We need to talk about EMILY IN PARIS... | Parisian chic | Justine Leconte

We need to talk about Emily in Paris, the new Netflix show that takes place in my country and draws a pretty polarising portrait of the French culture... This video contains 12 French stereotypes and whether I think that they are true or false. It's my own personal opinion, of course.
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12 stereotypes about the French (Parisian):
0'00: Emily in Paris
1'12: Living in France without learning the language
2'38: Famous Café de Flore
3'58: Parisian snobs
5'29: Affairs at the office
6'21: Geography issues
7'08: Speaking too loud
8'09: Don't eat, smoke
9'51: The pleasure of doing nothing
10'40: The customer is always right
13'01: Awkward translations
13'25: Eiffel tower charms
13'55: The ground floor
15'18: Discussion
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#fashion #style #paris #frenchwomen #stereotypes

[@michealrosen]

12:18 thankyou for clearing this up I'm a chef in Paris and this is the best explanation someone could give, thank you.

[@justineleconte]

You're welcome 😉

[@eleo_b]

Not that I don’t agree, but what’s worse? Someone putting salt and pepper on food without tasting it, or someone putting salt and pepper on food _after_ having tasted it?

[@Ren-mm5ic]

@@eleo_b the first one means assuming all the chefs in restaurants are wrong, so you have to adjust it all the time, not giving them a chance. The second one means you wanna adjust it a little because now you realize you need it, not just an assumption.

[@ndines6237]

@@eleo_b the first one is probably doing it out of habit, which shows lack of thoughtfulness. Who does that? Someone who didn’t really care. So that person is ignorant. The second person is showing discretion. Not so bad. They’re thinking. But I suppose the chef could be insulted because someone thought better than them and had to adjust. The first one is just very bad. The second one is good, but end up being a little insulting.

[@andreaandrea6716]

@@eleo_b Before. Because it shows that you ASSUME the meal isn't properly seasoned. But if you taste the food and find it not seasoned enough for your palette, then you are simply adjusting it to your tastes. Oh... yes. Ren Li explained it even better than me!

[@lylakoimars284]

As a Russian being villanized by almost 99% of American movies\series\media - I very MUCH understand you. You wanna have a good time, and then you see all the dumb and offensive stereotypes being thrown in your face. Sometimes you can laugh it up, sometimes, I just stop watching cause enough is enough. The world is too US-centric, and it's tiresome sometimes.

[@danpatterson8009]

21st-century tech will make media more democratic. Too many creative people throughout the world for it not to.

[@eduardochavacano]

These people are idiots! The show is a COMEDy mocking the stereotypes. The show did not create these stereotypes. they exist for a reason!

[@lady_stog]

As a German, I feel your pain

[@simpleton3781]

So as a born and raised US citizen, who also studies media at university, I agree that the portrayal is very US centric bc it aims to villainize those in communist society to literally promote US / capitalist agendas. And although I don’t know how u feel like exaaactly :/ as a black girl in the US I know what it’s like to see yourself so misinterpreted on screen that it brings you discomfort to even go on watching it.

[@juanme555]

@Lylakoi Mars Have you played Call of Duty??? The entire Modern Warfare saga including the recent reboot is basically *"Vodka man bad"* 🤣🤣🤣

[@chelseal8448]

That "customer is always right" scene is so terrible. Should have been named Karen in Paris

[@ifyouknowyouknow6964]

Bruuuuh lmaooo

[@mcd5478]

😂🤣😂🤣😂👍🏼

[@deedee-es4vg]

Why is it wrong to want what you want with your food. That's like an essential.

[@loulou2302]

😂

[@phanlinh2611]

True 😂😂😂😂 I laugh so hard. My mother will smack my head out if I ask her to add a little a bit of this, less a little bit of that before even tasting the foods. (Except you have food allergies, just saying)

[@MayaMint]

Justine: "In France customer is king" Me, remembering my history lessons on French Revolution: I'll never complain to a French chef, ever.

[@justineleconte]

🤣

[@kylerphoenix7814]

I hope it’s gonna be similar here in America, where customers have reverence towards service people as a matter of respect and decency, not being such Karens to them.

[@bearcb]

I saw this poster in a restaurant in Paris: “Here the customer is king” and a guillotine underneath 😆

[@nickn2794]

French feel this show portrays their culture in a wrong stereotypical way. Italians: "First time?" Ahah.

[@mimmiblu6138]

I was thinking exactly the same.

[@ballthunder7206]

Mexican: U can understand me?

[@capsulamental]

Brazilians: dudes, welcome to the club.

[@alegnabta]

Colombian: Sooo what's up! :P

[@stephl.4399]

I know how you feel. Sincerely, a german.

[@sparkydoodle96]

ngl the most unrealistic thing about emily in paris was that everyone spoke English when they were around emily instead of speaking french with each other and then poorly and awkwardly translating the jist of it to emily once they remember her lol

[@dianaparker4807]

I thought the same thing but you can't have an American show set in Paris always having the French actors speaking French. The entire show would be subtitles. You wouldn't be able to focus on the amazing wardrobe or scenery

[@sparkydoodle96]

@@dianaparker4807 read faster?

[@dianaparker4807]

@@sparkydoodle96 🤪

[@sieeeeeeen]

@@dianaparker4807 honestly, subtitles are cool.

[@RozDuJour]

Jajajajja C'est vrai! If you live in Paris you will need to try harder to learn French. I hardly hear people saying Bonjour, Bonsoir, Merci on this TV show. Every people at a store, restaurant, or buildings in Paris will greet you. Even my neighbors who I hardly knew would exchange Bonjour madame and Bonsoir all the time. That's just how it is in France. Same in Spain where you say Hola, Buenas all the freaking time! I traveled to Paris 10x and lived there the whole summer in 2019.

[@maureyberdoy428]

I am an American married to a Frenchman. When they got to the bit where they said she was shouting, my husband turned to me and said « I told you so... »🤣😂

[@justineleconte]

hahaha please say hi to your husband for me ;-)

[@margaretmold63]

My husband use to be a quiet speaker, however, years of farming caused hearing issues, like his father. Our son, Andre, wears ear protection when running the equipment! When we have visited countries in Europe, unfortunately, it was apparent who the Americans were. Also, I have educated my children to greet the business owner or worker before asking questions and thanking when leaving.

[@olenapolianska7456]

@@margaretmold63 1

[@andreaandrea6716]

@@margaretmold63 Oh!! SO LOVELY! Manners! (They will take you everywhere).

[@EssentiallyEbonee]

Shouting or projecting? J/K. We're loud. 😂

[@UnderTheSummerSun]

What is totally unrealistic is how Emily’s followers number just goes from 0 to 2k without ANY effort

[@prassiepras]

As a social media manager, I felt this.

[@lou6584]

When my friend moved from France to Texas she gained so many followers 500 or something like that in 2 to 3 weeks just because she moved and showed her new life

[@LadySugarcube]

@@lou6584 As great as that is for her, that seldom is the case. But good for her, hope she likes it there.

[@lost_girl_in_bookland5693]

and how easily opportunities and success just fall into her lap

[@francofernandes2006]

Not even 1 foot pic.

[@basicbaroque]

People speak really loud in USA, because it's perceived as having a lot of self confidence. I'm a soft-spoken American and have had a heck of a time when I lived in my home country, with jobs specifically. Was glad when I moved from USA, because I can speak in my normal speaking voice.

[@milad2405]

That's really sad if this is a sign of confidence as it implies the opposite in fact.. Also shouting doesn't make the content better, just louder and more annoying to literally everybody :D

[@654ujala]

Yes...it’s quite obnoxious actually. Even when people are talking on the ptheir phones in public places, it seems as if they’re shouting.

[@belvederecastle]

Yes, and also I totally agree with Justine's explanation of loud music in restaurants. Sometimes it's so loud that it becomes impossible to hear the other person even when they are literally trying to scream over other screaming guests lol. It's like if I had to listen to blasting music I would go to a club, not a roadside restaurant.

[@spacequeen8329]

When I talk at a typical Northern/Western European volume, Americans literally can't hear me. They say "Where is 100th St.?" and I say "Five blocks to your right," and they say "100th? You don't know? Where is it, do you know?" and I say "Yes, just five blocks that way" and they say "Why can't you just answer me?" and walk off.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I see speaking loudly as being highly inconsiderate of the people around you. It’s boorish and in bad taste. I get very embarrassed if I’m with someone who speaks very loudly for no reason. There are a few Australians who do it, but it does tend to be seen as a sign of being lower class. And anyone who tells you Australia is a classless society... they lied. It may not be as formalised as in the UK, but it exists, and people are judged for showing signs of being “bogans”. Speaking very loudly and swearing in public (so others can hear you) are not well appreciated, regardless of what stereotypes may say. We swear a lot in private, when it’s just among friends (or even family), but if you swear in public so others can hear (without a very good reason like hurting yourself), you will be judged as being classless.

[@karolineCPH]

Justine: "Copenhagen level-prices! No one should pay this much for coffee!" Me, a Dane living in Copenhagen: Sobbing in agreement

[@christie_quite_contrary1657]

Me: cries in Norwegian.

[@justineleconte]

Poor both of you 😣

[@ellanola6284]

Well,... invite friends over and have the best coffee and a cake too.

[@vestamorgan9025]

Starbucks pricing is almost as bad, and your coffee is probably better than Starbucks.

[@erikamajdukdvwk]

Confirm? Travelling in the North Europe Is my dream, but costs too much😔

[@chancletadeldiablo894]

This show just illustrates an American interest in collecting tokens of status (Paris, luxury fashion, bougie Europeans), rather than actually wanting to truly know or engage with the culture at hand. It just shows how we're more interested in living through a projected fantasy that reaffirms our biases, rather than wanting to challenge ourselves with reality.

[@palmtreesunnies]

Thats a really interesting take and incisive take!

[@coneil72]

Wow, very well-said.

[@sunnymondy]

you can really see this in her approach to her work. She comes in and assumes that she will be teaching the firm her american, and clearly better, ways. Whilst completely forgetting that she has a lot to learn from the french

[@alecicruz388]

The word you are looking for is escapism. And the show that you want is a DOCUMENTARY.

[@chancletadeldiablo894]

@@alecicruz388 My comment was meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive. You, and everyone else is allowed to enjoy whatever they want, even if that enjoyment includes media that privilege the preservation of pre-existing narratives that reify exploitative power structures. Anyway, what if leaving dumb comments on KZbin is my preferred outlet for escapism? The word you're looking for is a public comments section meant to foster open discussion. And the thing that you want is a CIRCLE-JERK. If you don't like critique of your favorite media, why did you even watch Justine's video? Isn't her insider knowledge of her own culture hampering your escapism?

[@seybertooth9282]

The show is intended for Americans who know nothing of the rest of the world except Hollywood-induced prejudices. As such it provides the target audience with what they want. That's how ignorance is perpetuated, but it makes money.

[@dantescave1]

It’s not about ignorance... it’s just a fluffy show... calm down everybody... this is just a vehicle for adored actress and NOT a documentary. Make your own documentary and quit patronizing everybody.

[@martinasandoval5326]

@@dantescave1 agreed, these people getting worked up of a comedy. As if the French movies are not full of stereotypes themselves

[@NumberJenn]

@@dantescave1 It's not that we all don't like fluff shows or anything, you can fluff your cake and eat it too (just look at Sofia Coppella's pop-punk stylized version of Marie Antoinette) , but this one's stereotypes just come across as bland and lazy - like a sitcom written in the 80's or 90's. It's as if they forgot that by putting on NETFLIX it would have an international audience.

[@pirimpallopirimpalli4932]

I'm not sure it makes money, since it was pretty much a flop all around (except for those people who were all aawwed and aaahhhed about Paris and fashion colors)

[@amuro9624]

"the customer is always right"...

[@Neko141212]

"That's Copenhagen levels of prices on coffee!" Me, a Dane: ......... Hurtful, but true

[@Vittolf]

I was looking for this comment. "Danish salaries are higher" well not high enough to pay 8 euros for a cup of coffee!

[@HeatherPropes]

Ja, det er sandt

[@ayt1702]

Even in Tel Aviv it’s less 😅

[@thead1089]

As an American I found this show highly embarrassing. The way Emily acts is exactly the type of person I don't want to be when I move to France.

[@allisonrowley661]

yeah she's every cliché the world believes about us haha

[@paulbismuth10]

Imagine a french person in America with the same attitude 🤣🤣🤣

[@njokvt2667]

yeah, although they mostly reference french clichés, them doing that kind of subtly references american stereotypes that any self respecting person would not want to be perceived as

[@chochooshoe]

same...couldn't stand it. stopped after 15 mins...

[@nickellblair]

Agreed!

[@merlee5942]

I dont understand how she was taking French classes AND living in Paris but her French didn't improve at all 😂

[@merlee5942]

she was supposed to be there for a year. Even after a few months of intensive language study, people can say more than just "that's tres awesome!" And "bonjour!"

[@createdbychanel8960]

Emily has lived in France for a year, I can probably speak french better than her from the three months of high school classes lol

[@createdbychanel8960]

@@sod5982 Well it's also unrealistic that everyone she meets would speak perfect English. Even if it was just a few months she should still know more than just bonjour and tres. Her french classes should cover basic sentences and she's also used a translated so she should hear the french from that and begin to recognize the basics. The show should've tried harder with the language.

[@merlee5942]

@@sod5982 her not knowing French (and continuing to not know French) is just a plot device so that French men can rescue her from various damsel-in-distress situations. You're right, it is catered to an American audience, but for someone who 'doesn't care for the show,' you sure seem invested in defending the show's lack of cultural awareness...

[@delespi]

I agree. I studied in Rome for a semester and took an Italian class there. By the end of my semester I was able to speak in full sentences, ask for directions, and even order food at restaurants. She should be able to say things like "please" and "thank you" on a regular basis

[@amyjones4156]

I learnt more about French culture in these 17 minutes than I did watching the whole Emily in Paris series 🤯

[@Hera4]

I don't get the language thing. As a Greek, we always assume tourists don't know Greek and do our best to talk in English without getting offended... EDIT: I get many replies that it's different in a workplace, and I keep repeating to read the thread below. So, in Greece at least, there is no offense taken. People will talk in English even in the workplace and it's not considered offensive if a colleague doesn't know Greek. We know the language is tough, and we're happy to help.

[@Hera4]

@@marcoantonio6538 still, even if a foreigner doesn't say "kalimera" or "kalinixta" or any such greek greetings, greek people will usually proceed to speak in english, because we know foreigners don't know greek.. doesn't matter if its a tourist or not..we don't care

[@eduardochavacano]

no will get offended if a tourist is sexy.

[@cherry.bomb_]

We are the same in Denmark, we would never expect a tourist to be able to speak Danish.. but when I’m in France, Spain and Germany - they expect me to know their language and get offended that I speak English to them..

[@ilian3199]

@@Hera4 I think it comes from French feelings of superiority. Countries that have their languages taught in schools abroad usually expect foreigners to talk to them in their language. But still Emily came to work in country that almost never hires people without B2 level in French so...

[@gaellegoutain1286]

It is not the same thing to be a tourist and go work in a foreign country. If you are a tourist for 2 weeks, you might just want to learn a few basics: hello, thank you, I would like... But if you are there to live and work, I think you should at least have a conversational level.

[@rkgaustin9043]

I'm amazed the tired old trope of 'young woman moves to Paris, has quirky misadventures but also amazing intellectual and sexual experiences' is still a thing.

[@CoIdestMoments]

It's true tho

[@TheYazmanian]

Right??????? So tired.

[@rissa_plum8624]

And it also has a be from the point of View of a white woman lol

[@eduardochavacano]

actually the thing was the opposite, Darren Star made Carrie Bradshaw hated Paris and so did Aaron Spelling, when the 90210 girls went to Paris.

[@rhythmictiger]

Americans in the comments: 'we're not loud' Everyone else: 😅

[@maggieb4736]

I'm American---I'm laughing too!😂

[@GinaMarieCheeseman]

It's funny people say that because as an Armenian-American, I find non-Armenian Americans think we speak too loudly.

[@terihillgartner5702]

It's true. Not all Americans are loud. New York and the ones on TV don't represent all of us. There are a lot of us that think it's off the charts as well.

[@tanjat]

@@GinaMarieCheeseman I am Italian-American and my family is very shouty compared to other Americans. We are gregarious and everyone talks at once. My friends from quiet families think we are mad or arguing but it is normal. I have tried to go with the norm when traveling and take volume cues from those around me but it isn't easy!

[@anastasia10017]

I hate how loud americans are. it is so rude and crass. WTF do you think everybody in the restaurant/airplane/wherever wants to be forced to listen to you ?

[@antiantipoda]

I am a Brazilian that has visited Paris many times. One thing I can tell you is that you get VIP treatment just for speaking the language. Many people went out of their way to help me because I spoke a not great French. It was amazing. When my French was too bad, the French would turn to me and say "English?".

[@JamesDavidWalley]

When I was a child living over there, I went to a public school and grew up speaking French. Nevertheless, some people would conclude I was American and, when I spoke to them in French, they would respond in English. Eventually, it got to the point that, when that happened, I would quickly reply "Pardonnez-moi, je ne parle pas l'Allemand" ("Pardon me, I don't speak German"), and continue in French as before. Some of them shut up pretty quickly.

[@antiantipoda]

@@JamesDavidWalley hahahaha. that's a nice story, thanks.

[@Skye_Writer]

It makes a difference to anyone when you TRY. :)

[@SW-nx4jz]

@@Skye_Writer Not everyone can try amd some people have speaking issues and disabilities. It's sad they would be rude to them.

[@carrieherman2782]

@@JamesDavidWalley brilliant strategy!

[@cynthia333]

The scene where the co-worker asks Emily why she is speaking so loud is in the first episode. Regarding the Sophie and Emily scene where Emily asks her if she wants to have lunch - Sophie's response (she is smoking a cigarette for lunch), is Sophie's sarcastic way of playing into Emily's ignorance about French people. This sarcastic response from Sophie is a classic comedic writer's set up to lead to an impact. The impact is experienced in the later scene when Emily walks by the cafe and sees Sophie along with other co-workers enjoying lunch together.

[@mario10zeus]

Also, it shows Sophie's clear dislike of Emily and condescension towards Emily's attempt at winning her over. This was obvious to me, and that she wasn't serious when she said she was having a cigarette for lunch.

[@emmegirl6586]

Who is Sophie?

[@okcampmerricat]

*sylvie

[@emmegirl6586]

@@okcampmerricat ah ok. Makes sense now

[@Off_the_clock_astrophysicist]

Heard at a conference in the South of France: "lunch is going to be served on the first floor. For our American guests, this means that you will need to go up a flight of stairs once you enter the building".

[@2plus2by2]

As a Canadian, I would need that context too. I can only imagine the number of questions, lost participants, fielded by the host that they began to include the additional direction.

[@andoniaina8676]

between british and american there is that same problem too so when someone says first floor check first 🤣🤣

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

@@2plus2by2 I didn't know it was the same in Canada, thought it was only Europe

[@yinglin9537]

@@jbloveday9538 in Spain where i am from is the same, street level is ground floor, first floor you go up one. In China where i live, the ground floor counts as the first floor already 🤣🤣

[@melissahoneybee8493]

@@jbloveday9538 same in Australia

[@joana6714]

It's ironic because, being Portuguese, that's one thing that we criticize French people for doing: starting to talk French with anyone assuming that everybody speaks their language

[@marieke5108]

It's because A LOT of French people only speak French x) not even English a little bit

[@tessarobins2451]

I was once in Belgium and had a couple i a car with a French license plate, stop to ask me about parking in French. Luckily my French is ok so I was able to give them the info required, and thought nothing of it...until I remembered...we were in Bruges, in Flanders. Very much the non-French speaking part of the country! So...yeah, a little presumptuous to just start speaking French to a total stranger on the streets of Bruges. They didn't even ask if I spoke French. They just barreled on! It was quite funny.

[@valeriavv]

Oh, yeah! I'm Russian, but I speak both English and French and that was so annoying in Lisbon to hear every French native person speaks only French without even trying to at least start with English...🤦‍♀️

[@joana6714]

@@valeriavv This is exactly why we have a snob idea of french people. They can be so impolite in these situations

[@joana6714]

@@tessarobins2451 😂😂

[@marinadecassi]

A friend of mine who lived in Paris told me to start every sentence with "Bonjour" when asking for directions. And with that advice, me and my sister had very different experiences travelling to Paris (in different moments). My sister didn't know the "Bonjour" trick, so she had a hard time to get help and find herself. Me, on the other hand, I never had an issue.

[@spacequeen8329]

After reading this thread I started trying it in the USA. Most of us say, "How much is this?" Where I live, the polite thing is to say, "Excuse me, how much is this?" I started saying "Hi, excuse me, how much is this?" and workers are more helpful and relaxed immediately. We need this custom.

[@msjoby89]

This is basic manners. Crazy that it is thought as a “trick”.

[@ApricusInaros]

Add "Monsieur" or "Madame" after the "Bonjour" and it will be received even more positive :)

[@celsdd6906]

Sorry but saying Bonjour is not a trick. It’s just being polite. Imagine you start to address someone in the street by just saying: where is 14th Avenue? Bonjour Merci Au revoir are the minimum of all minima. Even my 7 yo son always starts talking with his teachers by excuse me Ms. I’ve always taught him to say s’il te plaît when he wants something and merci after he gets it. And I do the same with him.

[@strongpowerty9377]

So in the US when you ask for directions you dont start with Sorry or Excuse me?

[@ChampionGaming]

Im so glad that the "we work to live" lifestyle is actually true for french people, i would love if more would have the same mentality towards life in my country, its a whole different world when you see things like this. Mercy.

[@philipsparacino84]

The show is not perfect. BUT Get offended if you will but consider: It's a SHOW. IT'S MAKE BELIEVE. IT'S ABOUT AN IGNORANT GIRL WHO DOESN'T GET IT! SHE IS SUPPOSED TO OUTRAGE YOU!! It's a comedy. It doesn't have to be correct. Politically or otherwise. It has a point of view. You don't like it don't watch. STOP ASKING A FANTASY TO BE A DOCUMENTARY.

[@ChampionGaming]

@@philipsparacino84 Why did you comment this? This is totally unrelevant to my comment...

[@murielredondo1261]

@@philipsparacino84 I don't think she is meant to outrage us. I think the writers/producers really wanted us to like her, and it doesn't work.

[@romanr.301]

@@philipsparacino84 When you try to make a point but just end up saying something entirely irrelevant and false (they wanted her to be liked, it failed), and just end up looking like a crazy person. 💁🏻‍♂️

[@ramshafarooq]

"english speakers assume the rest of the world also speaks english" this is so TRUE im from Pakistan, so we're taught english from a very young age but it's so frustrating to see people come and settle in my country and then get upset with everyone for not being fluent in english, like it's YOUR responsibility to learn our language lmao

[@burooj8085]

And Pakistanis also make fun of you when you don’t know how to speak in English ,they don’t even care if you are speaking the wrong Urdu but they will call you paindu if you speak the wrong English , this has to change in our country

[@ramshafarooq]

@mewabe4 for real it's like our master/slave thinking still hasn't gone away

[@ramshafarooq]

@@burooj8085 for reallllll esp if you say something that sounds a bit accent-y they will tear you apart and call you burger for literally just speaking how you normally do

[@lizzywalker6961]

Very true! I’m from the U.K. and cringe at the very poor language education in schools - always try my best to learn even a few basic words when I’m on holiday in a country with another language! I’d like to be fluent in at least one outside of English.

[@federicomonterorivera9842]

Exactly!! I am from Costa Rica, American people who come here, they expect we all should know english, well English is the world language, but they even expect we should speak like they do and they say it to you sometimes and that's wrong. If you are in a different country, you are the one that should know that language, in this case they should know spanish a little bit at least.

[@EmmaDeer]

Dining at restaurants is one of my fondest memories of visiting France when I was 15. My water glass was never less than half full at any time. We also never needed to request something from the waiters. This was so impactful for me that I base tipping in the U.S. off of how many times I needed to ask the waiter for something and how many times my water glass is empty. I absolutely loved the dining experience in France.

[@Durtal_]

I'm a French woman (born in Paris) and what I found the most unrealistic in the series is that Emily doesn't experience any street harassment or cat calling.

[@M-CH_]

Yes, the customer is a king in France. Just remember how the French handle kings.

[@kataetwas2825]

😂

[@f.m.1259]

Best comment ever

[@nattjett88]

This comment deserves more likes

[@lucaspierre9305]

☝🏻 made me laugh! What a witty comment. :)

[@1imaginaire]

Haha

[@jehold2010ify]

The speaking loud thing is about perceived confidence. As a quiet kid I was always being told to speak up. It was the main point every teacher pointed out to my parents for me to work on. 😒 Now I'm a massage therapist and very successful being quite.

[@shalini_sevani]

It's great that you found your niche! I am very calm and serene. In so many of the jobs I had as when I was young I was perceived as lazy. Now that I am a counselor my calmness works perfectly.

[@albadiazr]

I'm Spanish but I got SO offended by the way this show portrays French people! It's what you say at the end of the video, the show put ALL French people in ONE box, and there you have it. You are so respectful talking about this... Bless you XD I hope the showrunners take notes for the second season (if there's one)

[@catrao6679]

well as a Portuguese living in London, i noticed that every single french person assumes that the whole world speaks french too! :)

[@mirnuren]

And then on top of it they criticize others even if they speak French but not with the "pure" French accent. So sad!

[@AprillianaPutri27]

Lol yeah

[@ninalapeyre4934]

Yeah but a lot of french folks live in London (in France it's pratically a meme how you can hear french everywhere when you go there)

[@josefalc29]

@@ninalapeyre4934 I remember the one and only time I went to London there were French people everywhere, it was awful :")

[@deerinheadlights7179]

i would say it is somewhat understandable when it comes to England and France because of history and all. I am from the balkans, old people here would often just know russian or french the way young ones know english.

[@rockgoddess]

The Eiffel tower on the bag is like wearing a "Hollywood" shirt in Los Angeles or a Big Ben charm in London. It screams the "senseless American girl" trope.

[@nikkismadness3781]

Idk I think if it was just a silver charm it would be fine A little tacky but whatever But the biiiiig plush heart that accompanied it 🙄

[@jenv6846]

Yet, my then eleven-year-old thought it was the most chic thing. I let her embrace her moment and love that she was in Paris at the Eiffel Tower and getting to do the funnest thing ever. I think we have to just let people be happy in their moment sometimes. Me, I ate everything I came across and thoroughly enjoyed five days of exploring a city I certainly never thought I’d get to step foot in. We loved every single step of the 55 miles we put on our feet!

[@rockgoddess]

@@jenv6846 I agree with that! Attitude and intention is everything. If you're not going around with an air of arrogance about what you're doing and just having fun, that's a lot different. My mother let me do some silly things as a child and I think that's a healthy way of growing up. Life shouldn't be boring and self-expression is important.

[@lg4062]

Yes, I think that's a good point because its very intentional in the show that she embodies that trope. Her fashion especially is meant to embody this American girl thats embarrassing/distasteful but also somewhat cute and endearing in her tacky effort to romanticise being in Paris. But, many other aspects of the way they portray culture and her engagement with it don't come off so self aware on the writers part haha... It's sweet where her American personality grows on the characters a little slowly, but it makes no sense when she's portrayed as SO attractive to everyone in France!

[@Ruby-xk8kn]

Haha i was scared to even wear a beret in paris because i didnt want to look like a cheesy and stereotypical tourist 😂

[@booksnlipstick]

Professional Historian here: the smoking trope comes from the modernism movement that came into popularity during the 1920s. Paris was central to the proliferation of modernism and specifically The Modern Girl - who was thin and smoked a lot. It’s a trope that still clings to French culture today!

[@GardensOfChina]

That's interesting! Also, I do think Parisians display smoking as a socialising rite especially at apero.

[@Schnugelli]

French people used to smoke much more before all the "no smoking inside" (which is good). It's really a form of socialization, hanging out with friends while "doing nothing", like drinking a coffee at the café and people watching... Well, the actual habit often happen(-ed/-s?) in middle/high school, that said, peer pressure, wanting to be cool - or just different...

[@GardensOfChina]

@@Schnugelli yeah I totally was the only non smoker sticking to my smelly smoker friends on the break between classes at uni. I think Parisians do it way more in general than in provinces although larger cities have similar socialisation

[@camillekirsch9558]

It is actually true that the French smoke more than Americans today, though--according to the World Bank, in 2019 ~30% of French adults smoked every day versus ~15% of American adults. Also, in the US smoking rates are much higher in rural areas than urban ones, whereas in France, city people smoke a lot! So an American New Yorker or Chicagoan who visits Paris is probably going to think, "wow, the French smoke so much more than us!"

[@Melou1111]

The thing is, more French people smoke, but as Justine points out, French smokers smoke much less. If we talk about the number of cigarettes smoked per year per capita, France is only 7% higher than the US... But as pointed out by you and Gardenslover, smoking is prevalent in cities and at cafe and restaurant terraces in France, making it way more visible, especially to tourists!

[@shaunabeland8076]

This was spot on! As an American who's been traveling to Paris (via Sanofi) for 14 years, the chef /wait staff do treat you like a guest and you should ALWAYS taste first! When I first started going I was taken aback by the kindness of staff who brought me a coffee or champagne after talking to them about the food. Food should be smelled, tasted and as I tell my children ....savored.

[@mfs-1215]

About the whole "Americans speak super loudly," that's totally true, but I don't think it has anything to do with loud cities. (As someone who's lived in both the country and several major cities, Americans in rural areas are often louder than city folk.) I think there's an expectation in America that if you want to be heard, you have to speak up. You have to make yourself heard and you can't/shouldn't expect others around to quiet down in order to hear you.

[@livelovelife32]

That's an interesting point. Thanks for making it!

[@charlotteelie1229]

Very interesting point ! I'm french and culturally, we have exactly the oppposite reasoning : It's considered respectful and well mannered to "make room" when talking to someone, we expect people to let us talk with intent listening and no interruption, which implies being quiet when listening to a person talking. Like ping-pong : "your turn, my turn" :p

[@tocatafugue]

Basically they're overly individualistic, hence "the squeaky wheel gets the grease"

[@magy180300]

This is true

[@magy180300]

I have been told that I must talk louder because they assume I'm being shy when I'm not

[@SoulfulVeg]

I've been to Paris, I and attempted to speak rudimentary French (not so well). I found the French people to be polite and accommodating. I think people appreciate when you try to speak the language (even poorly) and if you do need English, to ask if the person speaks English politely and with humility. Basically, be a good guest, and most people respond.

[@messrsandersonco5985]

My easy hack to get French people to speak English: you start off explaining something in French, and when you get stuck, they will switch to English. It's foolproof!

[@SoulfulVeg]

@@messrsandersonco5985 agree 100%

[@kathrynkelly891]

I absolutely agree. Before my first trip to Paris, I'd heard that French waiters were typically rude to Americans. I always tried to order in my very broken French, and got smiles and considerate treatment. A little effort went a long way.

[@SoulfulVeg]

@@kathrynkelly891 so true. Everyone wants people to respect their culture and be a good guest.

[@lauralaladarling3775]

Hello Justine, I loved this information and presentation. As Emily in Paris was a relatively, current production, I would have imagined the film would have been far more beautifully shot and produced with subtle, intelligent, references to cultural differences that were witty not vulgar and clumsy. Thank you. Xx

[@SarahBiercBandC]

Hi! An American here! So, I’ve interestingly done some research into why Americans speak so much louder (it’s something I’ve been curious about for years). And according to the language, speech, and vocal experts I’ve consulted, the reason why is not because Americans are actively speaking “louder.” Meaning, we do not necessarily use more breath to increase our volume. Rather, the placement of our sound, generally, is nearer to the front of the mouth where there is more resonance. That makes our sound louder without the effort of, literally, raising our volume. We, also, tend to open our mouths more when we speak, so more sound comes out. In many other countries, some English speaking, some not, the people speak with a more closed mouth and use different resonators in the mouth, that don’t have as intensive resonating quality. In short, the way we speak is like we are talking in an empty cathedral - the sound is echoing everywhere without much effort simply because of all the hard surfaces from which the sounding is bouncing. In contrast, many other languages speak like you are in a carpeted room - you can still clearly hear what is said, you just don’t have the reverberation.

[@nancydeleon2124]

Thank for this interesting information, now I know why we sound (speak) so loud!

[@DameofShalott]

mmm. That is an interesting theory but then how come the English of England is not loud and the American one is? How come that when I meet well-manered and educated American people, they are not loud in the least? Whether there is an historical/linguistical explanation for that, this being loud sort of upholds the image of American as less sophisticated and mannered than Europeans; although it is probably a matter of education and social class for some French can be loud, etc.

[@DameofShalott]

@@sarelloo Thank you but I did understand what she was referring to. Not to throw at anyone's face the argument of authority, but linguistics is my job, and although I can see the point of this theory, it is hardly an excuse for that American tendency to being loud. Explanations are mostly to be found on the sociocultural side, as often. Wherever you articulate your sounds in the vocal apparatus, even though it does impact the resonance, the intensity of the latter is not going to be that much different that it can explain such loudness.

[@snowggirl]

You can definitely pick out Americans in Europe. They are not discrete in public. They ARE loud. The French don’t blast music in every store. People live quietly because of the density. They are more hushed in restaurants. In public, in general.

[@danielatorrespino]

@@DameofShalott I actually think British English is loud as well

[@nannasrensen7674]

Watching this while sipping my expensive ass coffee in Copenhagen and feeling personally attacked ...

[@abdimojo8794]

😳😊

[@yiwoty7379]

Ha feel ya *sipping on my frappe with caramel on a bar in århus*👀

[@ribevej57]

She's totally right, coffee prices are RIDICULOUSLY high in Denmark 😏 and danish baristas trying to make up for that with a lot of nonsense fuss...take a lesson from Italy, for once.

[@Lilliathi]

You could basically start working half-time if you didn't consume such overpriced things.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I thought that was ridiculously expensive, and I’m Australian. We have a seriously high cost of living here. But our coffee is not that expensive, mostly because we drink so much of it and are terrible coffee snobs. Most Aussies I know try to bring their own coffee (or have it sent to them), if they have to spend time in America. Their coffee is just awful! Bitter dirt water covered up by far too much corn syrup and milk. Australia has a coffee culture- to the point where we put Starbucks out of business here very shortly after they opened. It’s still taught in business school as a warning as to why market research is so important before you expand into another market. We take our coffee very seriously. Many of us have our own espresso machines at home, and we tend to visit small individual cafes over big franchises. So if our coffees were that expensive here, we’d just bring our own espressos from home. Our cafe good is very expensive though. But a coffee tends to sit at or below $5.

[@Burkutace27]

Americans: "Oh my gawd, those French people are so rude." No, they're just pissed off. At you.

[@Layla-dd9pg]

I was just wondering where the Algerians were in the Paris Emily was living in.

[@aminabenlifestyle7011]

Hahaha 😂

[@leminasyan]

where are every other nationality? they put one Asian one Black person there and everybody else even people in the background are all white, which is very far away from truth. the white-washed everything, fu

[@leminasyan]

@@eduardochavacano wow, I have a feeling you need a lot of love, light, and support

[@araweelospirit4180]

Anna Мinasyan I think Sylvie should have been Algerian

[@ch3rub752]

@@eduardochavacano dude algerians & stuff are like half of paris lol. the maj of ppl there aren't white (i live there btw). arabic & african are basically the african americans & latinos of france kinda

[@araikortam]

I personally thought that the scene in the restaurant was very rude. And how she didn’t even understand how rude she was in that scene kinda showed how ignorant she is. So happy to see you back, Justine.

[@maryokeefe5351]

Agree. None of the clips I've seen make me want to watch the show. the Emily character is just so obnoxious.

[@Kaybye555]

That's the point. It's a play on both sides. Ot exaggerates both to try and having go back and forth between both. I'm sure the show is not meant to be taken seriously. It's not a drama it's supposed to be silly

[@CO1225]

@@Kaybye555 exactly what I’ve been thinking. Lots of people are defending themselves/their culture in the comments, but it’s very clear to me that the entire show is very exaggerated, as a comedy tends to be. I enjoyed the show because I know they’re written to act ridiculously. Obviously some people really are as ignorant and audacious as Emily, but I would do a double take if I did see someone acting like that irl.

[@irinka_katlova]

I see where you're coming from but Emily's character would be boring if she's always nice and politically correct.

[@maureeganndae1638]

I thing she never has the intention to be rude. And because she doesn't mean to be rude she allow herself to say what she has to say. That's why. I don't see any bad intentions in that caracter. And I'm french so I could 😅 I don't take it personnaly when the person in front of me is just Candide. She can't know everything, and we can't blame her for what she ignore, no?

[@diniquefritz2725]

As a South African woman of colour I appreciate watching this video so much because I am being educated on the French culture 🙏🏼❤️

[@BetwixtDandD]

Not really. It's just one person's opinion.

[@FernandoMartinez-cg7md]

I love, love, love the Sylvie character. Although she´s a bunch of clichés, she´s so chic and so french in many ways. Exaggerations aside, Silvie would look like a true chic Parisian to me.

[@CatWearingHeadphones]

Silvie would have made an amazing main character over Emily

[@lucysworld9798]

Been to Paris and I found locals would dress 'normally', sophisticated and elegant yes, but normal. Usually the tourists are more 'french'.. with trench coat, barret hat, high heeled boots etc.. 😆

[@andreaandrea6716]

Only old guys in France (and farmers) wear berets.

[@JaahnaviS]

And there goes my dream to wear beret hats in Paris 😭

[@JaahnaviS]

@@mariamountain6718 Yes I think I will be tempted to 😁

[@paulbismuth10]

Italians are the real fashion type. Parisian often wear black and casual but well suited clothes.

[@andreaandrea6716]

@@mariamountain6718 Yes, and if you do, you'll be targeted as a tourist and THAT is something you do not want.

[@maryamel9408]

i'd also like to point out that the show lacked diversity !!? you literally can not say paris without saying moroccans, algerians and tunisians lol, they re basically half the population

[@marybaldwin5944]

Right? Where all the Musulman?

[@alecicruz388]

LOL WUT?!? does the average viewer would even know how to differentiate a tunisian from an algerian and moroccan?!?

[@maryamel9408]

@@alecicruz388 um, they could include un maghrebin in the show :) for instance in the workplace, by the name u would know that they re maghrebin, btw most french companies have arab workers :) oh another thing, they only showed white or black people in the streets, the cafés etc, thats impossible, if we re talking about real paris obvi ;)

[@marybaldwin5944]

@@alecicruz388 not if they are erased.

[@jellyrolly]

paris also has a big african population, right? they all gone in this show lol this show is basically what americans WANT paris to be like: bougie, white, and full of artistic sites. unfortunatelly paris does have many dirty areas too. it's a place where people live just like anywhere else, not some imaginary land in fairy tales....

[@christinemichele8575]

I'm from the US but escaped years ago. I was raised to speak softly. Growing up, people always told me to speak up. I don't really understand it either. I have good hearing and all the yelling gives me anxiety 🙃

[@leshurlementsdelacave9563]

Lmao I've the same deal (but in french), everywhere ppl tell me to speak louder etc but I should litteraly yelling and articulate like the voice of google traduction. Education has a big role.

[@expressivepets1]

Something so uniquely American...we LOVE trashing our own culture. Very tragic and exceedingly predictable. What bore.

[@romanr.301]

@@expressivepets1 oh please. American exceptionalism has been the name of the game for decades, and is still very much alive. We SHOULD introspect, self evaluate and critique aspects of our culture. Also, it’s “what *a* bore.”

[@90sHONEY]

@@expressivepets1 Americans are in fact not very self reflective and you should be a lot lot more self critical.

[@jojameson5264]

@@romanr.301 if it were honest introspection, sure. But typically when other Americans start talking bad about America that’s not what happening. They aren’t introspecting, it isn’t elevating anything it is t improving anything. And they aren’t trying to for the most part. They’re trying to separate themselves from the negative association and make themselves look better by bringing it up first. Same thing as when some women put down other women by insisting they aren’t like those “other girls”. Also, treating the US as uniquely bad is STILL American Exceptionalism.

[@lydiastone4702]

I'm American, I've been told to speak loudly and clearly my entire life. We are definitely loud people lol I think it's just perceived as more confident.

[@Monica-ie6nn]

I’m American and I have always been told to speak louder since I was a little girl....I think it’s a cultural thing...we are taught that speaking loudly is makes you seem more professional, confident and authoritative

[@ananieva4096]

Now I know! So I'm right! You want people to praise you, follow whatever you ask, you want to be treated as if you are in a higher position! And how do you feel about that??? I'm a Filipino and congrats you made us respect you a lot, you achieved your goal. Really I'll tell you almost all the americans visitng the Philippines are praised, like a VIP 🙄 . They say it's our culture that we are hospitable, but sometimes its too much and unfair.

[@missmeesh]

I’m born and raised in the US, but my family is from Eastern Europe, so I constantly see the contrast. I believe the reason Americans are loud is because extroversion is extremely encouraged in our culture here. In jobs, in social situations, etc. Being loud and confident is encouraged here to get ahead. When I lived in Germany, I really noticed the difference. Being reserved, cautious with strangers, and overall quiet is the norm in Europe, that’s how I was taught. So I think that’s the reason! Nothing wrong with either way, but I’m more comfortable with being reserved.

[@Lisa_Lofgren]

The reason why I wish that more people/countries in Europe where better at speaking english is because we could all understand each other, and that is a pretty cool thing! I don't expect tourists to have learned a bunch of swedish words when they come to visit. And that's not considered as rude in Sweden not to do so. Of course it's nice when tourists try to speak the language but I would never expect them to do so. Lets just be nice to each other and judge a bit less ❤

[@katherineblanco9471]

Could not get over Emily wearing high shoes everywhere in Paris , I know myself very hard to achieve. The show is super fun fashion and in the beautiful Paris. Pure entertainment.

[@rishikapaul4740]

The way she speaks "hi everyone,it's Justine" is so beautiful.

[@Alexandra-qw3hp]

Justine has already adopted to German culture, complaining about the expensive coffee ;) But still the greatest youtuber on this planet. Keep rocking, lady!

[@justineleconte]

You know what? I was wondering, but I checked some other places in Paris where I usually go and I can happily confirm that they are still cheaper than Café de Flore ;-)

[@Xia-hu]

@@justineleconte when I was in Paris a few years ago, capuccino was around 5 euros at most standard cafes. Not fancy cafes just normal cafes. We were horrified. For a small cappucino! Even large latte in Starbucks is cheaper :D

[@Joflowers4]

Great video!! Emily in Paris is a cute dramedy and shouldn't be taken too seriously. As a Canadian who ❤France, I think this video is excellent. Stereotypes exist everywhere. When I've traveled in France, I found that very few people know anything about Canada, or what they did know was limited to maple syrup and nature. 😊

[@Arch55567]

And what's more typical for Canada, than mapke syrup, rocky mountains and hockey?!

[@emilywestenberger]

LOVE that you talked about this. Love hearing about your personal culture

[@Volvican]

That geography thing happens in almost every 'traveler to big city' film or tv series. They do it in London shot films all the time... they go from the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace in a second.

[@lynda.grace.14]

Right. I think it's simply signifiers of place by shots of recognizable landmarks. The film makers aren't aiming for logic but for context.

[@rebeccaconklin1679]

My first thought when Justine said that Emily's taxi driver took her past the 3 most famous landmarks in Paris in her first ride to her hotel was, "ah, another cabbie taking advantage of a newbie to the city by driving around in circles. I guess they're the same all over the world."😄

[@marianneshepherd6286]

It annoys me when programs do this, I feel like its patronizing to their audience. Majority of people watching Emily in Paris will have some notion of the main landmarks in such an international city. X

[@justineleconte]

yeah, true!!

[@johnradclyffehall]

American films set in Ireland have them travelling from the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast, to the city centre of Dublin on the east coast in c. 5 minutes lol.

[@kapioleilanionalanielua]

What bothers me about the show is Emily's life in Paris is too perfect. The show looks too pretty and clean-cut. She never has a bad day, never makes a mistake, never looks bad. I mean, that is not real life. Her moving to Paris without speaking French even a little!! Her large apartment!! Her amazing job!!! Her $$$ wardrobe!!!!

[@TheBooty28]

She also did not get an STD yet .😀

[@kapioleilanionalanielua]

@@TheBooty28 😂😂😂💯💯

[@emilynicole4150]

did u actually watch it bc so many bad things happened to her

[@amandaluansing996]

As an American, I truly appreciate you taking the time to make this video! I've been so intrigued by French culture after watching the show, as it was just a form of escapism for me. But I wanted to get to know Paris/France from a perspective such as yours. I really enjoyed all of your explanations. You've given me so much insight and solace! Merci!

[@UppityRib]

This is one of the most fascinating discussions I've heard on Parisian / French culture. Thank you!

[@VictoriaWhitlock]

I just don’t get why every hot guy Emily comes in contact wants her. She’s pretty but her personality isn’t anything alluring

[@andreaandrea6716]

Because it's a badly written show!!

[@vsb000]

@@andreaandrea6716 agree plus she’s american/foreign

[@andreaandrea6716]

@@vsb000 ('plus she's American/foreign' ... ? I don't understand!)

[@mikanchan322]

because why would there be a hot guy in the show if he isn't going to be a love interest amiright??

[@Torihappyness]

If she was played by Margot Robbie I'd understand.

[@pindanootje8956]

When Emily got fired, I immediately said “nope, they have unions, you can’t just fire someone”, and then her colleague basically agreed with me, telling her to just keep showing up and ignore being fired. Thaught that was kind of funny. What bothered me though was that the French people spoke English to each other when there were only French people around. That would never happen.

[@maggieb4736]

You're right, the reason is because the show would then have to use subtitles which some viewers don't like.

[@jen2069]

Ruined it for me 😣🤧😭

[@makkie211175]

I think Emily her position in the French compagny is way stronger then Sylvie thinks. First of all the real boss of Emily is the pregnant boss. She is the one who hired her and she is the one who can fire her. As i see it. Emily is an American Advisor sended out to French. But her pay roll is still American. I can't imagine Sylvie is doing her pay roll because she would not see any pay check ever. I have had a similar job, but at a bank as an advisor and it is my experience that you work together but you don't have a real boss. Your boss is at your headquarters. Also Emily has the power to withdraw the cooperation with the French. When Sylvie does not do what the American people want and Chicago pulls the plug, i think the French Compagny has a big problem at their hands. So at that matter, i think Emily has way more power than the serie shows us. She pulls the strings and the French compagny has to do what she says.

[@maureeganndae1638]

Nop! Indeed 😅

[@leonaparic2089]

so that scene was correct?! it is not possible to be sacked from job in france?!?! I wondered how exaggerated that scene truly is , can you explain little bit more, i'm really curious :D

[@adelinadragnea6058]

I am a foreigner and visited Paris , I really tried to speak the language and I did notice some people were endeared by my attempt even though it was clearly not great. I did have a similar experience in a bakery where they corrected my pronunciation to exhaustion and I found that very frustrating (ended up avoiding bakeries). Also, there was one woman who came to me on the street and addressed me in French (initially I was thrilled she thought I was a native) and when I said "I'm sorry, my French is very bad" she rolled her eyes and walked away from me. I was left in the middle of the street feeling more humiliated than I ever felt in a foreign city.

[@eduardochavacano]

you may actually sound too cheesy for the attempt anc though French people love cheese, they will just puke in their heads thinking another pretentious tourist wishing to be an original.

[@adelinadragnea6058]

@@eduardochavacano hey, look, an actual internet troll. Sorry your mum didn't love you good enough:(

[@seybertooth9282]

You perpetuate the idea that the French (and Parisians in particular) are rude and don't appreciate when you try to speak French. I could not disagree more. This is not at all my experience, now I speak French fluently but even when I did not I never found anyone to be anything except supportive of my attempts, not in Paris, not anywhere else in France. On the contrary people rather dealt with my bad French than with their bad English. I find this tired old prejudice to be annoying. If people weren't nice to you, it's probably because you behaved arrogantly or rudely. Just show the French a little bit of politeness and they will fall over themselves being nice back.

[@anastasiazakharkina1455]

Happened to me as well. It just so happens that English is the most common 2nd language that why in my opinion tourists/visitors often use it. Its a stereotype but out of all of them the one that I encountered to be true the most. I live in London so I visit Paris for weekend breaks quite a lot. I have never experienced anything like that in any other European country.

[@girlwhomustnotbenamed4139]

@@seybertooth9282 Just because it's not your experience, it doesn't mean it didn't happen. Why are you trying to invalidate what someone else experienced? And on top of it suggesting that op was the one who was rude otherwise this wouldn't have happened. LOL. I mostly have good experiences with the French but this kind of behaviour does happen there and it's bad enough, even occasionally. Doesn't mean everyone does that in France or even in Paris, and op didn't say that either. Learn some nuance and maybe get off your high horse bc you sure are pretty arrogant.

[@joehopkins8799]

I feel like the American writers wrote in the whole ground floor being 0 floor thing thinking it would be soo weird when it's actually already super common in most countries. We do the same in Australia

[@glitteryspandangle]

Same in the UK: ground floor (0) then 1 is... 1 up. Obviously.

[@magdalenadiaz2932]

Same here in Uruguay!

[@cathartic1102]

In India too

[@lorettabertoli3736]

we start from Floor 0 (Ground Floor) in Italy too....

[@KDeeA]

As an American, I didn’t necessarily find it “soo weird”, but definitely something interesting I learned! I guess whenever I’ve been to other countries, I just didn’t go to places with more than one floor because I never even noticed. Some buildings in the US don’t have a 13th floor and just call it the 14th floor. These are just interesting cultural things :)

[@cecilelebleu5984]

About cigarettes over lunch: I have a theory about where the stereotype comes from. My French great-grandmother told me stories about living during WW2. People were given tickets for bread, food, clothing, and all other daily necessities, including cigarettes - she still had some tickets saved from then! - but the tickets were not enough, and people often went hungry. That's when she started smoking, because it helped hide the feeling of hunger and keep her going with her day. I imagine it also might have helped to calm anxiety of the war. She still smoked many cigarettes every day up to last year, when she passed away - although when I knew her, she always seemed to enjoy food :) Maybe it was a common thing in the 40s because of lack of resources, and movies and culture picked up on the idea. I imagine some models or actresses might have learned that as a way to stay thin and adhere to the impossible standards ever present though the ages. But in any case, "having a cigarette instead of lunch" does have a historical truth behind it, although a lot less glamorous than they make it seem here :)

[@angelagan6803]

My parents said the same,

[@andreaandrea6716]

I lived in Paris in the 80s and 90s. I smoked a pack a day (Coffee and cigarettes for breakfast)... I swam a mile every day, at the Cours des Lyons swimming pool, and ... I could run up four flights of stairs. I don't understand how or why... but this seemed completely normal at the time.

[@paulabbey5277]

Nice Story Cécile :)

[@Schnugelli]

@@andreaandrea6716 Yes, that was a way of life at that time (same for me, at the same time). I guess we could run up those stairs because we were young. And we were smoking to be cool. Then because it became a habit...

[@andreaandrea6716]

@@paulabbey5277 Yes!

[@bijoyac9105]

It's interesting that many people seem to have watched the series and seen different things from what I did. For me, it came across as a subtle put down on some of the behaviour of Emily as a 'typical' US person visiting - expecting everyone to speak English, being loud, a little culturally clueless, full of enthusiasm, somewhat black and white and naive. I came away being entranced by Paris and it's people and I cannot wait to visit.

[@InHisSservice]

This is brilliant, Justine. I'm grateful for the details that you so thoughtfully included. Great insight. You are very generous.

[@yusnaimontes1731]

The French getting so bothered by the cliches in american shows...In Latin America we're used to seeing our culture ridiculised over and over again for ages and I don't think it'll stop. Not all of us are loud, dangerous, drunks, like football, have big families, nor we dress tacky or vulgar

[@jnobrega_9802]

For sure! Not everything in Brazil is rainforest as shown in the movies. And no! We don't live between monkeys 😁 But I think that us, being latin amercans, we're used to being portrayed stereotyped.

[@yusnaimontes1731]

@@jnobrega_9802 Right! Specially Brazil is huge!! (laughs in portuguese)

[@Aa_Mm]

Honestly, the rest of the world would be more than happy to see Latinos and South Americans cyber-riot at least a *bit* about those stereotypes, if nothing else than just to bother the other Americans. :D

[@moonchanty3]

hahahahaha

[@adventurous1019]

Thisssssss is so accurate. Latinas are always being over sexualized

[@heatherm7699]

“No one skips lunch” ..... I’m so relieved to hear that. 😀

[@TheNicoliyah]

😆😆🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾😆😆😆🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@solahola6220]

I love you. The way you explaining things in a way that they won't offend anyone is so pleasing. Also I learned a good amount of information. Merci!

[@legok6037]

I went to a Parisian chocolatier and loved it - he was serving me chocolates with curry and spices and they were all so good! The best thing to do is just be open-minded and willing to adapt and try new things. I also loved how at restaurants the wait staff doesn’t interrupt you like they do here in the US. The leisure of being in Paris was so refreshing after spending a few days in the chaotic hustle and bustle of London.

[@myjapanesechannel4604]

I am an American who speaks a little French, and reads it semi fluently. I lived in Europe for nearly 7 years and had the opportunity to travel all around France on numerous occasions. I was told that the French would be annoyed or impatient with my poor linguistics and to not bother or I would be treated rudely. NOTHING could be further from the truth. No one has ever been rude to me in any French city or town... that includes Paris. They always appreciated that I made an effort and helped me if I was stuck. Before I travel to any foreign country, I take the time to study and learn the local customs, traditions and polite expectations. It is terribly arrogant to expect a country to adapt to your culture when you are a visiting guest. This includes America.

[@terihillgartner5702]

I agree

[@tanjat]

Totally agree! The very minimum is as Justine said- Please, Thank you, excuse me, hello, goodbye! I have always tried to also learn "I'm sorry" for the inevitible mistakes I will make. It is just part of being a good human.

[@erikacarrillo9796]

I agree! I had good memories with the French. If anything I had a bad experience in Paris and Lyon but both times were with non-French people.

[@ReneeRichterthisonesforyou99]

I too agree. I don't speak French but I learned the basics and I love France so did not have ANY trouble or rudeness for my ignorance. France is truly magical and I would go back in a heartbeat and spend another month traveling and when I win the lottery I'm renting a small apartment in Paris and going over every year to visit!

[@ninavinterova9875]

I've spent half a year in France and then I left because I hated the French mentality so much, but I have to agree with you on this one. No one was ever rude to me about my French, not even in Paris.

[@anneloubangert7740]

The boss was going to have lunch, only not with Emily.

[@sophielawson5122]

OMG thank you for clearing up the smoking thing! I'm Australian and I was uneasy about the smoking in workplaces etc. It really put me off! Thank you for explaining where the show went wrong

[@l.w.paradis2108]

This was a brilliant presentation. The very end, inviting discussion, was sublime.

[@nessedian]

I hope that the way Emily was dressed was some kind of prank or irony. It´s so cliche, so 2000 and so tacky. If you want french inspired fashion, look at Camille. French girls wear neutral colours and black and very modest and classic pieces.

[@missemarie1]

I think that was the point. to make her look tacky and like she was trying too hard and still not fitting in

[@nessedian]

@@missemarie1 it would be great but I'm afraid that 90% people dont get it.

[@snowggirl]

Yes Emily’s loud, garish outfits are a complete give away.

[@654ujala]

@@missemarie1 I think they tried too hard to make her look tacky. I mean it was unrealistic...if she worked in the fashion industry she would have had some style. They threw together patterns and colors the way a five year old would if dressing herself!

[@leonamay8776]

Same in Switzerland. Parterre, 1rst floor, 2nd floor etc... 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Roll587]

I'm American and I *hate* how loud the music is in so many places here. The French have things absolutely right in this (and many other) regards.

[@coneil72]

Most people do, I think! Unfortunately, capitalism is king in the US, and studies have proven that people spend more money/move in and out quicker when there is loud music playing.

[@lmmbchampion]

I’m American- When my husband and I are deciding where to eat, noise level is always considered. I like to enjoy the atmosphere and conversation!

[@julieschneider5973]

I couldn’t agree more! It’s such a bummer that most restaurants in the US blare music and force people to yell, which just makes it even louder! A land of cozy intimate, atmospheric restaurants sounds like a DREAM.

[@maderaverdes]

Yes! I'm soft-spoken (at least people in the US call me that!) and so many first dates were incredibly awkward because I felt like I was shouting the whole time. A while ago I heard that Japan is also much quieter than the US and I immediately thought that I should move there lol. Good to know that France is another option!

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

I'm American and I agree with you. It's like we don't know how to relax here! I ask the waitress if they could turn down the music and they usually do/can. Maybe if we all start asking they will get the hint. We need to take "chill" lessons from the French; wouldn't that be wonderful? =)

[@justineleconte]

Update: I've put together a free PDF guide called 7 RULES TO TIMELESS STYLE, to help you build your style in a more timeless way - like French women do. You can request this free guide here: www.justineleconte.com/timeless 😘

[@elenamoeremans]

"I don't know where that myth of smoking Frenchmen comes from." My first thought: Gainsbourg

[@IEVAKambarovaite]

Who else has recently checked Justine's channel to make sure you haven't missed her recent video? And here it is!! YAY 💜💕💖

[@alexl3041]

Was just thinking about her yesterday after a while. Was excited to wake up to this! Haha

[@rishikapaul4740]

I never have been so fast in case of her.

[@IEVAKambarovaite]

@@rishikapaul4740 same :)

[@MrDavid1223]

It doesn't happen to the people who have the notifications activated 😅

[@sheilaj5818]

I am constantly checking. so happy to see her again.

[@lindayeh2068]

I think both the French and American were put in boxes by this show. Having both French and American friends/ colleagues, I find each of them unique and wonderful in their own ways.

[@lynnetadayon6656]

Lovely comment 😊

[@maggieb4736]

@Linda Yew, Aw, that's sweet. An American thanks you.😊

[@katherinedonovan974]

Thanks for clearing things up, I enjoyed it so much.

[@zuzanafialova2329]

Thank you, Justine, this was really great (and this I mean very literally :). You are definitely more than just fashion expert or style expert. You can get into culture and behavior and values. Keep going!

[@sukanyaiyer8776]

My sister went to France - Nantes for university and had studied and could speak French fluently. But French people would never mix and speak with international students in the university. Indian, Chinese and African students would always be left out and the local French people never included them. She came back home to India after her university, it was a pretty lonely experience for her in France. Maybe this was just her experience and I am not generalizing but her friends experienced that too. I hope other people had better experiences but I am sad that my sister had to go through being treated like an outcast for 3 years despite being very fluent in French. I came to America for graduate school and the people here are so warm, extroverted and welcoming - I am super glad about this decision. :)

[@alolikak5906]

Nah its true. French people will not make friends with just anyone. They have a whole other concept of making friends. its too complex even among native french. Remember good etiquette does not equate to good social skills...

[@natcvrx8620]

French people are extremely insecure with their english accent (because of school).... that is extremely often the reason we can’t bring ourselves to interact with people from other nationalities even though we would want to :/ + culturaly it is not easy for french people to just go and talk to people you haven’t been introduced to by common friends, or that you have met at a party, etc ... I guess unconsciously we feel it’s rude to impose on people we don’t know, but I’m sorry she had to go through that :/ I have met many people from other countries in university and I always tried to make sure they didn’t stay alone

[@brifren2]

Ok I accept people's experiences and testimonies but it doesn't make them general facts! There are too many stereotypes and blanket statements. I'm French and have never been insecure with my English (or other languages I've learned) and MANT of the French I know well are quite good or very good at English (and often a third language). At high school we had penfriends which often became solid friendships. At university we interacted very well with the foreign students, it was wonderful! I even married one of them and many of them made great friendships with French students or even got married. My daughter in Paris has friends from many nationalities and she is fluent in many languages. Yes there are some French people who are not friendly in general or don't want to speak English but they are not as many as these silly and often harmful stereotypes make you believe.

[@margaretmold63]

@@brifren2 so refreshing to hear about your experience. Even though we are the same, we ALL have different experiences, I believe that's what makes it interesting. Thank you.

[@maggieb4736]

@bri lor, it's so common for people to base their opinion of a whole group of people or area on their singular experiences. Its pretty unfair. I know as an American I may be pre-judged as loud, rude, entitled and obnoxious when I am none of those things (I think, haha). We all have to learn not to paint groups of people with the same brush and instead treat everyone we come upon as an individual. Would be a much nicer world. By the way, my experience in France was wonderful---the people were kind, the food amazing, the landscape gorgeous, the history fascinating.😊

[@mariahn5764]

The smoking stereotype - yes, American smokers consume more than French smokers but more French people smoke than Americans. 30% of French people smoke, but 18% of Americans smoke. So maybe this chain-smoker idea is because the American smokers we know tend to smoke a lot, so we may think every smoker is like that. But perhaps many French smokers are more apt to have an occasional cigarette? Just a guess.

[@haliemorris9171]

@@NA-bm7ep it’s easy to get taken in with the “I’d you’re going to have some, have as much as you can manage” mentality that is American. I’ve grown up around it so much I don’t even know how to teach someone moderation

[@alishamcg]

Almost every French person I met abroad smoked or are way open to it, where it seems looked down upon in US

[@undomiel152003]

@@haliemorris9171 I think the smoking obsession here is not just that. It's a way to cope with stress. I've seen hispanic coworkers that smoke and it's done after dinner and only once a day. But Americans go several times because it's strangely used to cope with our stress levels. And there is a truth to the fact that the French work to live, Americans live to work.

[@nat0y]

Definitely smoking in the US is looked down a lot more especially younger generations. I'm from California and when I've been to France the amount of people who smoke is just astounding since the only people I know who smoke are older people like over 50 and it's not very many.

[@undomiel152003]

@@nat0y Well California doesn't represent the rest of the country to be honest. I think you should go to other states as well and then average out the US and compare that average with France.

[@chantaleperron]

Very rarely do i see people answering questions so nicely , honestly , directly. , and with respect. Merci 🌞🍀🍁🍁

[@mirandaefg91]

Loved this video! Really inspired to learn French and more about the culture.

[@sometimeswrite239]

As an American who respects other cultures, I’m always horrified by how many of us behave when we travel. We can be quite arrogant and disrespectful.

[@michellemcgill9328]

It’s an embarrassment

[@EmpressOfDynaPurple]

don't bother. this means nothing as soon as the Germans arrive.

[@americanfairy]

My thoughts exactly. I often want to to apologize for the horrific manners that my fellow countrymen have displayed during my trips abroad. And some of these people were in my group! Unfortunately, the way that Emily is portrayed is a pretty accurate description.

[@cin-dmarie]

@@EmpressOfDynaPurple that’s an assumption. They aren’t all like that.

[@EmpressOfDynaPurple]

@@cin-dmarie this ain't assumption, this is how other nations experience Germans!

[@meganh7526]

“French people will appreciate the effort.” I wish English speakers would take this to heart. A lot of native English speakers are very judgmental about non-native speakers for not being 100% fluent or having an accent, even if they don’t speak a lick of a second language.

[@gapstead]

Spot on!

[@maggieb4736]

Really annoys e too, its hard to learn another language and English is not an easy one. People should just be kind and patient, especially if someone is trying.

[@ellnine66]

That actully drives me nuts when people aren't patient with non native English speakers. I encounter a lot of non native speaking clients at my job and it might take 20 min but damnit we work it out and I get them what they need. I can tell they are trying and thats all that matters to me.

[@mynamename5172]

I have never actually experienced this judgement or hostility. There are jerks everywhere, but everyone has been super supportive of my battle with the English language *because I am trying*. I think it does bother Americans when Spanish speakers don't even try to speak or understand English even when they have lived in the US for a very long time. Frankly I can understand their feelings on this point.

[@alishamcg]

I disagree, a large majority of Americans are bilingual (at least where I'm from on west coast) and tend to be more accepting of the variants of english. I can't say thats the case for some abroad when I try to speak the other native tongue (then they just go to English because I sound funny :(

[@karenwest116]

A great video Justine on distinguishing and highlighting respect within a culture. Thank you 😊. Now I want to go and live in France 🌸

[@luis-albertovargas5780]

Great video! Everything was on point! Le grand plus innatendu: merci pour la recommandation littéraire! I looked up and ordered the book immediately

[@asafrac]

You missed the cigarette thing. Silvie didn't really skipped lunch, she just didn't want Amily to join them. This is Parisian...

[@undomiel152003]

Yes I recalled that within the episode. It was a way of dismissing her without much questioning. However, in the party she did talk about smoking to replace eating.

[@lauren8627]

Was it almost Silvie poking fun at her assumption that Emily would believe the lie?

[@jnewmark41]

The smoking in Paris is sooooo disgusting. Add that to the smell of urine. Yuck.

[@healingtiger557]

except for the first scene she showed, where the boss is basically fat shaming Emily for eating instead of smoking, and that is absolutely not how french people are, they love their food way too much

[@sanamsitaram7940]

"I'm French, I don't wanna yell at you" 😂😂😂

[@stuey36]

Thank you Justine - you are an amazing, patient teacher. I would be happy to learn from you any day! Love from London x

[@RussianwithDasha]

Merci beaucoup, that was very interesting and fun to watch! by the way, I haven't seen Emily in Paris (and not going to), but I really enjoyed your video

[@64Biina]

I think the intent of this show is to give us a break from reality and to entertain (which it did for me). Remember that Emily was assigned this job at the very last minute. She did not have time to learn anything before leaving for France and while she was there she did attend speaking classes. For me it was a bit of fun and I enjoyed seeing Paris from so many angles, especially during a time when international travel is so restricted. Were parts of it cheesy? Absolutely! I think it adds to the charm of the show. :)

[@jnobrega_9802]

Couldn't agree more! Great comment!

[@karenh8418]

Yesssssssssss! It’s fun entertainment!

[@hiawathia1785]

I think that we as Americans are more expressive in general. Also, if you are quiet, it is assumed that you are not assertive or confident. Its also assummed that you are probably shy or also not very interesting as a person. The loudest person is heard first and more. I as a quieter person has struggled with these ideals. Not so much anymore.

[@LightOfJoy1]

Agreed, but thankfully I do think that this perception is changing. The book Quiet is a very interesting read.

[@scalylayde8751]

Yeah, or if you're both soft spoken AND don't speak much, it can be assumed that you're rude or cold- that it's a sign that you don't enjoy the company of the person you're speaking to. I've done a bit of traveling though, and I still think that this is something of a stereotype. We're louder than some cultures, but quieter than others, so whether or not the "americans are loud" stereotype is true kind of depends on your perspective. I think it also varies a lot across the country. I'm from the west coast, and I find New Yorkers in particular to usually be louder than the locals. I also think "lower class" neighborhoods tends to be louder than rich ones in america as well- because the businesses have a relaxed atmosphere, and because jobs are more likely to be in manufacturing or other industries that can damage hearing, so a higher percentage of the population is hard of hearing in those places.

[@aprilblossoms4]

As an introvert I have struggled with this so much. I almost switch to another personality to deal with social situations because I see some people just don’t get introverts and that we don’t “dislike” people.

[@AtendimentoeGestao]

@@LightOfJoy1 I read that book. Excellent.

[@user-pq5qx4kz3s]

Agreed. That scene where Emily was called loud, I thought she did a great job introducing herself confidently at a new workplace.

[@ajl1441]

This was so interesting now that I’ve finally watched Emily in Paris. Merci!

[@lola1033]

I can't believe you recommended The Culture Map!! Loved that book, my favorite about overcoming culture differences ... I'm Spanish, lived in France, and totally hate this show by the way.

[@athenapalma802]

Two major subjects : French people ( I am French) do not speak English as well as all her coworkers or friends she makes !!! Impossible to be surrounded by so many French people so fluent in English. Secondly all the guys she meets are super hot !!! The estate guy, the neighbor, the client , etc.... no no no !!! Do They all come from the same model agency ??? Not reality , most men are not like that.

[@Cicin230868]

You're absolutely right. 👍so true!

[@johnpoole3871]

Yeah I lived in France for awhile and you better speak French unless you are just a tourist. It is like thinking you can just show up in the US speaking just Spanish. Sure lots of us learned Spanish in school and sure lots of us have a Spanish speaking background but you really need to learn English to fully function here in most places. Same with French and France. I know some places in Europe you can just get along speaking English but France is not one.

[@indigo6124]

Hot, straight and white.

[@alicjad9401]

What is french people's problem with English? In other countries it's normal that you should learn to speak english. You can study almost everywhere knowing just english. All international business teams speak english. Why only french ppl have issues?

[@alicjad9401]

@@indigo6124 that's not an issue in every other countries, because most of them teach english from pre-school and there is no problem if you try to speak english in a store, restaurant or even private events if there is a person visiting from another country. I have many friends from different countries and i've been to many countries myself and France is really the only one with this issue. In most countries if you don't know english at all you are concidered as bad-educated and most people are ashamed of it. It's even hard to get to college without english, not to tell about any job.