French fed up with Gallic rudeness, seek to promote civility
The one thing to complete a perfect picture of Parisian life? A dash of French rudeness.
It comes from the waiter, who snootily turns away a group of tourists: "There's no point waiting," he shrugs, even though there are many empty tables. "No space outside."
Such rituals of rudeness have long been accepted by visitors as part of the price of enjoying such a beautiful city as Paris. But it seems the French themselves, who over centuries have turned rudeness into an art form, have become fed up with their own incivility, according to recent polls and publicity campaigns.
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http://www.vancouversun.com/travel/French+with+Gallic+rudeness+seek+promote+civility/7005763/story.html
I remember many years ago the government had a similar campaign according to Monique and her view was that the campaign would have the opposite effect because that's just how the French are. In such cases, they will do the opposite of what they're told. So, I find the poll results rather interesting in that it seems the French themselves are fed up with their rudeness.
Actually, I've felt the French have become less rude over the years and have attributed that to the fact that they are travelling more and experiencing being "lost and confused" themselves in foreign places so I was a little surprised by this article.
Some of the posters:
