France: Immigration Raises Ugly Head

[thea_447]

http://www.humaneventsonline.com/article.php?id=10114

[samgrant]

Assimilation: Well I guess the U.S. has done it better than France at it.

That said, one of (the many, in my older age) things that irritates me most is when I call some place, and if the recordings one gets telling me which button to push is not bad enough, more often than not someone chimes in in Spanish going on and on about whatever, before they even give me the options in English!

What next? Mandarin Chinese?

(Not that there's anything wrong with that!)

[Admiral_Porter]

I'd rather deal with that than call up technical support and get India.

[samgrant]

Point well taken! (Just not as frequent.)

[30th_il]

I was in France this past July and I found the people to be very nice (I know this is contrary to what the general USA opinion would like to think) and this was my second time (the first being the same feeling also). It is true that the GOVT (not necessarily the people) are quite liberal and I find it a shame that the venting is being taken out on the people. This seems to me to be an incorrect direction of anger, not that I approve of any doings of these rioting mass. Chirac should be taken into account for much of this situation. It is his government that displays this liberal/anti-war policy....not that the people are pro USA but they certanley aren't anti-USA like the press leads one to believe. In fact, the Germans and Italians were more angainst the war with Iraq than France but you know...."everyone hates the French".

[MobileBoy]

I'd like to know everyones opinion on the French riots.France has an extremely gracious welfare system.For that they are repaid by having their cities burned.I heard French diplomats blaming France for not doing enough to address this monority's concerns.Thats the main reason I'm not liberal is because society is held responsible foe heinous acts and not the individuals who committ them.At any rate poverty seems to breed violence.I was thinking of this issue in relation to the civil war rights of yester year in America.It seemed African-Americans wanted to be a part of America and enjoy the privlegas/opprtunities of whites.Of course blacks were generally Christian so religion didn't serve to promote violence or hatred.These Muslim terrorist don't want the same rights.They are Muslim extremist who regard Christians as infidels.They have no desire to assimilate into French society.I read the Koran once in college and it really isn't a book of hate and war.It is a book of peace.These bad clerics twist ***** and the dupes fall for it.Also the Muslims in France are more of the traditional kind.They hate the quote secular world with all of its sex,drugs,immorality, homosexualityetch... and resent it for as they see it corrupting their youth.Remember to most Muslims divorce is unthinkable they are rebelling against society and its values in France and not just economics.

[bill_torrens]

I have been to France on countless occasions and, like 30th Il, I have always found the locals to be charming and friendly. It does help if you can speak some French, and if you go there projecting the attitude that you expect everyone to speak English you will not get a cordial reception.

Having said that, there is evidence to suggest that French attitudes towards immigrants are not amongst the most liberal on the planet. From my own experience in ethnic restaurants there (and this is also true of Germany) people frequently appear to treat the staff as if they were vermin. My wife and I have received countless free drinks as a result of being friendly to the staff in these places and telling them that their food was delicious. (My advice is, when visiting a non-English speaking country, to learn the word "delicious" in the local language before you learn anything else...you will never regret it.)

But none of the above justifies rioting. There are no circumstances under which rioting can ever be justified. Period.

[unionblue]

Bill,

I found the same to be true when I was assigned with the military to Turkey, Germany, Japan, Texas, all those non-English speaking countries. Learn a little bit of the language, be polite and praise good food when you find it, and the local folks will go all out to show you a good time and be friendly.

But I observed the same things about Turkey, Germany, & Japan when they dealt with immigrants, they tended to be a little harsh towards any 'outsider' and gave them a rough way to go.

Now as for Texas, I did when I was assigned there and I do now, consider that so-called 'state' a whole other country. The folks there were like nothing I have encountered before or since I was assigned there. Big, friendly attitudes, generous to a fault, helpful to anyone in need of directions or assistance. But the language! English? I wouldn't say for sure, but they try real hard to be understood and are quite amused at your attempts to communicate back to them in the same style, making for some hystrical results at times.

As for the rioting, I was at a few bars in Texas where it was obvious the idea of rioting was not only justified, but looked forward to with egar anticipation by visitors and locals alike. So I am not sure if I agree with the concept that there are no circumstance under which ANY rioting can ever be justified.

Sincerely,
Unionblue

[bill_torrens]

Neil,

Your attitude towards Texas is similar to mine towards the north of England. It is quite simply the most alien place I have ever been. I can't understand a word the locals say. The food is different, the landscape is different, the architecture is different, and people shout all the time. Short of doing missionary work there, I can't think of any reason to ever go back. (Note to RebAl: only kidding, mate.)

As for Scotland....no, don't get me started on the Scots.

Bill

[ole]

Bill:

Perhaps they should provide subtitles?

Ole