The French

**ZakkWylde969** · 07-22-2003

I'm part french. Born in Canada. Visited France personally and I find their culture suck.

Oh and I haven't recieved any PM's GC.

**FillYourBrain** · 07-22-2003

I don't know what Zakk has been posting so maybe I shouldn't say anything but you guys really don't like him do you? Its a pretty harsh bunch of words that have been going back and forth here. And GC I don't remember you having this kind of disdain for TrollKing. Now THAT was someone who annoyed the crap out of me.

**Clyde** · 07-22-2003

I'm part french. Born in Canada. Visited France personally and I find their culture suck.

Visited France personally....... for how long? A week? How much experience of the French culture do you exactly have?

**-KEN-** · 07-22-2003

T_K was (is) funny. Zakk is just plain ignorant and/or stupid.

Although he's not the worst on this board, I'll give him that.

**PJYelton** · 07-22-2003

>>Oh and I haven't recieved any PM's GC.<<

And I doubt that you will. That would imply that people actually care about you and think that you could possibly change.

This last post is a perfect example. I explain to you why it was bad that you did something, and instead of explaining yourself or showing any understanding of my post you just stick your fingers in your ears, get on top of your high horse and shout at the top of your lungs the exact same statement.

**ZakkWylde969** · 07-22-2003

I'm sorry I didn't answer every part of your post. Yes I have been to France. I stayed arount the Paris area for around 1 and a half weeks. Then I moved down further to visit my Grandfather in some small town near the border for around 2 weeks. I believe I got a jist of their culture (it was around Christmas). If a French person was to come here and say they didn't like the American culture I wouldn't judge that he was a bad person. Some people just don't like other cultures. GC doesn't like me. It is because of how I am. I don't like the French culture because of how it is.

And to say I am uncapable of change is just plain stupid. Maybe flaming and saying your dumb isn't the best way to make someone change what they do? It might be for some, but not for me. So when I get a PM from someone saying they really have a true issue with me and explain what they don't like I will try to have a comprimise with them and fix it. Until then I will not change.

**PJYelton** · 07-22-2003

Its not your opinion that is at question here, its how your present it. You yourself say that 'hate' is a very strong word and shouldn't be used yet use it against a culture you barely know.

Which of these two scenarios do you think is ok and which do you think would offend you? Which person would you think highly of and which person would you think is being ignorant?

#1:
French guy comes up to you and says "Personally I'm not too fond of American culture. I've been here for a couple of weeks and to be honest I like french culture better. (continues by giving reasons)"

#2:
French guy comes up to you and says "I hate all American culture! I've been here a couple of weeks and it all blows! All of it just sucks! (gives no further reasons)"

**ammar** · 07-22-2003

I agree with PJYelton...

It's immature to decide that the French culture sucks, without giving reasons, I'm not saying that he should like it, but if he said that he doesn't, he should give some reasons.

**ZakkWylde969** · 07-22-2003

Pj. Neither would offend me at all. I think that everyone is entitled to their opinions. People might not agree. But opinions are what makes everyone different and life worthwhile. Now as to your whole little thing. I AM part French. Both my my Mom's parents are from France. My dad is from Maine. I know more about the French culture than you think. I can speak French, I've been there. I have relatives there. After being around the French culture for my entire life in one way or another. I think I have a firm grasp on them. Coversation ended.

**Zach L.** · 07-22-2003

Everyone just relax.
Don't get so defensive over rather trivial things.
No one is accomplishing anything here.

Cheers.

**Govtcheez** · 07-22-2003

Originally posted by ZakkWylde969
Oh and I haven't recieved any PM's GC.

Remember that big exchange you had with adrian last week? That's what I mean.

> GC I don't remember you having this kind of disdain for TrollKing

I'm pretty sure it was before you were around, but on the old board, we had us a couple go-rounds. That was a lot of fun. And, as Ken said, he's at least amusing once in awhile.

**ZakkWylde969** · 07-22-2003

Oh ya that. I thought you ment with other regular members.

**UnregdRegd** · 07-22-2003

Cultures are a mixed bag, really. Even in the United States, culture varies significantly from region to region. In my area, there are some great aspects to the local culture and some bad ones as well. French culture has its plusses and minuses just like American culture.

Many cultural purists in France are pretty protective about the French language, especially when it comes to English-language borrowings. Although there are benefits to maintaining a standard dialect of a language to simplify communication, trying to craft this standard through government mandate ignores the democratic way a language naturally evolves in. Standard varieties of a language are negotiated through mutual agreement of the community that uses it. When a new concept appears outside the language community, it is reasonable to adopt--sometimes with modification--the word used to describe it in the language community the new concept was invented in. Because e-mail was developed in English-language communities, the word adopted in other languages to describe this concept would likely come from this word. Before, French had e-mail, mèl, and in Québec courriel (from courrier électronique). Now the French government has only one choice: courriel. At least the French people at large have la liberté to use whatever Franglais they want.

So, ultimately, France's decision is an outrage by U.S. norms, but we should remember that different cultures value things differently. In this case, an aspect of France's prerevolution cultural elitism remains. Still, remember the French have contributed to Western culture and to the world in positive ways and continue to do so.