Difficult Cultural Differences Between French and American Thought - As an American Expat

[@balecalduin1993]

Jay, let me tell you something: You have NAILED the cultural differences in my opinion. Furthermore, you have done it without stereotyping, with a very balanced point of view, in depth, without reducing it to a tidbit or a soundbite, as we hear so often. Kudos!

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks =)

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

Totally agree! This is definitely one of the best "cultural differences" videos I've seen.

[@lauramaass8098]

Hi Jay. I just wanted to say, I found your videos a few months ago and I think your channel should be 5x bigger than it is. You do such an amazing job on these, and they are DAILY. They are beautiful to watch and you always have great commentary. I've been letting my friends and family know that there is a vlogger who puts out daily videos, shows cinematic shots of Paris and is fun to watch. Thank you for putting these out, I know it takes time and energy to do these at the level that you do. I'm hopeful that more people recognize how great your content is.

[@manojbms]

Agree..you feel like a friend already Jay. best on you.

[@heloise2241]

Je n’avais jamais vu les choses sous cet angle là !! C’est tellement vrai.. surtout le système des notes dans nos écoles.. Bien vu !

[@JaySwanson]

Merci! =D

[@RonaBerryMorin]

When I stopped working, 7 years ago, I learned that people have a difficult time talking about something other than work with me. I love taking about their interests, passions, etc. It can be a struggle sometimes but rewarding. Keep providing us entertaining videos.

[@JaySwanson]

=D

[@dixierosestudios]

I wouldnt have survived in french schools. I was definitely that "I have to have at least a 110 grade" kid. Give 110% is the American Slogan I think.

[@JaySwanson]

ALL THE GOLD STARS 😱

[@alanbouet-willaumez1390]

Most of us have average grades and that’s ok cause it’s not really relevant, unless you want to do science studies (in that case you only need to have high grades in maths, physics and biology and there you go). With average grades (we all have), you can study about everything. But indeed this is not a very nice way to learn and study.

[@trorisk]

Related to the rating system. "Nothing is ever perfect". In France, essays in philosophy follow a "thesis, antithesis, synthesis" plan. And it's a very French thing that for everything we try to see the positive, the negative and then we make an opinion. Whether it's a movie we've seen, change jobs or whatever. If you see a film with a French he will more easily tell you what he didn't like than an American. If there is a match and his team wins if the opponents were not good he will be more inclined to say that his opponents were not good than to say that his team was great. And conversely he can see the good things that there have been in a defeat, a failure etc. "We learn from our mistakes". It's a bit like yin and yang.

[@when_life_gives_you_limes]

"because that can be more pleasant, sitting in silence, than filling the gaps with unnecessary... blerblerblerbler." 🤣🤣🤣

[@datij7247]

Lol. All I was doing was looking at videos on how to conduct myself in a French restaurant for my trip next year, when I came across your videos. I’m studying the language right now, and I think all of your videos will make my visit to France much better. Thank you, Jay.

[@kentbyron7608]

Jay these cultural comparisons are fascinating. One fish bowl pushed up against another can reveal the transparent water we, as fish, normally don’t see. Thank you!

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks for taking the time to say so! I'm glad you enjoyed it - I'm still learning about the bowls as I go =)

[@andrabell]

This was a fascinating cultural lesson. I laughed so hard at “bonus points!” Americans and our delusions. 👾

[@JaySwanson]

Gotta give it 110%!! 😂

[@sweetiepie9411]

Me too, my French professor gives us bonus questions on everything and we can get over 100% on exams LOL! 😂😂😂

[@ASTRA1564]

France sounds so much better, that's why they have so much more scientists and engineers

[@hazelhoyte7668]

It definitely helps to be surrounded by people with similar mindsets for encouragement. You will have to be your own cheerleader, anyway you have us cheering you on!

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks! =D

[@LysaW.]

It’s January 2023 and this is my first video of yours that I’m watching. MERCI BEAUCOUP!!! I’m committing myself to learning French and all it’s cultural intricacies this year and I’ve been binging all kinds of videos especially vlogs from American expats. Yours by far is absolutely the best! As an American who’s beyond grateful to being an American it’s kinda disheartening to sit and listen to expats pretty much glorify French culture and how Americans lack “everything” and how the French are so much better at “everything”. I know that that’s not their intent, and I really do like learning and understanding a different culture but their delivery lacks balance, an appreciation for American culture and just overall being an American. And that’s what you did in this video. And I really like what you said, if we could take French’s realism and combine it with America’s optimism…that would be fantastic. Balance. “Too much of a good thing is bad for you. Balance is key.” My daddy’s wisdom ring true every day! I started this month knowing absolutely nothing about French culture and what I’ve learned so far, I do have a appreciation for, even wishing some of those things existed here. I know this was long and I’m four years late, but again, merci, merci, merci!!!

[@erinintechnicolourII]

I love these kinds of videos. It's just over 6 months (!!!) until I move to Italy and I've found almost nobody I can talk to about the whole process. I know I'm an Australian going to Italy and you're an American in France, but when you make these videos it makes me feel like I'm having a conversation about these things with somebody.

[@JaySwanson]

It's good to keep the conversations going =)

[@John_H_S]

Interesting comparison between the French and American education systems. As an ex-teacher, I wouldn't read too much into educational doctrine - most of it is created to fit a purpose that doesn't suit the individual learner (and why I'm now an ex-teacher). The painting session looked like fun!

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks! We had a blast - and for sure, I think those things are more outward signs of underlying systems of thought.

[@Leila2023_]

and school is very different depending on the teachers... I've worked in french school too, a very scary Catholic school in the 5th Paris . my kids have been in the french school system for 5 years and we've moved around France. it's all to do with area, and teachers... even the body image thing, my daughter has a bigger teacher now who is teaching them about body acceptance, that didn't happen in Paris. food culture they learn here (we are in the countryside now) is different too, and people are generally less stressed and less agressive in the countyside. french people are either city or countryside / beach people. ask them which they prefer and you quickly get an idea of their values and mentality.

[@misterarkadin5063]

I find your point of view pretty well observed and balanced with not too much generalisation about American or french culture. About ambition we say in french “avoir les dents qui rayent le parquet” which is not a compliment at all ! 😄I would like us french to be a little bit more optimistic and positives, and then maybe it’s this pessimism and capacity to not be satisfied that gave us free healthcare, free university, 5 weeks of payed leaves... Maybe the difficulty to really meet locals lies more on being an expat than with pure cultural differences ? Living in a foreign country makes your life a bit more interesting, all things being equal, than the locals and so a bit intimidating ? When I was an expat student in Quebec, I found too that it was difficult to make Canadian friends...but I was for sure far less open that you. I’m french after all ! 😉

[@CarlosVasquez-or5ft]

I do not speak french at all. What is the meaning of "avoir les dents qui rayent le parquet"? Google translates it as "have teeth scratching the floor". Does this allude to having lowly ambition or lowly whatever context the saying is used in?

[@misterarkadin5063]

Carlos Vasquez the google translation is pretty accurate. It refers to a person ready for everything to succeed (thus having metaphorically really long teeth)

[@jenb7850]

@@CarlosVasquez-or5ft that is a hilarious translation hahaha love it

[@JaySwanson]

Merci Mister Arkadin! I was talking about this with some other expat friends - part of the challenge is how I'm approaching this round of life in Paris. Last time I was focused on my French and building French friendships, so I went out of my way to make them happen and, over around 6 months, they did 😀 But time carries on and I don't see those friends as much now as I used to - and now that most of my life revolves around English everything (my work, production, vlog, projects, etc.) I don't have the same 6mo to dedicate to renewing/starting new French friendships. That's not to say I don't have any French friends, I have a lot, they're just scattered (and perhaps that's more a function of adult life than anything). Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I think it's definitely a complicated thing - making friends as adults, plus doing so overseas =)

[@scottjones462]

@@misterarkadin5063 " have teeth scratching the floor"

[@Midnight_Magic_Tarot]

~ The way the ADD hit when you walked in, already having the plan for the mug in mind ~ relatable lol

[@shinyshinythings]

Having watched your more recent videos about actually scaling back your multi-tasking and maybe even ambitions a bit, it’s interesting to note your change in perspective. I wonder a little whether being so ambitious in the face of French attitudes to the contrary might have been exhausting in and of itself. At any rate I’m glad you’ve arrived at a place where you feel good about things. Enjoyed this take on French vs American culture!

[@sosa8968]

Good morning. I like your videos in general but this kind of topics when you talk about the cultural differences is my favorite because it helps us viewers to know what to expect when visiting France. Keep doing what you do and good luck 👍🏻

[@davidfiner5657]

Sara Mofasa I agree with you!

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks =) It's definitely worth diving into them from time to time on my end as well!

[@jasontreffry9151]

I'm moving to Paris right after the new year for a grad program at AUP and this video is immensely, incredibly and absolutely insightful. Thank you so much for this. I've moved 9 times in the last 9 years around the US to all corners, Washington state, South Carolina, Maryland, Alaska, California, all over, and I purposely think of these things and try to research how the locals think and operate and what the cultural "norms" are for that area because those definitely effect how someone views my choices and thoughts. This is exactly the type of information I was hoping to find to prepare for my move and I think your words speak more value to setting me up for success than any other video I've seen on KZbin because you speak to the core of the French mindset and that is what everything else blooms from. This is huge for me to understand, and not just react. Thank you!

[@saralamere6652]

Jay! I am so grateful for your videos. I found your channel this past semester and have watched many of your videos in that short amount of time. I’ve always loved France (my fathers family is French) and am currently studying the language in college. Watching your videos inspired me to seek more adventure/experience; now I’ll be visiting Paris for 3 weeks in June! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. Much love, Sara.

[@JaySwanson]

Awesome! Glad to inspire a little adventure 😉👍 I hope you have a blast while you're here!

[@jolenestewart8156]

Will be in Paris next month for a few days and am OBSESSED with your Vlogs, tips, suggestions, everything.....I have watched so many different “Paris/Europe” videos and your channel is hands down the most authentic and real! Thanks for your work, I am hoping that I can remember all the good tips when I’m there... (slightly nervous, but way more excited)

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you! And I'm sure you'll have a great time - you'll be having too much fun to bother remembering it all 😂

[@AnneMB955]

I like your thoughts and the way you express them. People could say we’re all different but we do have our own culture and ideals. Well done!

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks =)

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

That was so fantastic. I'm also currently an American expat in Paris, and I've watched lots of cultural differences videos in addition to having my own observations. Yours were not at all the typical superficial ones, but the deeper, more meaningful ones, and you expressed them clearly and eloquently with a balanced point of view. Very sincere, with no judgment. Loved it. And, you talk really fast just like I do so I felt like I was with my peeps. 😆

[@ericmiller2189]

lived in France for a year and about to move back there. Everytime you were about to start a comparison it seemed it was going to come off as harsh and I braced myself for it, but everything was very insightful and well thought out. Hope you're doing well! This is the only video I've seen so far and there's a slight hint that it might be breaking ya! Keep up the spirit!

[@elenadelavega2861]

Your analysis of the educational systems and their differences is totally on point!

[@JaySwanson]

👍

[@bradmeseck2317]

Thanks Jay for these videos. I have worked in France for six weeks over the last four months. Your videos were very helpful! Keep up the great work!

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks! I'm happy to share them =)

[@tulipwindmill]

Making French friends takes time and patience.You will make mistakes along the way.I have been really lucky in that I have had the likes of yourself and others on KZbin help me understand cultural differences,which has been a big bonus.Be chill,polite and friendly,let them open up to you. Its worth it,I promise.My French friends are wonderful x

[@JaySwanson]

I love mine too =D

[@jenb7850]

Oh boy Jay you are starting to venture into the whole Sociology World View thing when you discuss different cultures. I love these in-depth videos you do and I have mentioned it before, but I think if you could ever fit it into your work load you should do a short course into Sociology and what it encompasses. You covered so much in this video. thanks again

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks! And I'm always up for more education - you nailed the struggle in time though =/

[@intorsusvolo7834]

As an American, I believed the “you can do anything” thing and it blew up horribly in my face and I’m still getting over it after many years.

[@andr386]

Merci. I've seen plenty of videos on cultural differences and they sounded more like clichés. It's really refreshing to hear you. Good job.

[@kathykallas3176]

Thanks for your balanced input with the culture perspectives. Your cup looks really good. Can't wait to see the end product. Nough chit chat.

[@JaySwanson]

Me too! 😃

[@veronicamaloney1307]

Definitely agree with this. You have an awesome way of explaining things. I had an amazing time visiting France because of your videos just like this, being able to be mindful, but also be more middle ground and open to new experiences. It was also awesome meeting you Jay! Can't wait to be back for some space invader hunting!

[@PHDinMeTV]

Good points regarding both countries. Thanks for sharing 🌸

[@JaySwanson]

😊👍

[@SteveFeatherstone]

your incite into this is extraordinarily accurate, and not just limited to USA and France. Stephen Fry does a great observation on the difference between US and UK comedy which has a similar difference to what you said about the school system

[@julymusic2964]

Thanks for your video, as a French, it's really interesting to have your point of view :)

[@JaySwanson]

My pleasure!

[@BooneLovesVideo]

Super great video Jay!

[@JaySwanson]

JASON BOOOOOOOOOOONE! How are you? I've been meaning to reach out - we should grab a drink sometime. Also thanks =D

[@jenniferlemming3249]

Your scenario of French Realism vs American Optimism is very clearly illustrated by the persona played by Truffaut alongside the Richard Dreufuss character in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind to pull a really superficial example out of the collective cultural hat.

[@aubryandreas9864]

I completely agree with the whole ambitions vs. practicality in France. Currently teaching with TAPIF and it's been interesting seeing how this starts even at the primary level. I would say living in the countryside, it is a little bit easier to find people willing to go outside of their friend group, but yea still difficult!

[@JaySwanson]

City life definitely has a big impact on this

[@troglodyto]

i found the discussion about ambition vs. satisfaction in what you have very interesting as a canadian with a french wife. she finds it fascinating lol.

[@jenniferl1702]

I love the "sociology" aspect of this video rather than just "cultural" aspect. So many videos are so shallow.. I'd like to read what he wrote because I think it would have some depth..

[@JaySwanson]

🤗 - book on the way

[@lauridomingo]

Sounds consistent with what I understand to be some challenges. Culture is so deeply imbedded, kudos to you for taking on the daily hurdles with that can do attitude 🇺🇸

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks 😊

[@ashagerhard8906]

About the grades, I’d say it happens to get 20/20. It’s just a lot more rare than having a 100% in the USA. And 11 is quite bad actually it starts being fine when you have 13-14.

[@GGACPilou]

Tu évoques des sujets super intéressant sur la différence de mentalité entre les deux pays, surtout sur l'éducation c'est vraiment très pertinent ce que tu dis quand tu dis que ça a un avantage et aussi le défaut que ça peut donner aux français, je me reconnait bien là dedans

[@gypsyrubbertramps3487]

Ambition was definitely a culture shock for us too! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@JaySwanson]

haha, it's a thing

[@jinushaun]

My American friends in Paris had the exact same observation. The answer to every question was “parce que!”

[@Democracy_Addict]

"make money, not friends" 😂

[@JaySwanson]

She's hilarious

[@palios]

This is more of a Northern European thing than European in general. France, UK, Gramany, the Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries have pretty much the same mentality regarding the openness of the people, the job description etc. In the South things are really different.

[@JaySwanson]

True! The north/south dichotomy is reflected in the US somewhat too, albeit with less of a scale.

[@gypsyrubbertramps3487]

Yes, I grew up in the south and it was one way of life. Then I moved to South Florida which didn’t have so much protocol because it is a melting pot of different cultures which I love!!!

[@synapsonm3483]

I'm French and your point of view is interesting and relevant

[@ricobalboa5288]

As a Mexican I share your perspective about mingling with people here in Paris. Sometimes it's just so annoyingly difficult. And believe, the french way is hardly appreciated by most of cultures during the first years.

[@JaySwanson]

It takes getting used to for sure. I bet the cultural welcome felt even colder for you than it did for me.

[@cermelem]

Now you can drink two cups of coffee... at the same time! ☕☕😀😎

[@JaySwanson]

CUPPA x2!

[@vikasun8449]

So agree with every point you did ! Thank you for the video

[@JaySwanson]

You're so welcome!

[@MartinOcando]

So Sanya invites you so you can meet beautiful women! OMG, I LOVE HER 🥰BTW, we've been also struggling with life in a different country for the past years and is no fun. The cultural shock can be very intense. It helps that you are in such a beautiful place, though, and things work the way they do there, and you are at stone throw distance from such amazing places.

[@JaySwanson]

=D

[@carla919]

Nice cup hope you will show the finished product. I used to do ceramics and teach ceramics to Pre Schoolers which was so much fun they were so cute. I loved watching them create and was just excited as they we were to see their finished pieces, I am glad that you found it relaxing have you ever created a piece from scratch ? if not I highly recommend it because it is 100 times more relaxing than painting a piece. love the video in general I like when you talk about French culture and like the fact that you are simple comparing American and French values and not beating down the French as some You Tubers do.I think I prefer French ways of life to American but, you are totally right about the" bureaucracy"

[@JaySwanson]

I've never made one from a lump of clay, no, but I would love to sometime. I like working with my hands =)

[@Foxintox]

You can actually get 20/20s but it’s very difficult . In scientific classes (chemistry , physics , maths) it’s going to require your work to be flawless in every single way , and in more subjective subjects like litterature , philosophy and languages you need to be turn in something mindblowing even for the teacher . Also for official national exams like the BAC , there are clear instructions for correctors on how to grade the exam so the grading can be esuivalent across the country , making it pretty easy to get 20s .

[@JaySwanson]

I feel like I would never have managed one haha

[@sybilledcxl1255]

Even if they have grading instructions, the grades still really depend on the teacher, especially in litterary subjects

[@Juice505]

Sonja's one of my favorite people! Fun fact: She create the logo for Zia and designed my new menus which will be dropping soon

[@JaySwanson]

Excellent! She'll be in tomorrow's vlog as well 😀👍

[@blivieriphoto]

Ceramics party! My Mom used to do that... oh boy... back when I was in high school, maybe the mid 1980s-90's? I joined her a few times. It is fun! Add beer and its a whole lot more fun. LOL You can make yourself one of those light up Christmas trees!

[@JaySwanson]

I want to do more! 😃

[@mathieu8641]

As a french who have lived in the US I kinda of agree with your pov :)

[@Paul_C]

COFFEE POT!!!

[@JaySwanson]

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[@flrazvan]

My perception about french people, is that they are mainly 2 categories: one, very proud of their heritage and not willing to meet other culture as you said, but also a major part, which for me, surprisingly, were very nice, and trying to help. But indeed chat with them is very short. Anyway the french spirit have a special flavour, which i did not saw nowhere.

[@shondabradford4782]

So insightful Jay. You have a very clear way of staying the differences between the cultures. Thanks!

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you! =D

[@cmolodiets]

I saw you in the metro yesterday. You were at musée du louvre station at 2 H 30 PM and not alone. Couldn't stop you thou. Traveling through Paris (specially near Concorde) on gilets jaunes demo day is a pain in the bottom. You're determined.

[@JaySwanson]

We were flying along! kzbin.info/www/bejne/raLTZmmijNF9jbc

[@texsangie]

I recently found out I'm a quarter French and had NO CLUE at all growing up. Now my curiousity is piqued with this place. I guess this explains some of my personality, I do detest small talk and prefer the simple things in life.

[@onyxhydrangea]

Oooh that painting workshop sounds awesome! Do they have chalice type cups too?

[@JaySwanson]

It was great! And yeah, I think so. Not 100% sure but there were tons of options

[@lanaashford2192]

When I lived in Paris I found that if you are introduced to a French person by one of their friends they are far more likely to accept you and will be your friend for life. Where as Americans are far mor open and friendly but those friendships tend to be temporary or short lived

[@kaleidoscopeallie]

Aaaand if anybody else thinks Sonja's as cool as I do you can get yourself a regular dose here instagram.com/sonjabajic/ Really like your cup, Jay. I think you should go back and do a popcorn bowl for sure.

[@JaySwanson]

I WANT THE POPCORN BOWLLLLLLLLLLL 🍿🍿🍿

[@cloverhal2284]

Hi ! I’m french living in Paris would be great to meet if you plan some sort of meeting with your French subscribers

[@JaySwanson]

Keep your eyes on Twitter and my vlog for meetups for sure!

[@AnitasDreams]

You had me at the song today!!!!! I Love this one..... And painting OMG plus really good topics.

[@JaySwanson]

It was a lot of fun! =D

[@MinaMina-tf7ig]

I cannot agree more.

[@zojob9689]

Assuming Sonya doesn’t do the workshop anymore? I’m flying in for Xmas

[@teona4279]

I'm really lucky to have French (and a few others) culture naturally mixed into the tapestry of my life because it makes bridging gaps or understanding views so much easier. I've always hated American ideas of pleasantries because when you're having a shitty day you can't really tell anyone since it's against the unspoken rules. These videos are fun for me because it makes me reflect on how I was raised and it's always fun to see which parts of French culture (especially the harder to see aspects) live on through my family. Nice cup btw.

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks! =)

[@walidyouj1391]

Les gen qui crois que la France c’est un trucs de malade alors que le mec achète juste du pain il me tue 😂

[@amyjacquelineg.9541]

So glad I found your channel! So many great ideas.

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks! =D

[@kaleidoscopeallie]

As for the cultural stuff I have so much more than a comment about that. It could be a book in itself or two or three. Swedish culture is very much the same in terms of being anti ambition but the work bit is like in the States but WORSE. It's not just 'what do you do' that's the second question out of a person's mouth but 'What do you WORK with.' If you don't work in the traditional sense you more or less don't exist.

[@jenb7850]

I agree Kaleidoscope. In everything it seems 'what do you do' in many cultures that is the most important and if we like or do several things as those arty types then we don't fit into the paradigm

[@kaleidoscopeallie]

@@jenb7850 ​ Jen B Truth. . . . but then for those of us who fit that description it's not like we were ever here to fit into the paradigm anyhow. We came to SHIFT it. ;) Love it when I find the others out there and I will wave my little online pompoms around every time it happens.

[@Paul_C]

@@kaleidoscopeallie Yes to all the above and no at the same time, in essence it depends on what side of the fence you sit on. Europe is a continent where, depending what country you grew up in, all have the possibility to move to where you feel comfortable. I grew up with the mindset, because of my upbringing, I can do anything. And I did, over the years I had 4 careers, one of them failed. The nice thing about it you learn, and that is, for me, the sole reason for being alive. What mystifies me is with American upbringing is how on earth people have it in their heads, without a decent education, one can be a engineer. Wishing doesn't make it so. You have talent, and what comes next is hard work. If someone doesn't have an obvious talent, or are stupid to notice the stupidity in your kids, it falls on the educators to tell parents. To me that is the greatest lack in today's American society. Hence the vampire movies, angles are real, an inherent belief in an all powerful god, and the like. Yes, you can become whatever you want to be, sadly not everyone can. There is one very 'important' thing which bothers me about it are the myriad of tv show based on the stupidity, that people who think they can sing, dance, drive a car, or whatever. And none ever told them the couldn't.

[@jenb7850]

@@janebaker966 sounds like an artistic world view?

[@Paul_C]

@Captain Brandon Horror Film Lover Eh, I never said anything else. For me 'faith' is the wonder of being alive. Whatever your worldview is, that has to be up for debate. However I draw a line in the sand where religion is concerned. Books a written where religion has no part in the story, that tale can be the basis for an opera, a film or any other form of expression. A vampire movie is like any other story, a story that, when the vampire stuff gets stripped down to an idea, its basis is the same, the capacity of humans to reason with eachother. The moment religion gets thrown in the mix, all reason vanishes. All of a sudden it becomes them versus us. Since time began, sentient beings are evolved, as an example look at dolphins and the interactive nature of the pod structure. They have personalities within that pod, a structure not unlike you see in humans. The problem is communicating with them. The same holds true for chimps, bonobos and the like. As far as we know we have the natural world figured out, at least up to the point of our present understanding. Within that framework we live and work, and is ok, minor things like climate change not withstanding. So, for the love of 'whatever deity you pray to', go watch a vampire movie, just realise they are a figment of someone's imagination. Some believe Christmas is only complete when there are presents, brought to childeren by a man in a flying sleigh, pulled by reindeer. People tend to grow out of that story too.

[@joebrouillard565]

Excellent vlog today. Extreamly useful information and insight into the French psyche.

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks =)

[@srqpdq6697]

As a Quebecer with one foot firmly in both American and French Culture I find this bang on. The notion of starting the grading at zero is reflected in the language "Tu est NUL" is one of the worst insults and used regularly. Similarly, the oft repeated disparagement of " Tu est CON" keeps people from taking too many chances and destroys creativity. In America you can fail spectacularly and be told " 'A' for effort; At least you tried".

[@patrickmcshane7658]

Mon Dieu! You checked two boxes!

[@cloverhal2284]

Also speaking about ambition I feel like my generation (1998) is way more ambitious than other generations...might be just an impression though but that’s my two cents

[@JaySwanson]

That would be great!👍

[@DK-mc1yr]

Colored glaze, detail tape and beer...what else do you need?

[@JaySwanson]

It was a lot of fun =)

[@pathallam986]

Most appropriate intro -I'm in Edinburgh today. Pretty coffee cup! I think Brits fall between Americans and French: plenty of entrepreneurial people but also plenty happy to jog along. Downside to US ambition: work is your life esp in corporate world where no-one gives a s*** about your personal life viz. dreadful vacation & maternity provision. The French understand (more) about working to live, not the other way round. Remember this😏 Brits also have Tall Poppy Syndrome ie we love the underdog & prefer people to keep their success to themselves. Also think it's easier to make French friends with people who have also lived abroad. They understand the challenges and are not quite so bound to their lifelong friends. Sorry for such a long comment, so much content today!

[@JaySwanson]

Making friends abroad who haven't lived abroad is always an extra challenge I think. Enjoy Edinburgh and thanks! I love the cup (here's hoping it looks good glazed)

[@bridgetleonard6702]

I love the one box part LOL :)

[@TMD3453]

Really good, best I've seen on the cultural differences topic- re the education system, and how differences can be mutually exclusive. Good ending with the ceramics studio. Probably the best way to meet French people is through mutual interests. Cheers all the best

[@kmichalene]

Geez, Jay! I was going to respond to many of your points, mostly just to agree and perhaps expound on one or two. I think it will suffice to say DITTO. I have the very same experiences here. It’s not easy. I purposely avoided the expat community for the sake of my French language skills and, after eight years in France, I’m sorry I did that. I didn’t know how hard it would be to get to know the locals or what their perspective would be on my openness/friendliness or on my “can do” attitude. 0). Live and learn...

[@ShadowIsSnarky]

It all makes sense to me now! I was born to live in France. But I live in America...sadly... I don't have big ambitions or dreams. And I'm happy in my box. And I am also of the mentality that I'm not special. Because I'm not. I'm a workerbee in the background. And I love it. And I /hate/ small-talk. I hate it.

[@AlaaSHOWS]

I really adore the intro

[@teraysa919]

Great Vlog! So true about cultural differences, happens here in the US too, different states have acceptance cultures also. Love your glass and wood coffee carafe! 🍵

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks! =D

[@mmatih22]

I think you’re coming at life from an artistic viewpoint/ as an artist I always want to grow. Nd everything in my life feeds my art. is that the same for you as a writer? If so it all makes sense, I think writing and being a videographer is perfectly compatible. It’s a sort of journalism what you’re doing, it’s journalism around your own life - but it’s a autobiographical journalism- and writing. Journalism are basically the same thing. Writer-videographerseems totally legit. I think the cliquish ness of the French or other Europeans is different from the openness of the Americans and I find it annoying but it’s historically snd sociologically explainable. It seems you yourself might be part of the expat clique 😐

[@JaySwanson]

Sadly, it can be hard to navigate out of and between cliques =/

[@RoxanneM-]

Very cool Jay! I loved this video and the pottery painting. 🤗

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks!

[@paulgreenlee7123]

I agree with the French and friends stuff

[@Leila2023_]

we tend to juge on profession in the uk too, that's one reason i left the uk, but we can be even more judged in other countries... in asia i had much more respect for being a teacher so some careers are much more respected abroad compared to the uk. we also have the exact same start up culture in the uk. i find it frustrating and boring in the french culture. bringing up kids in france can be quite depressing, as i was brought up like the american way so i was an overly confident kid, and i see my kids as being very modest, ot lacking in confidence... but i think this is where the french impressive style comes from where they are just great at stuff, but don't see it themselves. have you noticed that? it's what i find charming about the french.

[@charlesblack1086]

Very informative. Merci!

[@franck4727]

Really good video you have nailed it.

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks 😊

[@thedavidguy01]

As George W. Bush supposedly said, the French don't have a word for entrepreneur. Oui, je sais bien que ce mot est français.

[@amayastrata4629]

So funny.

[@Paul_C]

@@amayastrata4629 You really think it funny? To me it would be an indictment of American schooling.

[@JaySwanson]

More accurately an indictment of the electorate

[@kerrin-gaihofstrand4313]

I better not comment on the cultural differences...I might sound terrible....love Paris...that’s all I will say...see you tomorrow xx Kerrin and Leia xx

[@JaySwanson]

=D

[@javanutz1]

Your education perspectives are spot on about our system. Too much false hope in the American system. While studying in France, Their system though strongly encourages critical thinking while here learning is more short-term and low level thinking skills.

[@RoxanneM-]

Frank S. Funny, I was thinking along the same lines... French ambitiousness is expressed more cognitively, and emotionally, not materially as we do here. I agree on what you say about the education. I know..., because my father’s family is French. Don’t get me going on that one..., is not all good. 🤢

[@javanutz1]

Roxanne M Yes they put much more strength on internalizing learning than we do here . Tests are more subjective such as essays and compte-rendus as well as oral tests for which you need to have an absolute control over the subject area. It’s too bad that our system still encourages objective type tests that do not show internalization of subject matter.

[@sybilledcxl1255]

I agree!!! In France, most of our tests have questions in which you have to think by yourself and make an argument, even in some scientific subjects.

[@l.w.paradis2108]

Dreams and ambitions and risk-taking are for the arts and sciences, including of course literature. Not for a job, or money, basically.

[@cat_city2009]

"The French don't approve of ambition" *laughs in Napoleon*

[@lynnr33]

Love your mug-lol!

[@marsattaqueladelinquancest9727]

My American husband arrives for Xmas after the elections. He might have a shock lol but he loves me much more. I told him to avoid Paris at the moment. Lol I'm fond of the Am accent the only one I understand

[@AnneMB955]

Baguette and coffee. Yum! French is my favourite food in the world.

[@JaySwanson]

=D

[@sybilledcxl1255]

You haven't seen the best of it yet...