Re: The Frogs are demanding now!
Originally Posted by
Bruce
->
Never understood the English dislike of the French unless it is pure jealousy.
They have a language in which even the weather forecast sounds sexy, they have a more successful military history, they have a very beautiful country and the metric system. What's not to like?
I wouldn't expect you to understand as you're Australian. I'm not being intentionally offensive here, you understand.
There are several reasons.
The French have been our enemies for many more years than they have been our (tentative) friends.
In 1940, the BEF was sent to aid the French in resisting German expansion into their country. They failed, as did we, to prevent the German invasion. Nevertheless, one might expect the French to be grateful for our putting our own lives on the line to help them. Were they? Not that I've heard.
Having given up their freedom to the Nazis so quickly with little opposition, and since having been rescued by us and the Americans, they feel proud to be seen strutting and posturing as if they're the big tough guys on the block.
More recently, the French vetoed our application to join the EEC. Why? Was this an example of their gratitude for our helping to defend their country in two world wars?
And to the present day, when one of their politicians is trying his best to rip us off for as much money as he can (without providing any figures to justify his claims). We should remember that after we have left the EU, France, along with the other 'rich' EU countries will be obliged to stump up the shortfall when we are no longer being ripped off for being a member.
Can you see any examples of what could be described as British jealousy of the French? I can't.
If anything, some of the examples given above (and let's not forget their 'military successes'(!) Agincourt, Waterloo, etc) might suggest the jealousy would be their purview rather than ours.