"Figaro" <figaro@satx.rr.com> wrote in message
news:btu7ivstpfp18kaqrfl80v6e1alfgkjg97@4ax.com...
> On 25 Jul 2003 22:57:00 -0700, matthewoutland22@yahoo.com
> (MatthewOutland) wrote:
>
> >Politics aside, why do so many people view french society cynically or
> >with contempt?  I've never been to France or met any French so I don't
> >know whats so special here.   Just curious, that's all.
>
> We view the French cynically because they themselves are so cynical.
> That's one of the things I admire about them, that cynicism that makes
> them so intolerant of pomposity, stupidity, and unquestioned
> authority. No one can prick, deflate, and ridicule like the French and
> if we had that talent we'd be far better off than we are today.
>
> As for contempt, I would say-- intellectually speaking-- it's more
> envy than contempt. Bon jour.

Spoken like a true french  person.