France: A Depressed Nation - Dallas Dance Music - Dallas nightlife, music, tickets, and more

bfp · 01-25-05, 02:40 PM

Self-doubt leaves French feeling down in the mouth
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/inte...fm?id=81082005
SUSAN BELL
IN PARIS

IT IS official: the French are a nation of depressed pessimists, wracked with self-doubt and unable to see a positive future.

This gloomy portrait of the current state of Gallic morale - or rather the lack of it - was made public yesterday in a damning report by France’s prefects, the country’s top administrators.

"The French no longer believe in anything," the report said. "That is the reason that the situation is relatively calm, for they believe that it is not even worthwhile expressing their opinions or trying to be heard any more."

The country’s 100 prefects went on to use the words "lifelessness", "resignation", "anxiety" and "pessimism" to describe the attitudes they believe prevail in France today.

The report, which is dated December 2004 but has only just been made public, would appear to be contradicted by the three days of strikes launched by public sector workers this week.

However, analysts point to the fact that disillusionment and apathy are so great that not even France’s formerly powerful unions were able to predict the turnout for the strike. Opinion polls show that 65 per cent of the French support the strikers, leading observers to say that the country is showing its discontent by proxy via the strikers.

"It’s a fact: France and the French are pessimists," said Alain Duhamel, a respected French commentator.

He said: "The French doubt themselves and worry about the future. They do so more than the citizens of neighbouring countries, even when those neighbouring countries are doing less well than we are and have a more negative future ahead.

"France has been anxious about its future, about its way of life, for the last 30 years, ever since the employment crisis and doubts about identity, ever since the absence of clear perspectives and collective projects."

Politicians agree that the French are particularly upset about the drop in their purchasing power, which has led to strong group pessimism even if individual confidence is quite high.

This fear for the country’s economic future is illustrated by the fact that the French are among the most assiduous savers in the world, putting aside an average of 16 per cent of their income.

Pierre Taribo, writing in L’Est Républicain, agreed with Mr Duhamel. He wrote: "One is forced to say that the French no longer believe in very much. Confronted with the reality of an open economy, clearly showing less and less appetite for politics, they are disillusioned and doubt everything from Chirac to the government and the Right, which is accused of every ill, to the Left, which has no projects, and the unions, whose activism no longer inspires a reflex of blind adhesion."

All this gloom could have serious repercussions. Jacques Chirac’s centre-right government fears that widespread pessimism could have a negative effect on the referendum on the European Union constitution scheduled for later this year.

The prefects’ report also warned that it played into the hands of the extreme right-wing National Front party.

bfp · 01-25-05, 02:45 PM

I wonder if the secular culture has anything to do with it?

Vosh · 01-25-05, 02:47 PM

Gosh... you seem like a total tool.

Hey Bubu · 01-25-05, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfp

I wonder if the secular culture has anything to do with it?

Lets invade them and show 'em who's God......................

bfp · 01-25-05, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vosh

Gosh... you seem like a total tool.

Well well, that's an intelligent response.

Isn't it appropriate to atleast question why they seem to be such a gloomy society? Is it out of the question?

Hey Bubu · 01-25-05, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfp

Well well, that's an intelligent response.

Isn't it appropriate to atleast question why they seem to be such a gloomy society? Is it out of the question?

Look at their history for the past, what, century or so....... yeah you'd be depressed too. I think their highlight was invading Englad and well, we now see how well they fared with that one.

Vosh · 01-25-05, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfp

Well well, that's an intelligent response.

Isn't it appropriate to atleast question why they seem to be such a gloomy society? Is it out of the question?

Thank you. It was more of a comment on how I see your posting habits, but thanks!

Gloomy? Have you ever been to France?

Furthmore, would you site the article. And instead of posting nothing but full articles, mind if you let us in on your own thoughts?

Frankly, my commentisn't with the article itself, it had the taste of a bloggers self-fulfilling rantings. My comment is with how you keep posting other peoples opinions and work.

Ryan · 01-25-05, 03:07 PM

Speaking from my own experience in the country, I would say that if it's true it is probably related more to their horrid economy than to their "secular" values. Despite what is portrayed by the right-wing press in America in their incessant pursuit of mocking the French people, I have always found them to be warmer, more honest, more generous, and generally more thoughtful people than Americans.

bfp · 01-25-05, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vosh

Thank you. It was more of a comment on how I see your posting habits, but thanks!

Gloomy? Have you ever been to France?

Furthmore, would you site the article. And instead of posting nothing but full articles, mind if you let us in on your own thoughts?

Frankly, my commentisn't with the article itself, it had the taste of a bloggers self-fulfilling rantings. My comment is with how you keep posting other peoples opinions and work.

The link is posted above the article. I'm saying that it could be the utopian, secular lifestyle, but then again, what do I know?

I just threw it up in the air for discussion. God forbid(pardon the pun).

tricky · 01-25-05, 03:10 PM

The French give us Grey Goose Vodka....they can't be that bad

bfp · 01-25-05, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan

Speaking from my own experience in the country, I would say that if it's true it is probably related more to their horrid economy than to their "secular" values. Despite what is portrayed by the right-wing press in America in their incessant pursuit of mocking the French people, I have always found them to be warmer, more honest, more generous, and generally more thoughtful people than Americans.

That could be the reason. Slow economic growth. Low standard of living.

Vosh · 01-25-05, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan

Speaking from my own experience in the country, I would say that if it's true it is probably related more to their horrid economy than to their "secular" values. Despite what is portrayed by the right-wing press in America in their incessant pursuit of mocking the French people, I have always found them to be warmer, more honest, more generous, and generally more thoughtful people than Americans.

Now, I've been there. And I just trying to get BFP a little riled up on his posting habits, but I sincerly disagree with you.

I spent time in Paris, Colgne, Boulogne, Calais, and Nice.
The people were not nice, and were not warm. In general, the stereotype of them treating anyone not French like crap is fairly accurate. My friend and I were treated with complete lack of respect and consideration. Every other country on Western Europe seemed to be of MUCH better hospitality (Germany being one of THE best).

Hey Bubu · 01-25-05, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vosh

Now, I've been there. And I just trying to get BFP a little riled up on his posting habits, but I sincerly disagree with you.

I spent time in Paris, Colgne, Boulogne, Calais, and Nice.
The people were not nice, and were not warm. In general, the stereotype of them treating anyone not French like crap is fairly accurate. My friend and I were treated with complete lack of respect and consideration. Every other country on Western Europe seemed to be of MUCH better hospitality (Germany being one of THE best).

Since I don't know and in no way am I pointing fingers, how did you guys behave?

Vosh · 01-25-05, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TypeH

Since I don't know and in no way am I pointing fingers, how did you guys behave?

More than fair question: Like total gentlemen. We had heard that if you act with all due consideration that you get it in return. We did our best to speak French or ask politely if they knew English. In fact, at one train station we went out of our way to help some younger ladies find their train (and we don't speak a word of French). I mean, we tried to read up on cultural differences and what you shouldn't do and should do when ordering food, asking for help, etc. I'm not saying we were perfect (I have to agree that tourists and backpackers in general must annoy the crap out of many people in Europe).

But we just got treated like crap by the people there, especially in the service, transportation, and information areas.

Now, this isn't meant to be a 100% truth. We also met some great people who were nice and considerate. But in general, got a lot less of that "weclomed," and warm generous feeling that Ryan seems to be going on about.

Satchel · 01-25-05, 03:25 PM

Sweet!

Now is the time to invade and then claim the ultimate victory by renaming it Freedom.

01-25-05, 02:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
bfp Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: McKidney Posts: 4,278	France: A Depressed Nation Self-doubt leaves French feeling down in the mouth http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/inte...fm?id=81082005 SUSAN BELL IN PARIS IT IS official: the French are a nation of depressed pessimists, wracked with self-doubt and unable to see a positive future. This gloomy portrait of the current state of Gallic morale - or rather the lack of it - was made public yesterday in a damning report by France’s prefects, the country’s top administrators. "The French no longer believe in anything," the report said. "That is the reason that the situation is relatively calm, for they believe that it is not even worthwhile expressing their opinions or trying to be heard any more." The country’s 100 prefects went on to use the words "lifelessness", "resignation", "anxiety" and "pessimism" to describe the attitudes they believe prevail in France today. The report, which is dated December 2004 but has only just been made public, would appear to be contradicted by the three days of strikes launched by public sector workers this week. However, analysts point to the fact that disillusionment and apathy are so great that not even France’s formerly powerful unions were able to predict the turnout for the strike. Opinion polls show that 65 per cent of the French support the strikers, leading observers to say that the country is showing its discontent by proxy via the strikers. "It’s a fact: France and the French are pessimists," said Alain Duhamel, a respected French commentator. He said: "The French doubt themselves and worry about the future. They do so more than the citizens of neighbouring countries, even when those neighbouring countries are doing less well than we are and have a more negative future ahead. "France has been anxious about its future, about its way of life, for the last 30 years, ever since the employment crisis and doubts about identity, ever since the absence of clear perspectives and collective projects." Politicians agree that the French are particularly upset about the drop in their purchasing power, which has led to strong group pessimism even if individual confidence is quite high. This fear for the country’s economic future is illustrated by the fact that the French are among the most assiduous savers in the world, putting aside an average of 16 per cent of their income. Pierre Taribo, writing in L’Est Républicain, agreed with Mr Duhamel. He wrote: "One is forced to say that the French no longer believe in very much. Confronted with the reality of an open economy, clearly showing less and less appetite for politics, they are disillusioned and doubt everything from Chirac to the government and the Right, which is accused of every ill, to the Left, which has no projects, and the unions, whose activism no longer inspires a reflex of blind adhesion." All this gloom could have serious repercussions. Jacques Chirac’s centre-right government fears that widespread pessimism could have a negative effect on the referendum on the European Union constitution scheduled for later this year. The prefects’ report also warned that it played into the hands of the extreme right-wing National Front party.

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01-25-05, 02:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
bfp Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: McKidney Posts: 4,278	I wonder if the secular culture has anything to do with it?

01-25-05, 02:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
Vosh Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 703	Gosh... you seem like a total tool.

01-25-05, 03:07 PM	#8 (permalink)
Ryan Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,783	Speaking from my own experience in the country, I would say that if it's true it is probably related more to their horrid economy than to their "secular" values. Despite what is portrayed by the right-wing press in America in their incessant pursuit of mocking the French people, I have always found them to be warmer, more honest, more generous, and generally more thoughtful people than Americans.

01-25-05, 03:25 PM	#15 (permalink)
Satchel Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Plaino Posts: 2,973	Sweet! Now is the time to invade and then claim the ultimate victory by renaming it Freedom.