Marianne

 11 Responses »
Dec 032012
 
Marianne

    I’ve recently come upon a French cultural personification called “Marianne.” My simple assumption is that she is somewhat of an analogue to “Lady Liberty”, “Uncle Sam”, or “John Bull.” For the purposes of illustration, what symbols/posture/demeanor/etc. denote a female figure as Marianne? What visual symbols/posture/attitude/etc. are not acceptable, or taboo, in the depiction of Marianne? Is Marianne still relevant and recognized as a symbol of France to the French people? Is she a useable, recognizable, character If I [Read the rest]

Are there really four French women for every straight French man ?

 3 Responses »
Jan 122010
 

(asked by Madeline from somewhere) While with a cab driver in Paris I stuck up a conversation about French men and monogamy to which he replied: “There are two women for every Frenchman but it’s great because half the men are gay so it’s four women for every Frenchman!” I wouldn’t have doubts for any other reason other than he was the most creepy man in the world and had a strange fascination with murder. So Madeline, if you were [Read the rest]

Ask an American?

 5 Responses »
Dec 302009
 

(asked by Sarah, from New York) Do you think a blog in French to ask an American questions would have a lot of interest? I find it interesting that even though Americans have a lot of negative stereotypes on France, we are very nostalgic and interested in their culture. But, I don’t the impression that the French would be as interested.  Guess what… A little while after starting this blog, I wondered the same thing, and I started that blog. [Read the rest]