How the French do it worse

Reader’s Comment of the Day comes from Albert, a French historian, provoked by the way some French musicians have reacted to bank sponsorship.

While I think that I understand what this group of advisors to the Société Générale ‘Musical Mécénat’ are trying to say, this is, sadly, and yet again, a very typically silly and absurd French story that would make no sense in more collaborative cultures where people maintain and show professional and human respect towards others and disagreements are usually resolved internally, instead of always ending up with a public conflict, as is the usual case in France.

The French way of managing business, culture, politics and simple human or civil relations is nearly always based on confrontation, often violent, both physical and verbal and in the end little if anything is ever achieved. This is not the sign of a sophisticated nor a refined society, even though the French would tell you the exact opposite. Constant arguing, shouting, insults, constant internal strife and conflict, constant long written diatribes against other collaborators and going on endless strikes are France’s speciality and what has made it a place to be professionally avoided.

Fortunately for the world, other cultures do not live in a permanent state of conflict and outrage. Other cultures do not live in a permanent state of social tension, with strikes and violent protests a permanent part of daily life. Other cultures also don’t consume the highest quantities of psychotropic drugs in the world to calm down the frayed nerves and anxious inhabitants, all victims of this underdeveloped culture of communication. It all comes down to respect of others and finding common ground. Respect of others, respect for their opinions, for their differences is what makes a society successful and capable of resolving conflicts and developing. The French think that because they say ‘bonjour’ and still call people ‘Madame’ and ‘Monsieur’ that their culture shows the highest respect towards others! That is all a facade and of no social value whatsoever. Watch any “debate” on French television and you will be shocked and horrified by the lack of manners and lack of respect towards others, with people shouting over each other, never listening to what the other person has to say, never acknowledging that the other may have an idea or opinion of value, but instead demolishing everything and anybody who crosses in front of them. This is the most primitive human communication that one can witness. It is no wonder then that we have here, yet again, another French drama, of one group against another, unable to resolve their problems together and requiring them to write public letters denouncing and insulting the very people that they should be working together with. Nothing new here. It is daily life in France. It is so pathetic and so uncivilised and primitive.