Natalie Portman on Etiquette in France

Natalie talks about moving from France and the differences between living there vs. Los Angeles.
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Natalie Portman on Etiquette in France
• Natalie Portman on Eti...

[@calahan59]

I red once that french are like coconut, hard on the outside, but if you get to know them well they re nice guys, and americans are like peaches, all big smiles and open for chit chat but they dont really care about you.

[@biancaestla]

ON THE DOT. I lived in New York and I am French and it's exactly my feeling. Americans are hypocrits. They act friendly but don't give a damn…French are good people inside.

[@ThaViralRabbit]

+Nom Petit watch this guy NSA living in NY and thinks all American are hypocrites. Maybe in NY but not California. We always smile and mean it.

[@calahan59]

racist ? country with most muslims in Europe: France, country with most Jews in Europe: France. Never hear of morality police in France. Check your facts pls.

[@MlleSandrii]

I heard US police kills black people for no reason. (see others people can make stupid comments like you did with real events)

[@VexylObby]

These are stereotypes, and there are definitely some exceptions.

[@christianklintholm]

How is it weird to say hello to people before asking or demanding something from them?

[@maremacd]

It isn't. I'm American and thought doesn't everyone do that?

[@MultiKarola]

it is similar in england hi hello how are u ? can i ask...?

[@liming2104]

it's not weird to say hi, it's weird for us to pause for two secs.

[@liming2104]

+liming in my quick size up of this the original comment.

[@unknownone1297]

She moved to France for a movie, where nobody apparently smiled. When she came back from France to the U.S, everybody was friendly

[@JohnKaman]

In the US we have our own codes of conduct which include forced smiles and excessive friendliness. When I lived in France I found it a great relief not to have to talk to boring and annoying people. Privacy has more value in France than the US.

[@bienvenueatous5268]

John Kaman, superficial conversations all day long would bore me too.

[@TheMurasaki1]

Thank you for your comment, I feel relieved

[@NihilistAlien]

I was educated in an American campus and that unsettled people to see me so cold and unreceptive to small talk and constant " fantastic"

[@aico564]

true

[@jrmc.8324]

thanks dude

[@hervebreuillet6289]

I'm a french girl and I can tell you that say "Bonjour" when you come into a shop is the base of politeness. If you don't say "Hello" you're not rude, but not well educated. Actually is just respect each other. Maybe in US you considered seller like things but not in France. Message from all the french people : sorry for being too polite guys...

[@gwen.7991]

T'inquiète tu es pardonnée par une française qui a le chichon et qui est polie ;)

[@MrYekar]

+Gwen Brossier ouais c'était de l'ironie j'espère qu'ils sont assez intelligents pour comprendre...

[@gabgaabs]

Mdr vous avez pas compris ^^ Elle a dis "Message de tout les Français : Désoler d'être trop poli" mais bon que voulez vous ? C'est une star du coup c'est elle la "Princesse" et elle n'a pas a faire comme tout le monde...Pathétique !

[@MrYekar]

+Gabyoul8YT Surtout qu'elle sous entend que quand elle va dans un magasin elle dit "esclave, donne moi ce tee shirt en taille L"

[@gwen.7991]

Bien sur que je sais que c'était de l'ironie puisque j'ai utilisé deux clichés français ;)

[@JackNapi3r]

Most Europeans are overall introverted whereas Americans are more extroverted. But conversations with Americans are more superficiel whereas Europeans would talk about more profound topics getting to the roots of things.

[@elizabethsmith9624]

Meh, Parisians give out more than just an 'introverted' vibe, it's hostile.

[@GumysLifeStyle]

You've talked to the wrong ones then. But for sure, Paris is the whole France, such as NY for the USA :)

[@Markie0284]

I think you mean Europeans tend to be reserved, whereas Americans tend to be more outgoing. You can't tell whether someone is an introvert or extrovert without getting to know them.

[@JackNapi3r]

Mark Villasenor You're right wrong choice of words, my bad.

[@amels4101]

I agree.

[@nicolaspeigne1429]

People who think they know France because they've been in Paris need to retry.

[@MagikFingers420]

I live in Bordeaux, their ass holes here too. Sorry brah but the French are just stuck up, including my ex wife. I'm ready to go back home again!!

[@LeJobastre1215]

@@MagikFingers420 Bordeaux and big French cities are bad examples in general

[@lokeytombs1591]

@@MagikFingers420 not in Normandy

[@EkaitzIturbeltz]

@@MagikFingers420 so there's this basque joke which says that bordelais are basically parisians who never found their way back to Paris Not a good exemple of what French people really are, mate 😉

[@nicolaspeigne1429]

@UCj2RQ5LMUPDhbE-cG7UmpDg i live in Nantes right now too, i can't say for all big cities but it's true for Nantes and Paris. But Paris is like the worst i've seen.

[@babayagob2243]

I'm French-American and have lived equally in both countries, and there is a culture gap when switching from one to the other. Neither is better, neither has "nicer" people; it's just different. As for saying "hello" when you enter a store before asking to be serviced, I find that to just be human decency, and that is international.

[@PattiQ]

In American etiquette, the goal is to make those around you feel comfortable. If you make others feel warm and fuzzy, even better! You might just be the most polite person ever! In French etiquette, the goal is to show respect, and this is often manifested by certain rules of conduct that to a French seem like good manners and common sense. If you approach a person in what the French perceive to be a respectful manner, they will often respond back positively or in a neutral manner, all well keeping a polite distant between you. If you don't follow their rules of respect, than neither they won't respect you either. Though to be blunt, there are a-holes and absolute angels in every country. But if you find that EVERYONE you meet in the country you're visiting seems like an idiot, the problem is most likely you - not them. I hope this video doesn't discourage people from visiting either country. You just need to pay attention, follow the lead of your host when it comes to etiquette, and not be afraid to say that you're sorry when you do something the other culture perceives as impolite. Because that will probably happen... often.

[@eleonoreriha563]

Hey Patricia ! Thank you for your answer and by the way I love your channel !

[@fabricemoine5873]

Merci Patricia t'es la meilleure.

[@francois-louiscautel4392]

Good answer Pat ! Merci à toi pour cette mise-au-point !

[@onetwoonetwocheick]

That a girl! Smartly understood! Natalie, that I used to love before, just murdered us Parisians by saying that. Hopefully we are lucky enough to welcome beautiful people like you! Please stay in France! Thanks 🙏, take care, à +

[@sabri3917]

Tu as parfaitement raison Patricia, je suis vraiment déçue de cette actrice je l'aimais beaucoup mais honnêtement quand on critique une différence de culture entre deux pays de cette façon là je trouve cela vraiment triste et fermé d'esprit à la limite de l'hypocrisie...dans certains pays c'est même très mal vu de ne pas dire "bonjour" quand on rentre dans un magasin plus qu'en France et pourtant cela ne me dérange pas, lorsqu'on va dans un autre pays que le sien je pense qu'il faut s'adapter un minimum à la culture du pays../ You're absolutely right Patricia, I'm really disappointed with this actress I loved her a lot but honestly when you criticize a difference of culture between two countries that way I find it really sad and closed-minded at the limit of the hypocrisy ... in some countries it's very frowned upon not to say "hello" when you go to a store more than in France and yet that does not bother me, when you go to another country than yours I think that you must adapt a minimum to the culture of the country...

[@NewEraaG]

I mean like is it weird to say Hi to someone before you want something from them? Americans need some of the European etiquette

[@Candyprincess971]

But the thing is Americans are friendlier, it's a cultural thing. I am a French citizen I love France but in Paris people tend to be really cold.

[@hassanulger7167]

she is is rich that's why things go like that, without money it doesn't matter with what you start

[@Krigarar]

Honestly, Paris is in no way representative of the rest of France, let alone the whole of Europe.

[@coronaflo]

I have heard the same thing from visitors from other European countries and the U.K. They are fascinated that people they just met in America would strike up conversations as if they knew them. I guess that could be good or annoying.

[@truthseeker881]

+MyBeautifulDark TwistedFantasy It has also to do with the language. French ppl ( most of them ) cant speak proper English. Remember, Europe is a continent with different languages and the US is just one big country.

[@FimoDreams92]

funny how the Americans are surprised when they are talking about a country where there is a minimum of politeness ..and then they say that the french people are rude..

[@daniverse9625]

Um the US is full of polite people. It's a nation of variety of people after all.

[@JeighNeither]

The US is exactly the same. She is a spoiled actress that is simply out of touch. Only a movie star would consider the people in LA "so nice".

[@JeighNeither]

+SquirrelKnight Says who? How do you know this? How many French people do you know? Have you ever been to France? Those are all rhetorical questions. The answers are already clear.

[@squirrelknight9768]

Jeigh Neither are they? says every poll ever! I know a lot of french people because I live at the french border in belgium! I visited france 3 times. Nice country, only the people suck... just like you. you see, you made the same mistake every frenchmen makes... You asume you know something about a person based on only one sentence/ and or appearence! That's why nobody likes the french, or you!

[@JeighNeither]

+SquirrelKnight. Ad hominem is your specialty eh? Youre clearly a self-loathing little troll. I hope you get some medical attention. Ciao.

[@baul5125]

Elle est sérieuse elle dit "la bas il fait dire bonjour au début d'une conversation " et le mec répond " oh mon dieu c'est bizarre"?! Encore heureux qu'on dit bonjour en engageant une conversation

[@TeamRS8]

Ben justement parce que t'es francais et donc habitué

[@rachellivelymacknight7198]

Oui grave moi je suis l'inverse, j'ai beaucoup aimé le rythme de la politesse parisienne, et je trouvais ça plutôt sincère

[@fantastiskchow8830]

Elle est pas en train de critiquer je pense, mais juste a remarqué une différence culturelle. mais voilà encore un autre exemple parfait en quoi les gens jugent pour tout et rien.

[@itsamechrispratt380]

Pardon?

[@sham9505]

What?

[@Opnizari]

Saying Hello before asking for something is not a french rule. It's called being polite and is consired normal. Some people should try it.

[@bienvenueatous5268]

Be carefull, France is a dictaturship ! Don't go there ! They will force you to say "bonjour" ! lol

[@doitanywayz]

what if they say excuse me instead of hi?

[@cangjie12]

That’s not what she said. She said that you have two wait two seconds after saying hello before making your request. That’s the difference she meant.

[@LeJobastre1215]

@@cangjie12 Yes and that's total bullshit

[@jade-mm7yc]

IT IS a french rule, it depends just the culture of the country, for exemple in asia its rare to say thank you or hello if you go to a store and this is just a culture thing

[@codenamescarletfox]

Those are not smiles its plastic surgery their faces are stuck like that

[@armance9515]

you know, french people dont like plastic surgery as much as american girls do :) WE prefer natural

[@mrmako3255]

You get smiled at then mugged. Two for one deal.

[@maxholt4529]

incorrect, it plastic surgery was popular in Silicon Valley ten years ago, now it's almost unheard of

[@estellerancourt]

+Victor Edwood Maybe but the french "look" is much more natural than the American one.

[@maxholt4529]

Estelle AR no it's not

[@markototev]

I hate random people just coming up to me and starting a conversation. Especially in tight places where I can't just walk away.

[@drummerman558]

move to paris

[@markototev]

I wish I could. On the bright side, the shithole country I live in doesn't have that Cali ppl problem.

[@mrmako3255]

Headphone action.

[@nima2068]

have you considered talking to a therapist?!

[@markototev]

Fake Laugh yes. also, too expensive to afford. but it won't help, i just don't find it appropriate to bother people just because you're bored.

[@boomshizzIe]

weird... I found Parisians to be the friendliest most down to earth people

[@mamienova1310]

Thank You !

[@castleblack6941]

and all that without being hypocrites like in the west coast

[@woozipu]

you sure you went to Paris france? maybe you were just in Texas?

[@castleblack6941]

At least we're genuine, in the US you guys cultivate the fake. Fake appearance, fake personalities, fake compliments, fake interviews, fake elections.

[@Jaaybaybay]

+Hos Movahedi Good one !

[@nicolas204]

if she stay in rich quarter in paris, this is normal, but paris is not the only city in France.

[@yoandmest4747]

She probably never went into those stores she mentions. She lives in a bubble. After 2 years in France, her French SUCKS. "Buuunnjjoouuuuurrr". Turd.

[@93200Jonas]

+Yoan D Mest lol trop bon

[@hushhush461]

those people who smile at her for no reason are either FAKE or just wanna hump her. and the french do not have a reason to smile recently after so many islamist terrorist attacks...

[@nicolas204]

yes, the current atmosphere in France is weird cos terrorist, unemployment, and incapable politic man. LoL

[@emilyhancock3456]

Completely agree, Parisians are very different when compared to the locals of other French cities/regions, e.g.: I've always found people from the south of France very friendly

[@remrens9624]

I'm French and I never bothered with etiquette, neither got bothered by it. Maybe Portman should stop frequenting high society snobs who think too high of themselves.

[@stephanierose_martingale5782]

I totally agree with you.

[@JJJameson.]

En fait

[@remrens9624]

***** C'est exactement ça ! =D

[@geekista]

+Enyxxx 19 non mais grave ! dire bonjour c'est juste être bien élevé, quelle c**** sérieux 😩 elle aurait dû fréquenter la population au lieu de ses clubs fermés. et je suis parisienne et fière de l'être !

[@anneleroy7410]

mais maintenant, on dit france =Paris! c'est vrai que les parisiens sont, stresses mais cest pareil partout!A Londres ,a NYC, a Tokyo!!elle ne va pas dans des petites villes ou les gens sont coooools,si elle ne reste que a Paris...bah ...il faut pas se plaindre!on est comme on est!Va pas nous accuser detre polis !

[@DagobertX2]

I prefer honest smile more.

[@MayoChipz]

Thank youuu!

[@puntybrah]

word.

[@jaguarwarrior8171]

Just because someone smiles more freely, it doesn't mean they're being disingenuous. Studies have actually shown that smiling releases endorphins that can improve your mood. I think part of the reason for the difference is because in Southern California, we spend a lot of time isolated in our cars while commuting to work or doing errands because our public transportation is almost non-existent, thus our public interaction tends to be limited, so when we do come across others at a store, restaurant, or while going on a walk, we may be more inclined to acknowledge them. Also, we have nice weather all year round so perhaps people are generally in a better mood because of it. Than again, it could just be a free-spirited American vs more formal European thing. Just theorizing.

[@devd6373]

yeah but its like in shops in america they say have a nice day but it sounds fake. like they dont even mean it and are just being told to say it.

[@ThaViralRabbit]

Oh be quiet, you guys are just depressed. Always seem moody and down. Smiling more is a good thing. Nothing fake about it. French just always want to seem their the best. Most Americans just like smiling it's become part of our culture. Not some sad mimes.

[@Izyboy13]

I'm sure she barely had interactions with an average French person....First she lived in Paris where people are more reserved than in the rest of the country, especially in the wealthier part of the city... But more important her husband is Director of Dance at the Paris Opera Ballet. The people she met in this circle are really uptight.

[@DjamilaMeliani]

She surely lived in some "upper class" area with people having old fashion rules and didn't meet with average Parisians. You get back what you give, so smile and people will smile back to you, whatever part of the world you live or travel in.

[@tehhhk4833]

Exactly.

[@OlafavonGoeding]

I'm from Europe and I've lived in LA before - I totally understand what she's talking about. Angelanos are so friendly to complete strangers - they smile, they small-talk, they even try to help you if they can. I'm not saying that Czechs are not friendly, but we do not do much of a small-talk nor do we smile at strangers, hell, we barely make an eyecontact! I traveled around South-West and I think it is mostly an LA thing though.

[@avocate2017]

Smiling at strangers and engaging in small talk is not very common outside the U.S. It's not common in most European countries, and it's definitely not common in most Asian countries.

[@DjamilaMeliani]

I wonder why she's so surprised that one has to say "Bonjour" ( "Hi") before asking for anything. It's just a rule of politeness ! ^^

[@JeighNeither]

I agree. You don't just walk in anywhere and start demanding things of people. Those that do, are considered rude... Saying hello to begin and engagement is etiquette in every country I've ever traveled, and there have been many. I think she is a little out of touch.

[@tweegyblink]

I prefer a real smile compared to a fake smile...

[@elizabethsmith9624]

There's nothing fake about acknowledging the humanness of people around you

[@castleblack6941]

"Let's smile so they think i'm a nice person. **come back to his house and beat his wife and kids**"

[@VaimeY]

true

[@Kokilovesreno]

That's very specific

[@krismat6241]

I prefer a SMILE, period. Wether real or fake it's more pleasant than a thug face!!!

[@HazeRadio]

WHAT ??? You have to say "Hello" before asking something in a store ? What's next ? Saying "Goodbye" when you leave ? Those crazy French and their crazy rules... unbelievable !

[@Ehlerinna]

La dernière fois que j'ai fais du shopping en Allemagne, j'ai vu des Allemands dirent "guten tag" aux employés, ça m'a choqué. Je ne pense pas remettre les pieds en Allemagne, les gens là-bas sont trop protocolaires, ils ont cette étiquette, avec ces règles très strictes, dire bonjour aux escla... aux employés avant de leur demander un renseignement, être obliger de leur dire merci et de leur souhaiter une bonne journée. Les Allemands et leur obsession pour le respect et la politesse, honnêtement ça me dépasse !

[@stephanierose_martingale5782]

Il ne manquerait plus que les clients soient obligés de dire en plus "auf wiedersehen" & "danke schön" aux salarié-e-s. :-) Mais où va le monde?

[@Ehlerinna]

Stéphanie Rose_Martingale Ah oui on se le demande, mais où va le monde ? Pourtant c'est bien connu, quand on entre dans un magasin, la bienséance veut d'abord qu'on insulte gentiment le personnel, avant de leur demander d'avoir l'aimable obligeance de se bouger le cul, s'ils ne veulent pas qu'on aille se plaindre auprès de leur supérieur et de les faire virer. Bien sûr, avec le sourire c'est toujours plus agréable, quitte à être un connard, autant l'être franchement et avec hypocrisie. Et une fois qu'on prend congé, ne pas oublier, toujours dans le respect évidement, de leur lancer un chaleureux "va te faire enculer". C'est un minimum de savoir-vivre, mais là encore, c'est une question d'éducation.

[@majdabouakil8878]

J'espère que tu as proposé tes services de rédaction à Legorafi !

[@virginiemarquet107]

Ce commentaire est génial!!! xD

[@MIKRinFTW]

Ah merci putain je pensais être la seule à trouver ça chelou de dire bonjour... Je comprends pas du tout son commentaire

[@regil93]

I'm a Mexican living in Paris and I do like the French Social etiquette rules, I prefer them to the informality and the superficiality of the Americans.

[@lalisitabonita]

Absolutely👏👏👏

[@501archer]

Why is she making it seem like she's never lived in LA before? Or that all the American friendliness is suddenly a novelty? She's only lived in Paris for a short while...And people in Paris are not unfriendly. I've lived in Paris on and off for the past 10 years and I find most people to be really nice once you make the effort to say Bonjour and/or smile.

[@coronaflo]

Why should i have make an effort for them to be nice. Screw them.

[@emmsnins9571]

Oh so you just barge in , don't say hello , and expect people to just treat you like a king ? maybe this is why people around the world are cold with americans because you people feel like you are intiteled to everything on this planet , well , you're not , so screw you .

[@Loathomar]

There is no lack of rude French tourist either. A survey of employees in 4,000 hotels across the western EU, the US and Canada where asked to rank 21 different nationalities on how they were as tourist. France got 19th, worse then the US at 11th. Oddly, the French agreed, rating French tourists in France the second worse. content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1820358,00.html

[@chrismondson128]

+Teez wishing for death, nice

[@chrismondson128]

+Nina Emma and not saying hello isn't crazy, and of you're working customers come first

[@S4nKuKai]

Petite pensé pour ceux et celles qui ce sont pliés en quatre pour Sa Majesté Mme Portman, elle vous embrasse ! Quel hypocrisie ....

[@Candyprincess971]

Elle ne ment pas malheureusement, dans l'ensemble ( avec les exceptions convenues) les parisiens sont assez froids et distants. Cela ne veut pas dire qu'il n'y a pas de gens biens il faut juste apprendre à les connaitre. Aux USA les inconnus échangent plus facilement dans la rue, l'ascenseur, le supermarché, cela m'a vraiment marqué.

[@remrens9624]

Ils échangent les coups de fusils plus facilement aussi. Portman fréquente la haute et fait croire que leur règles s'appliquent partout à Paris, ce qui n'est pas le cas. En faisant cela elle contribue à alimenter les clichés.

[@S4nKuKai]

Paris n'est pas la France, je ne suis pas parisien mais ce genre de french bashing gratuit, c'est à vomir. En tout cas l'exemple quel prend, dire bonjour quand on demande quelque chose c'est si choquant que sa ? Sa sonne plutôt comme un caprice de star qu'autre chose ... On est en 2016 est ce genre de cliché continue à exister, "généraliser" je pense pas que ce soit une bonne façon de voir les chose.

[@TheCapitaineCarnage]

Faut comprendre, ce French Bashing est nécessaire pour un peuple avec une culture inférieure non seulement à la notre, mais également à beaucoup d'autres pays. Ils ont besoin de rabaisser les autres pour se conforter et se sentir mieux. Un enfant dans une cours d'école en somme. (Et oui, je dis que la culture US est inférieure à la notre, et pas par patriotisme ou chauvinisme, mais par observation.)

[@remrens9624]

TheCapitaineCarnage Pourtant la France se comporte comme un vassal des US depuis l'après guerre. Rien que sur le plan culturel. les français sont plus imprégnés de l' american way of life que du savoir vivre français, du à la prépondérance des films hollywoodiens dans no salles, des séries TV americaines dans nos télés, jusqu'aux chansons américaines qui occupent les premières places de nos top 50...

[@BobGolob]

If you start the conversation with "do you have it in another size" in France, it means that you consider the seller as your servant and you clearly show it to him/her. So don't be surprised if he/she is rude.

[@kismama91]

I disagree. First, if you already say hello to them when you walk in the store, why should you say it again? In my country, we usually say "excuse me, do you have this in..."? And secondly, no they are not your servants, but at the end of the day, they are providing a service to you (it's called customer service) and so I don't think that asking them about a dress size without saying bonjour is insulting.

[@BobGolob]

@@kismama91 The most important is not what you think, kismama91. What is important is what thinks the persone in front of you.

[@mak500]

@@kismama91 In Belgium it's also very rude to start to talk to a seller without saying "bonjour" first. They are human beings and deserve respect.

[@kismama91]

@@mak500 well in my country it would be rather disrespectful saying “bonjour” twice, and “excuse me” on top of that. The person would think you’re highly pretentious or just plain making fun of them. Countries have different customs and norms and Natalie had every right to be surprised by this “rule”, as was I when I was in France. That being said, i’m not saying that either is wrong or right, just that things are done differently in different countries and that doesn’t make you automatically rude.

[@kismama91]

@@BobGolob yes like the customer is always right?

[@jolinejoline2471]

For someone who started her career with a French director (Luc Besson) and who is making millions from one of the biggest icons of France (Dior)...how ungrateful. And the horror of saying "hello" before asking, last time I checked was called being polite.

[@suitable4137]

She got the opportunities because she's American. The investors and the market are international.

[@spotlYghtseeker]

I don’t think distinguishing cultural etiquette and differences is horrible. It just is what it is. The French are more reserved and the Americans are not. Vive la difference!

[@Liz86000]

OMG! They wanted her to say "hello"? How dare they!

[@bienvenueatous5268]

Liz86000, MDR !

[@beresnt]

I don't know what to think about her ... she gives me the impression that she never went out of Paris ... She is full of cliché about our country ! Yes you have to say "bonjour", but you don't need to wait 2 sec. Where the **** she heard that ??? Not smiling or talking is a form of respect, it is the way we are, it doesn't mean we are "bad people" ...

[@Candyprincess971]

She didn't say we are bad people, it's a fact people in Paris are polite but not as friendly as Americans in everyday life. That's my experience as well and I am French. If you spend enough time in the USA you will understand what she means.

[@TheCapitaineCarnage]

Well, we simply put a different meaning to "friendly". In France, a friend takes time to become a friend. In the US, you shake hands and hop, you're friends. I don't call that friendship.

[@natisfreezing]

if you actually listen to her she says a friend told her this, so she just believes it to be true because someone told her so.

[@anneleroy7410]

+TheCapitaineCarnage d'accord avec toi

[@magikkris]

c'est une connasse c'est pas nouveau.

[@TheMylium]

As a German living in France, I love it when French people say Bonjour :D

[@adaptive_taste]

Well Bonjour mon ami

[@donnatellagrt1158]

love our german friends ;)

[@spotlYghtseeker]

I’d have to agree. The French language is so beautiful.

[@HitMyPoop]

Fortunately, a French gave her a chance [Luc Besson]. Otherwise she might think she wants, no one would tend her the mic. The elegance of Anglo-Saxon always prompt to do french-bashing, such bad tasties one. And they, they give french people lessons about manners and tolerance towards foreign cultures. Moreover, if the privileged N. Portman is not able to understand that France is experiencing a difficult two years period, given the terrorist context, actually less "fun" atmosphere that California, it's pretty sad and distressing when she's the one saying that. And still, they say she's an intellectual.

[@hibye736]

Yeah, these fake smiles are adorable

[@dekalios4588]

Why is she lying about how people behave in Paris?

[@MayoChipz]

Because she's american and that's what americans do. They make it so they look like the best people in the world!

[@johnnybravo8129]

+MayoChips she's not American you dumbass...she was born in Israel. Get your facts straight Mr. "That's what Americans do" wah wah wah

[@johnnybravo8129]

Bugsy yeah but your wrong though, she is indeed half American but she's also half Israeli, what your basically saying is that if I was born in America which I clearly am then if I moved to France and spent the rest of my life there i would be considered French? No not at all..doesn't matter if I spent the next 40 years in Canada I wouldn't consider myself Canadian...Canadians wouldn't consider me Canadian I would still be an American born in America...Jackie chan is known for all his American made movies would you consider him American lmao. Hell no

[@jyggaswoop2774]

well idk she lived in Paris. different experiences for different people

[@ThaViralRabbit]

+Cocaine Snort me damn harsh bro, but somewhat true.

[@michaeleineke6086]

I'm from the US and I always say hi before asking an employee of a store something.

[@bienvenueatous5268]

Fastrocket37, I think politeness and respect are not only saying hello. For example, in some countries people don't leave the door open to other people coming behind when entering a shop. In France, we considered it as very rude. How is it in US ?

[@michaeleineke6086]

+Bienvenue Atous In the US it's considered polite to hold the door for someone.

[@xAA7]

Same. It's rude to do that here as well. She's talking out of her ass.

[@candelacairo934]

Well acording to her, you must be the only one so be carefull

[@intelectr]

I'm french and once at lunch time I actually saw Nathalie once in a restaurant in the Marais in Paris while I was waiting in line for my takeaway, I indeed did not gazed more than a second at her or her son or smile but I was actually because I felt it would have been intrusive of me to do so. Everyone around me, also waiting in line did the same I believe. She was enjoying her private time there, trying to be normal, blending in - I did not want her to feel on the spot. My bad, sorry about that.

[@fenderguitargirl]

I'm shocked by what she said. I really thought she was smart.

[@taylornickels5320]

Yo Natalie, you a crazy chick!

[@cynthia8111]

definitely

[@natisfreezing]

just google natalie portman rap its a gem

[@mightybitchy]

+Natalie Portman Damn, I hope it's not really her...

[@TheBawss90]

+mightybitchy I strongly doubt it

[@boromir57368]

it is.

[@bellacullen728]

So... Being automatically polite to someone you're about to ask something is considered weird in America, or...?

[@superbosoy]

No, whats weird is having gun wielding police officers forcing a mother to undress because she wore a burkini. That is something that doesn't happen in America

[@chrispeter07]

Part of what your missing is that not saying hello is not considered impolite. Part of this is because in america people are very time conscious so if you already have someones attention, exchanging pleasantries is somewhat of a waste of time and therefore not necessary. Its not rude to do so, just not necessary; unless it is obvious the other person is in a hurry or stressed, then it is most considerate to make any interruption as brief as possible. If however someone is busy then it is expected to say "excuse me" or "pardon me" in order to get their attention while still being polite.

[@flayuhat]

Tiffany Maxwell The polite thing to say to an employee before asking a question is either "excuse me" or "hi/hello". However, if someone omits either of these, the employee almost never takes it personally because it's literally their job to help the customer. The most important factor to being polite is having a nice tone of voice when asking a question and maybe smiling a little and then ALWAYS saying thank you afterwards, no matter what!

[@Zoxeo]

Yeah that doesn't happen because you don't let them get in your country in the first place :)

[@ines3770]

flayuhat you're describing what is acceptable in America. In France, busy or not you say hello.

[@demeko96]

I'm French but not from Paris, so I'm okay haha. (Parisians are considered very cold and presomptuous people even in France so it didn't surprise me). But what Natalie describes here doesn't seem crazy to me. It's completely normal to say "hi" to someone before you start a conversation, isn't it ? It's not particularly French ! It should be the rule everywhere ! Politeness is one of the many things that makes me proud of my country. Yes, if you enters into a shop without saying "hello", and if you leave without saying "thank you", "good bye", and / or "have a nice day", you're considered rude. And if you say all of this but without any smile, you're considered cold as well. Is it THAT bad...? ;-)

[@Kongoliz]

No, it's not :))

[@guillaume1.51]

Oui c'est sûr t'es pas de Paris donc t'es immunisée, nous on est pressés et impolis comme si notre culture était différente de la votre en province... C'est gonflant de lire ça partout.

[@hamzaqlf4686]

Désolé de ne pas sourir a tous les passants que NOUS voyons à Paris c'est sûr qu'en province c'est plus facile vous avez le temps

[@ikyoxonium]

+jean pierre Tu as pas trouvé plus cliché parisien comme réponse? Déjà le terme province est atroce et en plus tu insinues que dans le reste de la France on fou rien bravo

[@bienvenueatous5268]

Guilaume 1., N.bien d'accord ! Portman est une immature. En ces temps de chaos et de guerres, ce n'est pas le moment d'attiser l'esprit de division (à moins qu'il n'y ait un projet politique derrière tout ça...) C'est pourquoi, je ne veux pas céder à la tentation de diviser encore plus la France avec des querelles de clocher. Si on n'est pas islamophobe, on est anti-parisiens ou anti-juifs ou anti-homos, anti-chien-de-mon-voisin... Faut-il absolument être anti quelque chose ? Les parisiens, les bretons, les alsaciens... sont tous différents avec leur couleur culturelle locale mais tous français avec de profondes valeurs communes qui les unit.

[@marlonlx]

Wow, can you imagine? You're actually expected to at least greet someone before asking for something? Outrageous. How dare people demand to be treated like they are more than just servants. Delusional lol. She sounds like those people who stop you on the streets to ask for information without a single "good morning" and then just turn their back, once they've obtained the directions they need.

[@estellerancourt]

Thank you,exactly what I thought.

[@savvysearch]

It’s not the greeting that’s the issue. It’s the separation between the greeting and the request. In English speaking countries it’s "Hi, can you help me with this?” In France, it’s “Hi. ...... Can you help me with this?”

[@Ygnotus]

@@savvysearch It's not like that in France, though

[@myunili]

@@savvysearch I'm French and I never experienced this before... nor done it... I hope people don't believe and generalize a whole population when they heard a "fact" about the country lol

[@MagikFingers420]

Sorry but as a Texan whose lived in Bordeaux for 3.5 years, I can say even there people are rude, they rarely smile or show interest in anything but themselves. Obviously not 100% but ALOT are just like New Yorkers, too self absorbed. She's right about elevators, because I'm a southern gentleman and we greet everyone in close proximity, and honestly it's mostly the older people who will actually look up and reply hi back. But the city is beautiful and maybe that's why they feel so entitled. Who knows I'm ready to get back to my hospitality states, home of the welcome, land of the free and a place you won't go to jail using free speech, I went to jail here in france for saying officers were acting like assholes when they were arguing with me in the first place. So screw this place, USA USA USA!

[@cecilia1999]

as an Asian Australian who speaks fluent English (but not French) and has been to both Paris and US (NYC, LA and Chicago) within this year, our experience was that in Paris everyone we encountered was lovely, polite and helpful. some strangers smiled at my little girl, (not in Paris but a stranger in Belgium gave my daughter a brand new box of chocolates), and of course, saying bonjour is very basic I don't think that's unusual. our experience in the States is that people are polite. Half of those whom we came across were friendly, the other half were rude, unhelpful or even to the extent of acting like racists. I also couldn't help noticing the societal division of black and white people in the US., the general selfishness of people, and the dependence of a kind act on how much tip you give, it is all about $$$..anyhow, love Paris! US, not so much....

[@mackenziesmith3412]

Well to be fair, you picked three of the least friendly cities in the US to visit. New York is known for being extremely direct and fast-paced, Chicago can be more direct, too, and LA is very plastic and fake. Within the US, as is probably the same in any large country, different geographical regions have very different cultures. The southeast United States puts an incredible emphasis on politeness, and even use the term "bless his heart" after saying something that could be rude. Also for tipping, it's not that we're obsessed with money, it's that our government doesn't regulate wages as well as most countries. Most tipped workers in the US only make about $2 an hour, so if you don't tip them, they don't make any money for serving you. That's why it's rude not to tip here. If our minimum wage was the same way it is in Australia, it would be a totally different situation.

[@spotlYghtseeker]

@@mackenziesmith3412 foreigners do not get that in the service industries the tip is the bulk of a person’s wage. In Europe the tip is included in the price but not in America.

[@poshdaniela]

Clichè. French people are wonderful and real. Not fake like in LA.

[@alabordelaise8829]

thinks to we :)

[@swayz132]

Here I am....A french guy in LA :(

[@hugofernandes2930]

To be honest I think its universally true except in Paris, people just have sticks in their butts there if they are french... it seems a major motive in most european capitals tbh... but i have friends in southern regions like perpignan and cote d azur and near the alps in lyon and they are fantastic people

[@natalieohlsson7777]

I have to say I agree. I live in LA. I love the real ness of French people

[@mamienova1310]

I'm French and we like The Japanese tourist because they are respectful, The Americans Laugh and Talk Louder In The Train for example ! Stop that's it's not polite ! After, YES WE DON'T LIKE SMILE BECAUSE WE'RE WORKING !!! Paris is not France ! In The South of The France were Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie lives The People are very joyful !

[@demeko96]

Si tu parles du sud de la France côté Côte d'Azur, c'est clairement pas là que les gens sont les plus sympathiques. Si les Américans veulent voir des sourires et un accueil chaleureux en France, ils devraient aller soit dans le Nord, soit en Bretagne, soit dans le sud ouest. (Aquitaine, Pyrénées orientales...) après quand tu dis "on ne sourit pas parce qu'on travaille", heu, tu parles peut-être des gens dans le TER lol, mais en règle générale travailler n'empêche pas d'être chaleureux...

[@mamienova1310]

+demeko96 Je suis noir et quand je suis allé en Bretagne j'ai pas eu bcp de sourires ! Aussi j'étais dans un bled paumé et dans le train je parle du RER direction Versailles à 18h le lundi ou le vendredi !

[@mamienova1310]

+demeko96 Mais en Bretagne les gens sont super cool !

[@Loathomar]

That explains it, people in Paris are working and people in LA are not... right... Most people in LA work 40+ hours per week and get 2 weeks of vacation per year. Where are Paris tops of list on cities with the lowest hours worked per year. www.thelocal.fr/jobs/article/want-a-30-hour-work-week-move-to-paris-or-lyon

[@guillaume8094]

+Loathomar But french workers are more productive

[@HShango]

some of us in london find that weird sometimes, to see people randomly smile.

[@MayoChipz]

Because random smile is forced smile. It's wierd to smile without a reason.

[@HShango]

MayoChips exactly

[@zaboutata]

WTF? I'm not French but I live in France and it pissed me off the way she talks about French people. I mean there's lots of nice people here, so stupid to say that people don't smile at you on the street or anywhere. I live in Paris as well and it's true that there are rude people but it's like in every big city and everywhere actually. And I understand where people come from when they're not very nice, especially if it is when you're tired after working. Also what is so weird about greeting people? I actually love that.

[@anais3312]

I def agree!

[@_Gnome.]

Wow calm down there, jodie foster. What she says is mostly true. French people are uptight and pretentious, there's no denying it. Am I going to take the word of this 'zaboutata' internet dweller or the word of esteemed Hollywood actress Natalie Portman and Jimmy Kimmel? What the hell kind of name is 'zaboutata', anyway? 'Zaboutata'... GODS, what a stupid name. Who named you? Some... half-wit with a stutter?

[@MAJE5TYY]

Well from all these comments from people who lives in France you guys seem like uptight nitwits. She's not complaining, or insulting France, she's just talking about cultural differences and what she was use to before, during, and after she lived in France. You guys are getting offended for the slightest comments. She didn't make you guys look bad you guys did yourselves.

[@NihilistAlien]

@@_Gnome. americans are fascists and pretentious trump boy that's fact, no need to feel offended. How does that feel when we use your ow weapons against you?

[@Aswinishere]

Apparently they don't teach you everything at Harvard.

[@tbpats2011]

Portman got it all wrong from the day she stepped on french soil. We parisians were amused by her living in our city because of her husband's business, but when she opened her mouth after the paris attacks saying "I don't feel safe in this city anymore" from her apartment in the rich neighborhood of the 16th district where nothing ever happens, while we were all mourning our deads and we all felt like she should shut up forever. And now, she speaks of the french way of life like it's weird. What a big sense of respect! it only shows she's not a reference to speak about this country.

[@raphaelsarkissian3305]

Not at all. As a french I can ensure everyone that french people and more specifically parisians are a-holes and impolites. They never smile or look at you while walking by, which should be a sign of respect.

[@LeJobastre1215]

@@raphaelsarkissian3305 Arrête de t'auto-victimiser et de généraliser sans déconner

[@raphaelsarkissian3305]

@@LeJobastre1215 ta gueule, la preuve je continuerai à dire ca tant que des abrutis continueront à se comporter comme toi

[@LeJobastre1215]

@@raphaelsarkissian3305 Tu craches sur ton propre pays je vois pas pourquoi je serais agréable envers toi

[@raphaelsarkissian3305]

@@LeJobastre1215 oui parce que je considère que mon pays est merdique comme toi. Tu en est une preuve vivante. Allez bye

[@delphine6818]

In France and I think mostly in Europe, if you don't smile at each person, you're not rude just normal. As long as we say "hello, please, etc..." it's the most important thing. Apparently not for Natalie who thinks that because she is a movie star, everyone has to smile at her.

[@spotlYghtseeker]

I think it tends to be natural to feel more comfortable with the traditions of your own country. Of course she would feel more comfortable in a setting familiar to her. Honestly I admire the elegance of the French culture. I will have to say it is a big stretch for someone who grew up in a tough Brooklyn neighborhood and it actually takes a lot of energy to be that reserved when your natural state is to be a bull in a China cabinet 😂❤

[@h20luli]

obviously mexico is diffrrent than the USA, but who doesnt say hello/ before asking something?

[@h20luli]

hello/hi

[@roryyymercury8709]

u say hi before excuse me?

[@racheyt9196]

I will take the French being more reserved than the fakeness of LA any day. I would expect more from Portman but she is coming off quite bitter about France probably because her husbands job didn't work out too well out there.

[@biipolaar]

We - french people - usually kindly make fun of Americans in overacting and saying "amazing" every 2 words with eyes and mouth wide open, yelling "I'm so excited" or "Oh my god" while giving a hug to someone :) That's the way it is people, Europeans restrains more themselves than Americans, and especially in the eastern countries whereas the southerners (Latin culture) are way much demonstrative. Just a matter of culture, not a big deal, it's not worth a debate, just get your ass out of Paris, Paris is not France.

[@sailorboyartwork]

I’ve lived in Paris for quite a few years now and I remember my initial perception of the general public was that they were very cold, distant and generally unfriendly but of course that impression has changed over time as I’ve learned that people are as different here as anywhere else. But I’ve taken note of one interesting detail; a lot of foreigners (like myself) seem to be under the impression that speaking French requires you to be an unfriendly, condescending jerk, which I’ve never understood. Every language has it’s personality or identity but come on; give the French a break! They don’t deserve all the crap they’re getting. I’ve met some of the nicest people of my life in Paris, but also some of the worst. And for the latter category; a lot of them were not French

[@Miilca2o3]

personnellement, je suis suisse et j'ai toujours trouvé que la France était plus ouvert que la Suisse ce qu'elle raconte est exagéré

[@chloekeene27]

After a semester studying abroad in France, I can say that Natalie has it SPOT ON. The "bonjour" thing is huge there, and I wasn't even in Paris.

[@CharlieMcowan]

This has got nothing to do with France, or even Europe for that matter. What the Americans haven't worked out is that THEY are the exception, not the rule. The rest of the world doesn't go around cluelessly beaming at everyone else, smiling/grinning, initiating unwanted, pointless conversations, asking people what they do and how much they earn and then urging their victims to "have a nice day". (Although us Brits will talk to all and sundry about the weather, because that's what it's there for).

[@Murph_gaming]

"How much you make/earn" isn't something that is typically brought up, especially among 2 people just meeting.

[@tellmemore5511]

She can't even really speak French though, what is her point?? In French and also in German there is something called "tutoyer" and "vouvoyer" which doesn't even exist in English...using "vous" instead of "tu" plays a huge part in whether you are seen as being polite or rude. In English you only have the word "you"...she knows nothing.

[@pipitameruje]

Exactly! That's also true for Portuguese and Spanish. The different "yous" convey different proximity and respect. Using the wrong one can be quite the predicament, depending on the circumstances.

[@eurositi]

Isn't there a saying (in Russian, maybe) that goes: "If you see someone smiling in the street, (s)he is either a foreigner or an idiot!" :D

[@pablo4871]

Paris is not France. Two different worlds.

[@bienvenueatous5268]

Pablo Portoles, Paris is in France and we shouldn't discriminate any french person. We must keep united. We mustn't let anybody divide us. N. Portland may be unconsciently working for some political force interested in dividing our country. It's well known that France is the country where revolutions and social progresses always started. And many leaders in the world don't want progress.

[@pablo4871]

+Bienvenue Atous I'm french, and i said that to explain that people in Paris are clearly not the same in the rest of our country :)

[@Felix-dg4yr]

+Pablo Portoles lui aussi il est français tu lui apprend rien du tout regarde son pseudo

[@Felix-dg4yr]

+Bienvenue Atous on en rien a battre de la discrimination paris-plouc on est pas divisé c'est juste des petits préjugés. t'inquiète pas on ne le vis pas mal

[@pablo4871]

+Majîn Vegeta Sa façon de parler pourtant laissait penser qu'il ne l'était pas mais effectivement vu son pseudo..

[@melissam5134]

Lmao i'm from canada and people say hi too before asking someone a question...that's just being polite

[@k.e.a.n.a]

Excuse me but everytime I go to a shop in the US, the sellers don't even look at me and when I say hello they don't answer then they come with their fake smiles and push you to buy more

[@blablabla1864]

Strange. I'm French and have lived and studied in the USA for 5 years (in Orlando FL). I was 16 when I went and I didn't choose to go, my mother sent me. It was the worst experience ever. I found americans to be so unfriendly and superficial in relationships and way too outgoing and unsensitive, materialistic, rude and but they never smiled at me(except this older african american woman at church). Yes complete strangers talk to you but to make actual meaningful friendships was very hard. I felt so misunderstood and felt like there is a genuine lack of politeness and understanding inside feelings. Strange but when I moved to London and then Paris people seemed a lot more genuine in both those cities and I had plenty of people smiling at me and being a lot more polite and it seemed people seem more laid back and calm. I wouldn't say "reserved" but just more laid back and calm and sensitive and understanding of human emotions. Americans express everything with words but don't have emotions behind it but in France many things are mostly unsaid but you can see the emotions behind it. Yes people smile but only when appropriate. A real lack of empathy in America too. However one good thing in America is that I got a lot of rides from strangers as I didn't have a car but in France no one would do this. However I found Americans to be uncultured and too direct, very hurtful. I don't know maybe I need to try LA

[@elizabethsmith9624]

LOL so your mom sent you to one of the shittiest states in the US and now you say you hate America? Silly girl. Florida is a shithole. Maybe talk after you've moved to Brooklyn or something.

[@2011blueman]

I'm sorry you were sent to Florida for 5 years, I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

[@TheRyan4778]

@@elizabethsmith9624 Brooklyn sucks. What are you talking about?

[@elizabethsmith9624]

@@TheRyan4778 It doesn't suck. Maybe you live in the poor part

[@thynguyen911]

I have lived in the US for over 4 years now and I always say Hi to the staff before stating what I want. It's almost like a habit like "Hi I'm looking for a new eyeliner.." and I always say excuse me before asking for something.. It's nice and polite. I'm sure everyone wants to be treated that nicely anywhere

[@antoinelacoste930]

So I'm French and I don't think there are more rules in France than in the US, just different ones. I'm very friendly, but if someone comes in the elevator and starts a conversation instead of just saying "hi" when entering and "have a nice day" when getting off, I would just feel like they're imposing their presence and being rude. As for rules and the US being looser, it actually felt the opposite as a French. I felt like I couldn't talk about anything without causing drama, like the only thing that was appropriate was small talks because I had to avoid being intense all the time. I got used to it and I loved the American ways for their numerous qualities. At first, I thought they were rude, but then I second-guessed myself and realized that they were just different. Maybe she should do as well.

[@jenchristelle]

Thank you! Frenchie living in the UK. I have worked with French people in a British company and the culture shock was very visible. Some non French colleagues asked me if we knew one another before working together, because we were behaving like siblings, roasting each other, bringing food "apéro" without the alcohol to work randomly, moaning for no reason.😀 We were the foodie and fashonista in the office. It's true that politeness is a must when meeting with French people before we open our nice, caring, cheeky & self- deprecating heart. Tu me corriges si j'ai tort...

[@danjun7986]

It's pretty rude of her to talk about french people like that

[@Yvon35000]

French bashing in every talk show .... They know nothing ... proud to be French !

[@bienvenueatous5268]

Yvon Colin, when a country behave like that towards another country means they are jealous. Many countries envy our quality of life, our refinement and our sens of perfection they don't have. That's why England, Germany and USA often do french bashing.

[@hugofernandes2930]

Im portuguese i do think french people are very different all around the country... I think they are nice and hospitable , met some warm people in the south even in the chique areas they were some nice people, most of my erasmus french people were from lyon and they were one of the best human beings ive found in my life, i just think that Paris has that mind your own business energy that most european capitals have which may come off as rudeness...

[@ameliedl7898]

Hugo Fernandes Exactly ! I completely agree with you and as a true Parisian I can confirm that Paris isn’t representative of the entirety of France. If you go visit Britain or Normandy you’re gonna have a totally different experience that if you would have gone to Burgundy or if would have gone to the south of France. Mindsets change. Plus Paris is France’s capital city and majority of the people are very work oriented/busy (in the same way NYC is in the USA). So obviously stress and rush will make people smile a little less I guess but it doesn’t mean there mad at you (except if you’re walking very slow right in front of you in the street thus slowing them down too) or that they’re not nice people. I do for exemple smile at people and play little staring contest with children in the bus to have fun. But it’s true that we generally don’t like fake smiles. If we’re not in the mood then we won’t force a smile.

[@pierrevigouroux4835]

I'm French and it's just cultural :) We're not mean or sad! We just take more time to get confident with a stranger

[@bdebakedbeans]

Of course people will be nice to you in an elevator, you're Natalie freaking Portman. I've lived in America, and sure they can be very nice but it's always so shallow, as a foreigner it was hard to befriend them and feel included. In Paris, my friends and I have always been careful to make expats feel welcome and bring them over to parties and such. Her statement stands for basic first interactions and does not apply in the long run

[@1224natalie]

oh my god. look at her. she is literally perfect and beautiful.

[@moodydolly]

Let me tell you, I'm french and I went on a trip to Bali where I was part of a group, and there was 2 french families and one french guy plus me, then people from all over the world. They all seemed surprised that we were actually nice people, and thought we did not complain enough... Don't judge on people by the stereotype their culture is afflicted with, we are all individuals with their own ways of being, wherever we're from.

[@iracture]

Growing up in India , we spoke to people who helped around the house and stores politely telling them to do the job as they were not trained to understand what I needed. We did not tell them hello/hi first and nor was it expected. Moving to Europe service was provided as per the service providers understanding of what we needed, we could not express what we needed. And then moving to USA, I can see the "hidden" expectation to first treat the building engineer like a human and then only request him to fix the bulb. I am still in touch with the almost adult teen who helped me keep my room spick and span during my childhood and adolescence years in India. Even today when we visit India, she comes to meet me and cries about missing me. I too greatly miss her and often talk to my spouse about arranging to have her visit us in USA which he is fanatically against it as he feels she has a different life of her own now. Having experienced all 3 cultures, I am bound to say the easy, hassle free service available in India is a much more a pleasant experience.

[@Ed_Crane]

There's no 2 seconds rule after we say "Hi", and there's no particular rule at all in fact, it really is a deep cultural thing, but we do think it's more polite to say hi or hello before anything else when you adress someone for the first time. But it doesn't mean everybody does it, and it doesn't mean the person you're adressing to is going to take it wrong if you don't do it

[@amels4101]

C'est ça, crache dans le pays qui t'accueille, moque toi de notre éducation. Je ne savais pas que de dire bonjour à nos vendeurs, était si drôle! Tout comme j'ignorais que Paris était UN PAYS, et que tous les Français étaient à Paris, et qu'il fallait tous nous mettre dans le même sac! On a des défauts, mais alors là... celui d'être bien éduquée, je crois, on ne l'a encore jamais sorti. Alors peut-être qu'aux Etats-Unis, ils sont plus sympas, mais les américains sont les premiers à dire aussi, que même si d'apparence, on n'a pas l'air sympa, on est sûrement plus franc. Après, si tu préfères vivre dans les beaux sourires de façade hein... Tu parles d'une pub pour notre pays, avec tout ce qu'on a déjà...pfff Enfin c'est bien, elle s'est montrée, elle s'est foutue de nous... Elle est contente.

[@zerzer7961]

c'est une "critique" qui revient souvent de la part des ricains.

[@amels4101]

Ce n'est pas grave, on se contient nous, mais on n'en pense pas moins, sur eux...Après je dis pas, chaque pays a ses défauts, mais là....Elle est shootée la Nat', c'est pas possible des conneries pareille à la tv... Chui colère profonde tiens! ^^

[@Dadiddy97]

ça va, c'est pas si sérieux, on se détend, c'est qu'un talk show, et ya une part de vérité...

[@strongarm8937]

au moins l'education en France est gratuite tout comme les soins...

[@YamiHell666]

Gg tu as tout dis

[@TalulaNaGig]

The fact is in the French dictionary they are words such as « Bonjour, s’il vous plaît, merci, au revoir » so we kind of like using them sometimes. Basically, we are not some kind of jerks, we like privacy, politeness (even toward waiters or people working in shops), quietness... we don’t show off. If you want us to be friendly, you have to get to know us. And don’t hug us for God’s sake ! Say hello and fake kiss our both cheeks. Thanks ;)

[@MishaHusnainAli]

Here to add a +1 to the fact that a casual greeting before bursting into questions or asking for something is not generally a weird thing, just polite. It seems very brusque to skip a quick hello or good or a hi there when initially speaking to someone, particularly a stranger in a store.

[@sarcasticm.8416]

I've been living in Paris for a while and I must say that I got used to the apparent coldness of people in elevators or in the metro. now what I found really embarrassing is when people actually try to start randomly convos in the elevator. I mean, in France, you just say hello to people. You sont start talking to them randomly unless they show a desire to start a convo too.

[@Tomtomlatomate]

On dirait la neuneu du village qui découvre la vie. Ben ouais meuf, les Français sourient pas tout le temps comme les Américains et oui il y a plus de codes en Europe. Sorry :p

[@bienvenueatous5268]

Sauf si on sniffe ! C'est pas normal de sourire tout le temps comme des hystériques.

[@melissabizot2244]

Non mais les americains c'est des gros foculs, ca te fait des big smile devant et quand tu tournes le dos tu t'en prends plein la gueule...

[@aekriege]

@@melissabizot2244 très vrai.

[@sarahs.982]

"everyone smiles a lot"... well, Weed is not legal in France yet, that's why everyone is not smiling like in LA.... :)

[@AP-mb8cu]

Yeah especially since a lot of those smiles aren’t sincere

[@emanlga3]

Etiquette in France? lol I'm from Los Angeles and I can guarantee you that most people, myself included, would say hello and then ask "do you have this in another size". I honestly can't even imagine asking "do you have this in another size?" without saying hello first, who does that?

[@6879franck]

Je traduis pour les français: Natalie dit qu'elle adore tellement la France et tous les français, surtout les parisiens, cependant elle explique qu'elle est revenu aux Usa car elle avait du mal a se chausser a Paris ,surtout depuis qu'elle avait 2 enfants de Millepied et que son appart devenait trop petit pour stocker toutes les boites a chaussures. it's sad.

[@bbcali24]

6879franck mmmdrrrrrrrr!!!!!

[@valeriebrunneval6808]

6879franck 😂😂😂😂😂

[@doogleticker5183]

Drole...

[@ArtificialPerson]

Hahahaha this a great comment 😂😂😂

[@tobiaszboutet2521]

Mdrr les parisiens et leur accueil 😂 c’est une grosse blague

[@SolidToon]

You don't have to wait 2 seconds after saying hello to ask something.

[@psychoredhot]

Ahaha so now we are too polite ^^ Of course you have to say "Bonjour" before asking something it's called being well educated. And yes in Paris most people don't smile to strangers, I don't know why but it's kinda rude, you gotta let people live their life when they're walking in the streets. That's also why waiters don't come at you all the time, it's really rude for French people, they have to let people eat in peace. We are a little bit colder but at least I think we are not fake, I'm French, I live in LA and that's true you can see strangers smiling to each other and as a French girl I think it's really weird, it's sweet but weird. And Natalie of course people are smiling at you, you're one of the most famous actress in the world...

[@saliel9819]

I was in France too and people there never smiles

[@clarke6814]

I'm not European, but it makes sense to greet someone first before asking questions. In my country, we say, 'hello, how are you' and then proceed.

[@robertwill23]

Well, aren't New York's people rude and not that smiley as compared to LA's folk? So it all depends on context and climate as well. Sunny southern France have very friendly and nice people. And they are very helpful even if they don't know english they try to help you anyway. I was having issues with my tire near Montpellier and every person was very helpful. If people don't talk in elevators in Paris or in area where Portman lived (I assumed wealthy area full of snobbish rich people) it doesn't mean they are rude or less polite. Also LA people may be more smiley but it's very difficult to get really friendly with them. It's all about appearance in LA. Surface. So it can be very lonely among all those smiley faces in LA. If you don't have friends there.

[@masamune2984]

I just got back to the US from visiting France, and while I certainly noticed some cultural differences, everyone in Paris and beyond was soooo nice if you were polite and courteous. I'm from the Midwest, so it's easy to get used to everyone being overly nice, but compared to big cities in the USA, France was very similar in attitude and etiquette, if not even nicer and more accommodating to us poor tourists. :)

[@karinesanvoisin7959]

Thank you, Nathalie Portman, to let us know that we've been far too polite and reserved. Greeting people appropriately and thanking people for their input or contribution, that's shocking for sure, well, being considered ill-mannered, it's so much appropriate... Next time, we will try to not pick our nose.

[@synkaan2167]

Wow, so basically it means that French people consider the workers in a shop as real people! And they say hello to them before talking to them? That's crazy, right...

[@kikivolauvent1]

Sadly, I must confirm what Natalie says - but I also understand the large community of French (Parisians) saying she's wrong.... As a non French resident for over 8 yrs in the Paris region I have a cultural shock every single time I step off the TGV because it Iis true: The Parisians are well known for a lack of friendliness. I never had to learn the 'bonjour' first bit because I come from a country where being polite comes natural but what truly gets me here is the lack of a smile, the want of being nice or - God forbid - kind to a stranger. And this is strictly true for the greater Paris region and does absolutely not apply for the France as a country. I have over 30 years visited literally everywhere in France and I always defended the French over the somewhat tainted reputation. It took me more than 25yrs to realise that those who were negative were speaking about Parisians NOT the French population as such. I made the same observations as NP and it's thanks to the many dear friends I made that I now can say that (even) Parisians can be and are charming, warm-hearted and helpful. And speaking the language helps, of course.

[@zerzer7961]

rien a voir mais j'me demandais ce que j'allais manger ce soir, et j'viens d'avoir ma réponse

[@strongarm8937]

you know that friendliness of Americans is shallow, they usually dont mix up with foreigners

[@bienvenueatous5268]

If some strangers have exagereted dreams and hopes about France, they will obviously be disappointed. The French are not supermen, they are just huma, beings like any others.

[@lynnturman8157]

Ha ha...despite your overgeneralized perception as the result of watching Donald Trump, America is quite possibly the most inclusive nation in the history of nations.

[@sueellensainthonore2599]

Kiki Vol-au-Vent

[@izaorap6437]

bonjour à tous sauf natalie portman

[@nikkos34]

mc Kehln 😂👍🏻 Excellent ! Pareil pour moi. Bonjour à tous sauf à Portman ! 😁

[@gwenaellebouder3754]

😂😂😂

[@Freedomboy006]

the thing about saying hello in france and waiting is 100% true. I left france when i was a small child but when i went back one time when i was 20 i didnt say "hello"... i just said "excuse me" ( in a very polite and nice tone... they were shocked,, i even did that to the airport security and she literally would not help me until i said hello...

[@sanchez3229able]

Lol, I feel like you should always greet someone before asking them for something.

[@midorishiwa]

I guess Parisians have just understood that everyone has social anxiety and that someone starting a conversation with you in the elevator can be super stressful.

[@poupoulechou8591]

It's always hurtful as a French to read comments or listen to people saying that you are arrogant or rude when you think you're a nice person... I'm always very happy to help people and I know most of my friends are the same, I guess we're not just not very smiley people and pretty introverted as a whole compared to Americans, but that doesn't mean we're rude or arrogant...

[@NihilistAlien]

Americans are unfriendly and fake, we are lovely people on the long term. If people are too superficial to understand that, to the abyss with them.

[@edgarallanpoe7907]

My God, she's so beautiful....

[@selvpapa4836]

elle est tellement contente de revenir dans son pays où les flics tirent à tout va, ou le crack fait des ravages, ou l'argent est roi.... ingrate

[@bienvenueatous5268]

Une menace de bombe à l'aéroport de Los Angelès aujourd'hui ? Pas grave, souriez !!!

[@lisatarita9505]

et mal éduquer je plaint ces enfants

[@Udontgattknow]

Selv Papa le seul mérite qu'elle à c'est d'être belle.

[@paulfienga9466]

I live in france and i agree with Her 100%

[@ft2960]

fienga paul et bah rentre chez toi bonhomme..

[@LePoilu]

Si pour toi la politesse c’est un concept à la con tu peux te casser

[@LePoilu]

@@paulfienga9466 ‘’ton prouve mon argument’’ qu’est-ce que c’est sensé signifier ?

[@LePoilu]

@@paulfienga9466 alors je tiens à dire que la situation que tu donne n’est pas unique en France, on peut être très chaleureux si on ne nous prend pas pour des imbéciles. Je crois que je dois te rappeler que nous avons des codes en France, des codes qui existent depuis des centaines d’années. Ces codes régissent la façon dont les gens se saluent , se parlent et se disent au revoir. Et je pense que les touristes qui viennent en France se doivent un minimum de respecter ces codes. Et je tiens à te signaler que dans pleins d’autres pays il y a des codes qui comme en France régissent la manière dont les gens sont censés se comporter. Et je souhaite terminer en disant que les États Unis ne sont pas connus pour la politesse et la finesse.

[@LePoilu]

@@paulfienga9466 et je souhaite ajouter que pour se prétendre un minimum français il faut savoir maîtriser la l’orthographe. Bonne soirée !

[@PsyX99]

... yes, we are French, not "American". Yes, it is another culture... Yes, she didn't understood that. Know what ? Bye bye Portman, you wont be missed :D

[@EverlastGX]

We dont fake smile, thats why. When we do its genuine.

[@huetclemence1021]

C'est bizarre, au JT de Delahousse, elle avait que des trucs sympas à dire sur nous, les français, et sur Paris... Quelle Natalie il faut croire : celle qui fait la promo de son film en janvier en France, ou celle qui fait la promo d'un autre film aux US en août ?