchness, the French have a very clear idea of what it means to be one of them. In a 2018 survey, 64% of respondents opposed dual nationality, fearing it would dilute the purity of French identity. Exclusivity or just good old-fashioned nationalism? You be the judge.
12. Intellectual Elitism: 50 Nobel Prizes
France has won 50 Nobel Prizes, with a strong emphasis on literature and science. This intellectual pedigree fosters a culture of elitism that prizes debate and high culture over mass appeal. The French love their intellectual heavyweights, and if you can’t keep up, well, that’s on you.
13. Internal Snobbery: 70% of Parisians Disliked by Provincials
Even within France, there’s plenty of regional rivalry. A survey found that 70% of people outside Paris have a negative view of Parisians, who they see as arrogant and out of touch. If they can’t stand each other, what chance do foreigners have?
14. American Aversion: 46% Unfavourable View of the U.S.
The French are particularly wary of American influence. A Pew Research survey in 2022 showed that 46% of French people have an unfavourable view of the United States. Whether it’s culture or politics, they’re not buying into the American dream. Keep your burgers and blockbusters.
15. Culinary Superiority: 500 Michelin Stars
French cuisine is the gold standard—just ask the French. With over 500 Michelin stars to their name, they’re not shy about letting the world know who the culinary kings are. They’ll tolerate foreign food, but don’t expect them to be quiet about it.
16. Literary Loftiness: 1,500+ Classics
France has produced over 1,500 literary classics, from Voltaire to Sartre. This rich literary tradition gives the French every reason to feel superior about their intellectual output. If you can’t appreciate their highbrow culture, they might just assume you’re uncultured.
17. Media Misrepresentation: 2,000+ Films Reinforcing Stereotypes
The global media loves to portray the French as rude and arrogant, and the French seem to do little to dispel the image. With over 2,000 films depicting the French in this light, it’s no wonder the stereotype sticks. It’s almost as if they relish the role.
18. Tourist Tolerance: 83 Million Visitors Annoyed
France is the world’s top tourist destination, with 83 million visitors annually. Many leave feeling unwelcome, particularly in Paris. But the French would argue they’re just maintaining their high standards—and possibly their personal space.
19. Political Independence: 72% Opposed the Iraq War
France’s independent stance in global politics often reads as aloofness. For example, 72% of French people opposed the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. They’re not being difficult; they just prefer to do things their way.
20. Economic Ego: €9 Billion Subsidies for Farmers
France’s protectionist policies, especially in agriculture, are legendary. The French government hands out around €9 billion annually in subsidies to French farmers. Why compete on a level playing field when you can keep everything French-made?
21. Work-Life Balance: 35-Hour Workweek
The French pride themselves on their work-life balance, codified in their 35-hour workweek. This might seem lazy to outsiders, but to the French, it’s a matter of quality of life. They’ll enjoy their 5 weeks of paid vacation holiday you burn out at your desk.
So Misunderstood
So, are the French really as superior and intolerant as they seem, or are they just misunderstood?
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