What does it mean to be French?

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France has a population of 67 million people. It’s undeniably a multicultural and multi-ethnic society. But what does it mean to be French? In this episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula focus on French identity and how it’s changed over the years. We also take a look at the symbols that bring citizens together: the Marseillaise, the tricolor flag, Marianne and of course, the rooster.
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[@erepsekahs]

French President Charles DeGaulle said, "How can anyone govern a nation that has two hundred and forty-six different kinds of cheese?"

[@patrickmcshane7658]

But how about zee wine?

[@dezafinado]

That's really cheesy of de Gaulle... you govern the cheeses with whines. 😎

[@ravenshireful]

"There are people in France who still cling to the idea that France is a predominantly white & catholic..." Umm, it is.

[@samrevlej9331]

The mere fact that the majority of the population is white or that the main religion around is Catholicism doesn't justify ignoring ethnic minorities or forgoing principles of secularity.

[@ravenshireful]

@@samrevlej9331 "the mere fact..." Priceless.

[@samrevlej9331]

@@ravenshireful Yes. Do you have a problem with my wording? It's a fact, and I acknowledge it; I'm a rational person. I also acknowledge the fact that significant and growing proportions of the population are not white or Catholic anymore, and that we can't ignore this reality. Furthermore, France has been a secular state for over a hundred years, with a strict separation between religions and governments. Though some try to take advantage of this to point fingers at some people, this means religious discrimination by public institutions is forbidden by law, even more so since WWII and the Holocaust. A growing part of the population is atheist or irreligious in some way. There are also very strict laws against racial or ethnic discrimination. Of course bigotry exists. That doesn't mean it shouldn't be fought and eradicated. A kid's going to get sick or break something at some point in their life. Doesn't mean you don't take them to the doctor/hospital and try to heal them.

[@ibrahimsulaiman9047]

@acammtt Invaders??? What sort of weapons do they have? Who's their general? Where's their headquarters?

[@samrevlej9331]

@@ibrahimsulaiman9047 Why, I'd like to know as well!! For I have scoured the land high and low, looked at the skies, peered at the seas, and yet I have not witnessed a horde of invaders rushing France. But perhaps these fellows know more than I do. I'm sure they're very informed and articulate individuals.

[@jamesalmeida9972]

I love France, its people and ideals. I still believe that the Republic is for everyone. That being said, the exodus of Jewish people from France is alarming; it should be a wake up call to all. These people are very hardworking, independent, doctors, bankers, teachers and more.

[@460mas]

What does it mean to be French: Protest all the time.

[@patrickmcshane7658]

Even the baguettes

[@robertrichard6107]

@@patrickmcshane7658 Gluten Free?

[@patrickmcshane7658]

@@robertrichard6107 Of course

[@AlbandAquino]

As long as they are organic, I'm fine with it.

[@jason4275]

For the women having a sexy accent.

[@jamestrueblood1990]

Born in America to French mother I have dual citizenship I prefer the way we do things in France it feels more like home and I’m a French Jew

[@stevencarrier2466]

I Love Flo and Genie!

[@johndavenport8843]

Your shows are very informative. Merci

[@TriStarIII]

What and who is actually French is very clear; there is no identity crisis nor were the French, or other Europeans for that matter, ever asked if they actually wanted this "change"; what has been going on for decades now is a large scale immigrant invasion, problems and turmoil ensues

[@bretwein3793]

Την αλήθεια λες αδερφέ μου. Ευρώπη για τους Ευρωπαίους.

[@hellooutthere8956]

my daddy was French. my mother was half French. tht makes me 3/4 French. send me my citizenship papers.

[@nikosmanganiotis3519]

sharon anderson Pourquoi ils sont morte?

[@victorpianet8066]

Your parents should have asked them in the consulate for you when you were born ^^ but I think you can still go to the consulate yourself and ask for it with proofs of your ancestry, if you really want it!

[@ricotaline]

Your name is Sharon. Stay in US, thank you.

[@LG-bs1rs]

@@ricotaline 😂

[@yunyizhe]

This is ethnicity not nationality.

[@fellowcitizen]

@FRANCE 24 English Very serious grammatical error; the title should read 'What does it mean to be French?'. Usage: Brigid: "What does it mean to be French?" Brigitte: "It means Nouvelle Vague, Sartre, and May 1968." Brigid: "Oh really, I thought it meant Louis Lumiere and sailor-shirts."

[@AddyW007]

Mind your own business fellow citizen

[@graysonbrowning2896]

Why does she keep on saying that America is a multicultural society? America is a multiethnic society that unites around a common American culture, thus she is not nor ever has been a multicultural society.

[@johnstewart7025]

I believe the idea is that America respects its minorities and doesn't insist that that they all assimilate, which was more the model in the 1950s, for instance. The Jews have pretty well assimilated, and I think there are some Asians and Hispanics that have, too. However, there are Hispanics that only speak Spanish and likewise Asians who don't learn much English.

[@biggsleezy]

@@johnstewart7025 isn't america a coubtry with no offical language

[@johnstewart7025]

@@biggsleezy true, but it has had an ethnic / cultural majority for a long time. So assimilation has been government policy off and on. The native Americans were forced to adopt western clothing, language and religion here and in Canada. I believe that may have been true in New Zealand, as well.

[@RoyalKnightVIII]

In a way you're right, the US has always been a Genocidal Culture that stamps out other cultures whenever possible, often violently

[@marsattaqueladelinquancest9727]

Yes that makes sense , the common sense

[@barnabydinosaurroadsafetyp3457]

France is lovely - but to get on here you have to respect the culture that is here and it is unique. Like an etiquette for many things that other countries do not understand. From food to intellectual debate there are unwritten rules - break them at your peril. For people moving here watch what the native French accept and it makes life easier.

[@CyborgZeta]

France seems to prioritize French identity over all others. It's different here in the US, where everybody loves having their own group identity. It's why identity politics has become such a big thing here.

[@tarsiusbancanus5279]

"What does it MEAN to be French?" Typo in the title

[@georgestaunton6994]

Don't forget "Français par le sang versé" ("French by spilled blood"). If you are wounded while serving in the French Foreign Legion, citizenhood is granted automatically.

[@trespire]

@George Staunton That's how it should be in all enlightened nations. Respect to those who serve.

[@testtalibfaridy6719]

@@trespire that's why I want to serve in french foreign legion

[@erepsekahs]

What does it means to be French? It means that when you were born you immediately realized how lucky you were, and that you were born to rule the World.........and everyone else was a peasant.

[@apocevil]

What does it mean to be French: Don't shower or take a bath

[@samrevlej9331]

What does it mean to be a trollish idiot: Look up.

[@zoefofo7769]

What if I was born in Martinique. Does that make me french

[@Penguin-lc3eg]

No

[@Penguin-lc3eg]

@Consumed King well if you have French ancestors sure, but if not even if you have citizenship you're not actually French, you just happened to have an French ID. If I moved to any country in Africa except south Africa, and I lived there my whole life, I might be a citizen of whatever nation I'm living in but I still wouldn't be a true African. You cannot pick your ancestors and heritage. I'm of European decent and I cannot change that. All French people have to be at least of European decent.

[@Penguin-lc3eg]

@Consumed King we have very different ideas of identity then. To be French if more than simply being from a French territory. You need the culture, the language, the ideals and values. Napoleon is French more so than anyone from overseas territories. Corsica is French. Even if only recently acquired. By your arguement all the native Americans in French Louisiana and Canada must also be French because they were once in French territory. French isnt just about location. It's about ethnicity, culture, language, shared history and values. Martinique deosnt have most of the those.

[@Penguin-lc3eg]

@Consumed King yes each region is unique but still tied together. I guess if you want to consider them French go ahead ots not like it really matters

[@victorpianet8066]

Hi! If you were born in Martinique, the same rule as everywhere else in France would obviously apply ^^ so, as Flo said, you would need to spend 5 consecutive years living in France to automatically become French when you turn 18 (if none of your parents are already French, obviously). This rule and all the others do apply in every part of France, be it a far away island or mainland France (except maybe New Caledonia, because it's always much more complex when it comes to NC haha). Furthermore, people of Martinique and every other oversea territory are French citizens: there's no special status, no differences (except maybe when it comes to NC, once again). I hope it made things clearer!

[@skeptick6513]

Flo Villaminot ooh la la

[@videosinfrench9928]

I love France, the people, the language, the culture, the cuisine. I've gone to France 13 times on vacation. I would move there in a heartbeat. Alas, I do not have the monthly income to apply for a visa as an expat. Et, je suis vraiment désolé

[@longfordboy2538]

To be French means you must be a very homely woman

[@Aritul]

😕

[@robertrichard6107]

@steve the cross oui, oui🤗

[@Jean_Dupon]

Nigga you don’t know a thing about french, stfu.

[@complicatedjason]

Africa won the world cup

[@redhotchilibitch]

complicatedjason Africa as the continent?

[@baldassarreromano1446]

by law they cant count people by his religion and colour becaus of colonialism and discrimination ?. What about the half of Africa economy is managed by France? what word they use for that?

[@frenchprint]

probably not knowing basic english grammar even if you're a journalist

[@meenamurmu7605]

Obtaining a French citizenship is impossible. I have been living in France, working as a scientist and paying very high tax for 13 years but can't even get an appointment to submit my citizenship application...LOL... that's what the hosts consider easy?

[@marsattaqueladelinquancest9727]

You had to prove you lived in France the first year. After 5 years.

[@ab9840]

Get yourself a immigration lawyer. They most likely know how the system works. Just make sure the lawyer is honest.

[@grandmalovesmebest]

Love your presentation! What is French? Food! Bardot! Paris! Berets! Marie Antoinette! Champagne! the Tour d France! and best of all Cinema! Love from America😘😘🙋

[@marsattaqueladelinquancest9727]

Lol you know, I'm fascinated by that American je ne sais quoi. They make me laugh so bad with their stereotypes. Everytime I wonder if I correspond to that or less with the years

[@marythoidou2352]

I'd love to be French! J'adore France!I thought that rooster is your symbol because is a very proud animal!You are the most proud people!You deserve to be!Vive la France!!!!!🇫🇷❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TheoryMINI]

I'm french, my mum leaved in Algérie Française and was sardinian origin. My father was peruvian... But I've made mine the fact that my ancestors are the gaulois... These journalist bourgeoise feminist and mondialized don't represent french people... They don't know the story and that France has gain her majesty from Monarchy and catholicism. Also our devise. Liberté inheritate from the libre arbitre catholic, égalité from that we re all son of god catholic value, et fraternity from la Paix de Dieu inheritate after invasions viking by the pope.... Yes we change, but we still have a nature and a culture. If you don't know where you come from, you don't go anywhere...

[@patrickmcshane7658]

Marie= Jesus's mommy Anne= Marie's mommy

[@ylpea5170]

It means you leave the work to your (foreign) colleagues and refuse to speak any other language than French.

[@MarquisVonLion]

Don't it sounds like something the English would do hehe...

[@robertrichard6107]

French was the language of diplomacy in the Occident at least, for quite a while. It fell apart in the Fourth Republic Colony issue with Viet Nam, and blowing up nuclear bombs with the Jews in North Africa before DeGaulle came around in the Fifth.

[@jillshort9241]

The Marseillaise is the greatest national anthem as far as the tune goes, but the words ARE gross. Maybe France should have a contest in schools for kids to come up with new words--about cuisine, philosophy, ballet, etc.--all the cultural things France has given the world.

[@marsattaqueladelinquancest9727]

The hymn makes perfect sense for the French.

[@fellowcitizen]

James Baldwin and Eartha Kitt refer to feeling very liberated amid French society (in contrast with American society.)

[@CoolioXXX52]

???

[@samrevlej9331]

Depends on the social environment. American society is regulated by extremely strict social conventions with the same base everywhere, though some classes have more than others (the steps to dating, the hosting rules, language codes...). By comparison, French society is more liberal on average, as strict codes generally only apply with higher and/or more conservative social classes. However, in terms of social mobility, American society is much more fluid. We're more cynical about the social elevator in France, thinking that only the rich and privileged will have opportunities, while Americans tend to be more optimistic.

[@ehouarnlecossec2315]

@@samrevlej9331 Perfect description

[@robertrichard6107]

@@samrevlej9331 Americans almost created a functioning middle class by the end of the 19th Century, and first half of the 20th, but the 200 families stepped in and squashed it by 1963.

[@rosiesmard]

Ines de la Fressange also once became the model of Marianne, didn't she ?

[@ricotaline]

"Liberté Égalité Fraternité" is the motto of RÉPUBLIQUE, not France. Marianne is the représentation of RÉPUBLIQUE, not France. French people are white and catholic. Minorities are strangers living in France. This vidéo is a shame.

[@luciebitzner2221]

As a French I can only desagree, catholics aren't representative of the whole population. Among the christians you 'll find protestants and orthodox people also. Moreover nowadays the majority are non-religious people

[@ricotaline]

@@luciebitzner2221 Parle français à un français. La France est catholique, pas protestante, et encore moins orthodoxe (on a jamais eu d'orthodoxes). L'athéisme est une des bêtises de notre temps. Un non catholique n'est pas Français.

[@jasonhudson739]

To be french means to eat baguette drink wine et surtout FAIRE LA GRÈVE ! Hahahahaha

[@trespire]

@Jason Hudson You forgot to mention slurping down escargot !

[@bambang303378]

It takes me 10 minutes to get French Schengen visa. So no need to get citizenship.

[@val-schaeffer1117]

Rule 1 - Be Caucasian

[@CROSSTATT]

Val-schaeffer Not all Europeans are and can be white! However, white people can be welcomed elsewhere, too. Someday, Europe will learn how to integrate. America did, I feel Europe can too.

[@marsattaqueladelinquancest9727]

Yeah. Well seen

[@CROSSTATT]

Pichkalu Pappita Yes, I'm well aware of that. However, Middle Eastern groups such as Turkish and Arab. As well as, South Asian groups such as Indo-Dravidian and Romani can be classified as "red", also. Kind of like Native American groups such as Cherokee and Cree, Inuit groups such as Yupik, Aztec groups such as Nahuatl, Mayan groups such as Kekchi, even indigenous Caribs from Dominica. Other red groups include, Amazonian groups such as Guarani, Incan groups like Quechua, and finally indigenous tribes like the Mapuche and Toba of the Southern Cone.

[@happyedgar2381]

I love France so much, I don't know how to get a French nationality. Please I your help

[@yunyizhe]

You must be over 18, having lived in France for the past 5 years, with your main income from France and not have any criminal record. :)

[@Maya_Ruinz]

Couldn't lady liberty be a symbol of Marie Anne?

[@CROSSTATT]

It's nice to see French people of different races singing along! Hopefully, many European countries will learn to embrace this! I'm not talking about students or tourists, you silly people! I'm talking about learning to see citizens of different cultures who can respect your culture and who call Europe their home! You may have different values and discrepancies, but you will govern along with them! You may get towns that are predominantly your native culture or other ethnic culture. As a Christian, I see hope!

[@marsattaqueladelinquancest9727]

Unsure that all the French agree with it..

[@masterjunky863]

Do you want to see white japanese singing along with asian japanese?

[@CROSSTATT]

Master Junky Yep.

[@masterjunky863]

So you want a big mix, a world without peoples

[@bretwein3793]

@@masterjunky863 you notice it’s only European types who’ve been convinced to do that?

[@johannbrandstatter7419]

One of the ladies here sounds like she is locked up in a bucket !

[@mc_dibia]

Yo when she hit that FOCUS

[@patrickmcshane7658]

Gentlemen, fix bayonets

[@marsattaqueladelinquancest9727]

Baïonnettes. The weapon. Yes

[@solarplexus4003]

Join the French Foreign Legion for five years to become french citisen.

[@cardaveux]

France has centralism instead of foederalism like Switzerland where i live.

[@JoseRodriguez-qd5cu]

Madame Bovier is pure French.

[@luciebitzner2221]

Madame Bovary Si déjà... n'insultez pas Flaubert...

[@solarplexus4003]

The three words so famously describing french attitude after the revolution have no real meaning in the very class-divided France, no?

[@marsattaqueladelinquancest9727]

Liberté yes. Less for the rest indeed

[@wodnilhedivad749]

"May impure blood water our furrows" nay. They are on your "French" babies' veins.

[@davidwbuck]

The trailer at the end about Ukraine didn't age well

[@AlbandAquino]

The French national anthem is quite gore ... Yes, blood is spilled. And yes, target our wives and daughters and we will respond in kind. This is, to my knowledge, one of the last "war song" on earth. Serge Gainsbourg, who bought the right to the song, made a controversial version of it a while ago. Nonetheless, Mess with us, suffer the consequences.

[@thetirelesscrusader4745]

we all love our mother tongues. but we also have to face reality. The English language has taken over the world. Now I have to master English whether I like it or not. I hate to admit it but I have to say say that Britain is ruling the world again. ENGLISH IS MY SECOND LANGUAGE.

[@CROSSTATT]

Not only do I believe in multiethnic communities, I also believe everyone should be multilingual! Not only in France, the United States, or wherever else, but every country!

[@SportingCPSempre]

you sir are very dumb

[@TheoryMINI]

Like in Liban ? Utopia leads to tyrany...

[@steffan61784]

The first interview was correct. A country is defined by its borders, language, and culture. Sound familiar? American multi-culturalism is much more controlled (although the majority of the people and our majority-government recognize that it cannot work). Only in recent decades has that changed, although that is swinging back in the direction of control. France needs that. A strong America is a strong business partner. A country full of third-worlders who farm dirt for a living is no help to the world.

[@robertrichard6107]

Dr. Vandana Shiva will take you up on that.

[@mouseskate8654]

What is the name of the songs? Jajajaja

[@wodnilhedivad749]

Somebody please.

[@mirabeaux851]

9:51 knew he was an anglophone!

[@georgewashington8184]

The employee took break

[@timberrr1126]

French Kiss, French Bread, Sharia Law, Equals The New French Culture

[@Jaunsh]

+Jane Lane missed the point mate

[@robertrichard6107]

Blame Mika Brzinzki's daddy.

[@TheScience_Network]

"FRANCISTHAN" FRANCISTHAN - ISLAM = BEAUTIFUL FRANCE.

[@ricotaline]

Francistan - islam - african population - république = France.

[@marsattaqueladelinquancest9727]

You dream too much darling

[@brf5221]

George S Dyer and Ann Smolin 10520 USA are trying to shift blame to D. WTF.

[@azizhamed9745]

Sad to be french 🥖

[@brf5221]

How is N Italy?? Milk and dairy. Ed I was badly effected by the B

[@timberrr1126]

French men needed to babysit for immigrant families. 18 babies and children per family.

[@WhoDoUthinkUr]

Soon it will be the burka for you 2.

[@samrevlej9331]

You're a bunch of psychos.

[@yanamulyana3538]

I want to be French...I love all about France...thank

[@slydesplaylists]

tres bien et attractive , aesthetic even Le Marsellais ,The Revolution _De France, l Identitie, L Origin aussi Europee mait Jaime Anglais It's not Pacem or silence of the official State Union Anthem, very historical and true. N Afrique N, Americas Est France dans Europe L Capital esrt Paris Mademoiselles. Delecroix ,tres bien . Many have attempted counter revolutionary tactic's but the Revolution was tamed after the escape of the Imperialist period of the painting but they assemble again even in Bruxells et Strasbourg .A la is in the first line of the Anthem, I could probably recognice it in a few seconds but not perform without rehearsal. N neccessare

[@zululimaecoindia9773]

Quelle hypocrisy!!!

[@brf5221]

The mother

[@trespire]

If you eat escargot for breakfast, frogs legs and drive a 2CV with a 1meter long bagguette sticking out of the sun-roof. Vive le France.

[@grapefruh8943]

6 days

[@patrickmcshane7658]

Why the rooster and how come no chicken, that would be too obvious.

[@michaelboyd6631]

The naasarions

[@pax4370]

Disturbing national anthem indeed

[@robertrichard6107]

Bloody S**T!

[@georgewashington8184]

Pomos

[@michaelfolk8475]

Von

[@tigersf1788]

France 🇫🇷 is very white and catholic indeed! Don’t try to f** it up! por favore!

[@HazeSlip]

I’m French and I cringed so hard...They’ll French wanabee

[@brf5221]

D

[@michaelboyd6631]

Wiy DOS the stoins criy OUT and the bime Ana over IT do you to LIKE to HAVE KIDES and DO you think of the the mourimes in the,USA

[@brf5221]

Hi. The

[@totensrabon1885]

Not having bath for couple of months and being proud of colonial theft, loot, genocide...

[@Jean_Dupon]

🤷‍♂️ every country have corpse under the carpet

[@BadassBikerOwns]

The French are afraid to collect census. Imagine the outcry when they found that Muslims are already the majority. 😂😂

[@pax4370]

Thats very much possible. However by no means u shouldnt think that new zealands a strong contender on this matter!

[@samrevlej9331]

Last I checked, over 78% of the country was either Catholic or irreligious. Trolling's all fun and games, 'til you meet a fact.