How anti-American are the French?

Often when we think of French views of America, we immediately think of negative ones due to their patchy relationship throughout the years, however in 2004 'The Economist' held a poll which revealed that this is not exactly the case.

"In one 2004 poll, 72% of the French had a favourable view of Americans, more even than in Britain (62%) or Spain (47%). Some 68% of those questioned in another poll the same year said that what unites France and America was more important than what separates them. During the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings in 2004, politicians were frosty, but the people at large showed an outpouring of gratitude to American veterans."

There is a considerable gap between the opinions of French people on the United States with American People, it is understood that at the time of this poll the feeling coming out of France were not anti-American but anti-Bush.

"So strike one for the Economist: yes, French anti-Americanism is not as clear-cut as most people think it is (the reverse is also true, by the way). And yes, “France quarrels with America not because the pair are so different but because they are so alike“, each country being convinced of the universality of its national model. And yet the article is mildly infuriating, as only Economist articles can be."

This contradicts many peoples assumptions that the French dislike Americans due to the contrast in their lifestyles, the French are known for their healthy and active ways of life whereas the Americans are the pioneers of the 'fast food' lifestyle, it is unclear as to whether or not France as a nation is an Anti-American nation or whether the reputation from their history proceeds them.

And yet despite the contrast of lifestyles even in France we seen Americanisation through even the French intellectuals who laugh at America's gun laws and obesity levels. Ask a French journalist for some of his favourite films and it wouldn't be surprising to see big Hollywood blockbusters by the likes of Spielberg as answers.

Perhaps the idea of France being Anti-American is not due to what they hate about the country, whether it be lifestyle, president or mindset but maybe the French hate how they have adopted many aspects of American life, just like the rest of Europe, and use their hatred of America to hide their hatred for themselves endorsing American culture.

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