I'm A Francophile, And Here's One of Many Reasons Why

[poliphilo]

Because they don't take it lying down.

Most of us are glooming around, going, "Well, you've got to understand these are difficult times" and accepting whatever shit the boss class deigns to hand down to us, but not the French, the French have taken to the streets.

It may not do them any good but c'est magnifique.

Vive la revolution!

Comments

[idahoswede.livejournal.com]

To the French, protest is an art form and it can be most interesting to watch.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I have vivid memories of '68. I was in Neuchatel- and watching the newsreels of what was happening in Paris being shown in the cinemas. Stirring times!

[internet-sampo.livejournal.com]

I have always admired the French for that. Especially during the last 30 years of globalization/reaganization/thatcherization/etc

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Yes, they've stood out against the historical trend. They haven't become servile.

I hope they unseat Sarkozy.

[veronica-milvus.livejournal.com]

I think they are economically and politically out of their minds. And a friend of mine who lives in rural Brittany really should be a blogger because she is very funny about village life and the French education system. But in general lifestyle terms, there's a lot to admire - wine, food, weather, scenery, very cheap old houses for Brits to do up...

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

And don't forget the movies. The French have always made excellent movies....

[michaleen.livejournal.com]

Ambrose Bierce described the revolution as the skeleton in France's closet, which they take out and rattle at anyone attempting to foment law and order. I love them for it.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I read Simon Schama's book about the Revolution earlier this year. It's a very good book in many ways, but I don't think he quite grasps how thrilling it was to live through- and how potent it continues to be in the imagination of the world. He thinks the Revolution changed very little. I think he's wrong. I think it changed everything. The Revolution- the myth of the Revolution- is France's greatest gift to the world.

[calizen.livejournal.com]

Amen. Made those in control shake just to have the bones rattled at them.