The French are "Narrow Minded and Naive"

I am a young woman from the Caucasus currently living in France. I came here as a political refugee a few years ago with my parents and siblings. Materially speaking, life has been much easier for us but we have had to adjust to a harsh contrast in moral values. I especially had a hard time adapting myself to this new lifestyle.

My life in France wouldn't be that spiritually and intellectually empty if there were anything or anyone to shine a small light within this thick darkness of narrow-mindedness and naivety of French people.

First impressions are the lasting ones, and mine do last because I see them confirmed every time I go out in the streets or just watch the TV for a few minutes. My image of "Frenchmen" is as follows:

They are seriously and effectively brainwashed from childhood on.

You cannot talk about spirituality or religion with a French (religion? God?? "We're too intelligent and self-reliant to believe in unscientific, ancient crap! Mankind has to move on and leave unnecessary things and ideas behind. I only believe in Myself" etc.)

Anything concerning conspiracy 'theories' or anti-feminism immediately makes them make fun of your "lack of general knowledge" and "paranoia". Not to forget, you are somewhat "retarded" and "strange".

As concerns feminism- IT IS HOLY. Although there are practically no university studies in that particular subject ("I cannot believe such a modern and advanced European country as France doesn't even give that priceless opportunity to young men and women!").

Women are so masculine here. There is practically nothing feminine about them at all. From their appearance to their manners, everything is rough and rude, even vulgar. I must admit they often look pretty, but they just tend to ruin this natural beauty with their behavior and, of course, appearance.

By the way, more than 90% of the French women look absolutely alike. Originality is reserved for fine/visual arts students and the Japan-obsessed groupies.

Being shy is a real sin. You just do not have the right to be shy in France. You either need a therapy and a lot of self-confidence to "open yourself up", or you will just be ignored whether or not you are a talented and lovely person. Shy and/or feminine women are not looked at by French men; they just don't ATTRACT them. By the way, French men are the most feminine men I've ever seen. Except gays, of course...

Good manners and being a gentleman or a lady did not survive the French Revolution. But they remained an urban legend among the elderly, how cynical! Does being modern imply being ill-mannered? Doesn't today's youth NEED goodness and compassion in their hasty and yet so hollow life?

Career is THE word to define the whole life of the French. I know most any Western country is like this, but the French really do center their whole lives around career.

The world is SO huge and beautiful, so full of wisdom and unknown things, why do so many people block themselves from all this knowledge, hiding behind pathetic excuses? All of this to illustrate an average French woman's/man's narrow-mindedness.


Henry once said he "wouldn't send his son university unless he had no talent." But many eventually do go- "for the certificates and the social life". This was my reason for entering a French university to study Applied Foreign Languages.

Do I regret it? Yes and no.

Yes, because I know I'm being brainwashed all the time. Fortunately, by being aware of it, I can filter the information, while most swallow everything as it is given.

Distorting the truth about historical events; planting seeds of hate against Islam, eventually even hate speeches against it; ridiculing religion in general; demonizing anything resembling national pride (modern Germans are always given as an example); promoting the holiness of the Holocaust, feminism and Darwinism etc.

Almost forgot to say that one doesn't learn anything new. It's such a waste of time.

No, because of the insights into psychology of the French it gave me. I was also able to make a few absolutely lovely friends. They are not French, of course. I tried to make some French friends but they just do not know such notions as: (true) friendship, loyalty, compassion, altruism, respect etc.

They're way too egocentric and spiritually underdeveloped for that. What doesn't benefit them doesn't interest them, friends and life partners included. All forms of self-sacrifice are seen as "crazy" and "masochistic". When the feeling of self-importance is given the holiest place in one's personality, there is no place left for God or other "abstract" values.

I reckon there are lots of good and intelligent people who are either French or grew up in France, it's just that I haven't seen or known any. I did not mean to offend anyone, as I truly respect everyone who quests for the Truth, goodness and knowledge.

As for me, I will continue my own way, even if it might sometimes be lonely or darkened by the inhumanity of humanity :) Knowing self is the first step to knowing and understanding the whole world.

Isn't it delightful to see goodness and intelligence in people? It sure fills one's heart with warmth :)
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Last updated 12/10/2010

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