Do you know where Algeria is? Prior to yesterday, I had no idea, but that didn't really have much impact on my life, because I'd never been there, known anyone who'd been there, or known anyone who came came from there.
But yesterday, for the first time, I spoke, via Skype, with a native -- a woman who's from a small town in Algeria, currently living in France while she pursues a master's degree. She'd contacted me for help in practicing her English. I asked her how she likes being in France, and she said, quite heatedly, that she hates France. When the French come to my country, she said, they like it a lot, they relax, we treat them well. When people from my country come to France, they're rude to us, they treat us like second class citizens. I was surprised by this, and told her that just the other day, I spoke with a young woman who lives in the south of France, and had asked her about the French attitude toward foreigners. A book I was reading, French or Foe, had informed me that the French were cold and arrogant for years, until they finally 'knew' you. The girl said, no, no, they were very friendly and open. This woman strongly disagreed. I can't wait to leave here, she said. I'm here for another three years, and then I'm moving to another country.
Somewhat of a dichotomy, hey?
6 comments:
That has been MY experience.
But really, you didn't know about Algeria? Never read Beau Gest, or Patton's adventures in North Africa?
Ever know a marine who would hum his battle tune?
That was the first country (other than Canada of course) which the US decided to exercise violence as a foreign policy. Can't argue with success.
Of course in more recent history, this is the country which rose up against its dictator and kicked Ghaddaffi to the curb.
Ah well. I should not be arrogant...you might mistake me for a Frenchman. After all, I have no idea about American football or the debate about whether cheerleading is a sport or an interpretive dance.
Never read Beau Geste. Knew about Patton in Africa, but not 'Algeria'. Didn't know where Montezuma was. Or Tripoli, for that matter.
And I like the sound of 'violence as a foreign policy'. Catchy.
(wink)
Football: Good, but not for me.
Cheerleading: Porn for the masses. Hard to do, but keep smiling! (or is it 'grinning like a maniac')
I don't tend to think of the French as arrogant. Insular, perhaps.
Ah well...the fire spread to Libya from Algeria and Morocco. Eventually the flames spread to Egypt, and then to Syria.
If you get a chance to visit Morocco, you should take it. They will treat you like a king!
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