Vrai ou Faux?

Upfront: All opinions expressed in the following text are based on my experiences as an American expat living in Paris during the last 3 years, as well as observations and opinions offered by my French friends. Of course, these are generalities, as exsist in every culture, and there are exceptions to every rule! That being said, let's play a little True or False. True or False: The French hate Americans. False! This myth is based in part on the aloof attitude of Parisians the average tourist encounters while on vacation abroad. Parisians are uptight to begin with, a bit neurotic and highly judgemental. When they stare you down with those furrowed brows and icy glare don't take it personal. It's them, not you. On the flip side, the french have an acute sense of american lust for consumption, waste, and how our policies affect the entire planet. But I haven't met a frenchman yet who doesn't dream of getting his kicks on Route 66! True or False: French women don't shave under their arms. Mostly False! Citing the exceptions to every rule clause, I will say that it is the norm for les française to defoliate the armpit area. This has been so since the 1960's. True or False: French men are the worlds best lovers. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha-excuse me-ha ha ha ha, False. True or False: The french produce the worlds best wine. True! (And I should know, I've tasted enough of it!) True or False: The french are lovers not fighters. False. Have you ever been in a queue with a parisian? But seriously, this perception was fomented during the occupation of France by Germany in the early 1940's. French soldiers have fought valiantly throughout centuries, whether it was for their King and Cross in a medieval Holy War, with the rebels in the New World against the tyranny of the English crown, or in WWI, which decimated french resources as well as the population. When Marshal Pétain signed the armistice with Germany in Vichy, it became an act of treason against France to join any army or orgainzed force of resistance against the occupation. Yet many defiant and courageous frenchmen and women joined General deGaulles Free France army, as well as any number of underground resistance organizations knowing full well that they were now traitors under the law, subject to torture and death. You can read the reactions of the french to Pétains folly on my blog entitled "l'Appel du 18 Juin" (the slideshow). Don't forget to vote on this weeks question: Do french women get fat? Vote in sidebar, find out the real truth next sunday!

L'Appel du 18 Juin

Today marked a very important date in French history, the 70th anniversary of General Charles de Gaulle's famous call to arms, known as "L'Appel du 18 Juin". Every bit as famous and important to France as Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech is to America, it galvanized a nation into action, inspiring millions to fight the oppressive hand of the Nazi regime. Broadcast from England where de Gaulle, (a relatively unknown officer in the French Army) had journeyed to forge a collaboration with Churchill and lay the foundation for his "Free France" movement of resistance, it is as moving today as it was 70 years ago. To commemorate the occasion is an exhibition at Paris' Hotel de Ville (City Hall). I had decided I would go, and asked Madame M if she wanted to accompany me, ignorant of the fact that the day I had chosen, (today), was the actual anniversary! As I approached the plaza I could hear the recording of his speech which plays on loudspeakers at regular intervals. Installed in front of the magnificent HdV is a ginormous collage of de Gaulle, assembled with a thousand faces of brave members of the Resistance. It is really quite beautiful. Inside the exhibition tent one finds the stories of ordinary people who were called upon to do the extraordinary, risking life and limb, torture and sacrifice for the liberation of France. My eyes welled with tears and my voice was choked with emotion as I looked at the beautiful faces of Simone Michel-Levy, tortured (but never talked) and hung naked to die at Camp Flossenburg, and 14 year old Mathurin Henrico (codename "Barrioz") who was shot by Geman soldiers as he attempted to warn his neighbors of their arrival. "My heart is calm, as is my spirit" were the last words of Madame Michel-Levy (codename "Emma"). It is a common misconception of many Americans that the french stood idly by during the occupation, nothing could be further from the truth! They felt (and rightfully) sold out by Marshall Pètain and the Vichy accord, many did what they could working underground, whilst others defied the law by joining de Gaulles military forces (this was considered treason under Vichy law.) All in all, it is a great tribute to the brave men and women of France, and to a great leader, General Charles de Gaulle! The exhibition is free of charge, and can be experienced from now until the 4th of July.