anti american

I'm a Canadian living in Paris. I'm frustrated to share with you that I occassionally experience anti-americanism. I have even been accused of lying about my nationality.

For example, on Sunday I was walking along Rue Mouffetard. I was a NIKE posterboard...but I was out getting exercise and in the land of Liberté why should this be a problem? New digital camera in hand I was trying to get some pics to send to friends living vicariously though my abroad experience.

A Frenchman rammed into the back of my leg with his Velo (bike) and started to chastise me for walking along the middle of the narrow road. I quipped that the road is closed on weekends for pedestrians and I, like everyone, had the right to walk along the road. There was plenty of room for him to pass. He began berating me for being American and shouting about how he detests Americans. So what....he saw the sporty attire and camera and chose me as his target? Believe me, he is NOT the typical Frenchman. He's just an asshole. But I was shocked that he accused me of lying about being Canadian. Surprised he pushed me again. Surprised, as a woman, that he was surprised when I rightfully pushed him back.

Whether I am American, Canadian or North American is not the point. I was doing nothing wrong.

If anything I can tell you that my experience abroad has made me think a lot about the duty of citizens. There are many people around the world who chastise Americans abroad because of their discontentment with the American government.

Living in the US during 9/11 I became very curious about politics. I chose to complete my degree with a minors in political science and philosophy and a heavy emphasis on law. I berate the US Supreme Court for their judicial activism. I berate the government of such a strong country for allowing education to be so expensive many are ignornat of their own country's foreign policies. You see, it's not that Americans are ignorant or oblivious. Their own education system fails them. I took on a heavy burden of student loan debt because I wanted to be educated. Not everyone sees the possibilities. Not everyone has the opportunity to do what I did.

Nevertheless, freedom of speech and liberty to do not seem to entitle one to push me in the street because of their hatred of another country's policies. Talk about predjudice. I took on great studies, posed many questions... I learned to study the Constitution. I leared to write legal briefs. I learned to think philosophically. I learned to be open to different arguments against my beliefs and gut feelings.

And that said. I worked tooth and nail to move to France. This was a personal choice. For a long time, I studied the language, the culture, the ins and outs of daily living. And I made a choice to fork out a huge amount of savings to pay the tuition to complete a Masters degree in France. I plan on staying here.

To push a woman in the street because of preconceived notions is proof that a 40 something man is still in his infancy. Had I been more proficient in my language skills I would have told him that my grandfather spent 4 years in France during WWII away from a newly wedded wife to fight for freedom on the continent of Europe. My birthfather's ancestry is French. Since childhood I have wanted to live here.

I guess he is nothing but living proof that ignorance exists in all lands. And the only way to counter that ignorance is to build tolerance .... through education. And perhaps the occassional trip the doctor for a psych eval isn't out of the question for some.

But finally, when I recant such stories, in French, to my French friends.....they are embarassed and angered AND unsupportive of such irrational behaviors of their own countrymen.

Just as I am still embarassed and angered over the Canadian who attempted to charge me after Christmas for my invitation.

So remember.....the moral of the story: regardless of race, national origin, religion...etc....there are assholes and ignorant people everywhere. Do not you yourself generalize.

bisous!

K

life in paris

It's days like today that make me thankful to be living in Paris. I spent the wee hours with an Italian friend...all strapping 7 feet of him. Maybe it's culture...but he was mild mannered, enthusiastic about life, talking about working long hours and how there ought to be a medium between leisure and capitalism. Nice. Too bad he wasn't a good kisser!

I woke up a bit late and after a coffee I ventured off on a typical walk. Out of pure curiosity I decided to try the French McDonald's pancake w/ ham and cheese: I'm sure it would've been better if it actually had ham! Ooops. Not that great. But you know curiosity is curiosity. I walked for quite awhile, picking up a "barquet" of mushrooms for a surprising 1 euro along with a corgette (zucchini), and onion. I stopped at Champion for some smoked sausages and headed home to make a concoction of the above with a quattro fromagi cheese sauce and a handful of pasta.

Finally with some energy (caffeine included) I headed off on RER C to Village Thiais to visit IKEA for some basic items. Sixty euros later and I feel like my studette is a little more me.

My day around this event involved:
-finding my missing Bose silicone ear bud covers while waiting for the new (Bose gets A+ for customer service)
-a few completely french conversations
-Asha's back!
-Pablo the Brazilian is thinking of moving already
-Pablo reminded me that men are sometimes great about showing up at the right moments
-a lesson in sizing at Esprit in Thiais (lovely staff)
-some rather greasy Chinese in the latin quarter
-Ealy, Chantal, Brendan, Dominique, Amy and Phillipe
-ciggies now on the sidewalk
-a studette that is now a little more mine
-some martini and vino
-changing seats a few times on RER C to Choisy-le-Roi
Alas....another day in paris.

caveat emptor @ zena

Should you visit or move to France please be wary of making large purchases from small shops. This is probably not limited to France - but I can't speculate about other countries. Upon arriving in France, I was bombarded with tasks. I had just started my Masters degree when I finally found an apt....aka...Chambre de Bonne. I chose location over size. I have not guarantees of staying upon graduation. Sure I know I will get a job because I believe in the wise words of Yoda "there is no try only do". Anyway, the bombardement led to my frustration with finding curtains for my new apartment. I visited a store "Zena" on Rue de Tournon and was persuaded to buy an Indian handmade textile for 75 euros. I was told at the time of purchase that I could return the item - in English. When I attempted to return the textile becuase it was not up to snuff...I was arrogantly told no. I can say arrogantly because after living here for 3 months you learn to distinguish between cultural differences and true arrogance. This led to a debate, hurling of insults (not started by me) and so forth. What surprised me was when I said, " Everybody accepts returns," the retort was "I am not everybody I am SOMEBODY. Really I AM SOMEBODY." Really? I quickly corrected the lady that if you need to proclaim you are "Somebody" you are only aspiring to BE Somebody and haven't quite yet arrived. Ok, I had to tell you because its just so funny. After being accused of tarnishing the garment I left with a credit slip in hand. Later a French friend insisted that actually the law requires her to accept a refund. And here are some other pieces of Consumer Law in the European Union (EU) to help you out. Items in store windows must have a price.If paying by credit card "carte bleu" the merchant must inform you in writing or verbally that they do not accept returns or have limitations. All items must have prices attached or displayed (accept in a few rare instances). Merchants must give you a receipt that detials each item you buy. This is important. If you buy vegetables at the vegetable stand - they will give you a print out of the cost per kilogram of every item and exactly what you purchased. If you get your hair done, they will outline the cost of each service provided etc. They are not by law allowed to give you a summary. And all prices must include VAT (Value Added Tax). So buyer beware (caveat emptor)! My suggestion going forward would be to ask merchants to provide their policy in writing. Or if you have any doubt about the purchase, walk away and think about it. You won't have any problems at large stores. But for some reason, as my French friends told me, some French hear an accent and begin to make up rules. I'm sure this happens everywhere. But take care so that you don't lose time or money. And don't worry about me, I am quite happy to provide information to France's consumer affairs to deal with this crappy way of conducting business.