French-Americans can bash the US?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-28-2004
French-Americans can bash the US?
9
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 12:13am
I saw this post on another message board that I frequent...

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From: xxx Date: 8/24/2004 at 5:58 pm

Subject: Clothing Tag

A friend sent this to me. It is a clothing label from a small American

company that sells their product in France. Here's the translation of the

French part of the label:

"Wash with warm water. Use mild soap. Dry flat. Do not use bleach. Do not

dry in the dryer. Do not iron. We are sorry that Our President is an idiot. We

did not vote for him."

i just relate because frenchies always ask me questions about Bush, why did he do this why? why that? why this? and I say...I didnt vote for him! And yes,I do disagree with a lot that he has done>>

The post was written by an American women living with her french husband in France. The majority of those who responded thought the post was very funny...only two people including me thought it was unpatriotic for an American to post something like that. I realize that this isn't the first time this has been posted, but I'm just really surprised at how many Americans thought it was funny and didn't take offense to it. What do you guys think? Am I being too sensitive here? Why is it okay for them to bash us?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2004
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 1:31am
I think you are being too sensitive, as this country is free, and one of the first things even children comprehend about that is the concept of free speech. Of course it is ok. that is the type of thing that makes this country great. The even better part is when you disagree, and you are free to speak out about how you disagree. It is a wonderful thing when you can have a rebuttal that makes that person actually think twice about what they are saying. Free speech is a good thing, even when you disagree.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2003
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 2:00am
France, isn't that the country which was overrun in days during every major european war the past century or so? Isn't that the country which has low growth, high unemployment relative to the US... Isn't France the country currently turning anti-semetic... hmm... and Jerry Lewis... you have got to be kidding... they've got a failed culture.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-28-2004
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 6:58am
I guess what really upset me is that I asked the woman who posted this if she really felt this way and if she disliked the president. She replied back by saying that she was going to start "trolling" me and making my life miserable on the message board. I don't get it... she posted a joke, I asked her if she agreed with the joke and she got defensive and came after me. She didn't use her freedom of speech to defend her opinion because she refused to discuss her opinion.

Yes, freedom of speech is a great thing but I think that if you're going to post something you should be able to handle it when people respectfully disagree and debate your opinion, whatever your opinion may be.


Edited 8/25/2004 8:46 am ET ET by junglebride

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2004
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 8:32am

Hello junglebride!


Welcome to the board!

Miffy - Co-CL For The Politics Today Board

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-28-2004
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 10:03am
I guess I got upset because I feel that if I were to post a negative joke about the French government, the French would be upset and react negatively to my post. So why was it wrong for me to react negatively to a post by the French about our government?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-16-2004
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 11:16am
What you are relaying is americans bashing the american president, unless I read your story wrong. Isn't it an AMERICAN company producing these? Besides, I doubt that story is for real. It was probably a joke. For one, there's no room for such a long sentence on a clothese label, in addition to all the instructions!!! :)

And what's that term 'frenchies' supposed to mean anyway?

P.s. I've heard plenty of derogatory comments made about the French president on this very board, by americans. Personally, I'd rather focus on the actual issues I have with politicians, than giving them labels.


Edited 8/25/2004 11:23 am ET ET by nicecanadianlady

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-16-2004
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 11:19am
LOL. Yes, and they're all trying to emigrate to the fairly land of america. NOT!

Reading you, you'd think that everyone is America is happy, is rich and has the best morals in the world, and everyone else in the world lives in a country riddled with problems!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-16-2004
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 11:20am
But you said it was a small american company making the garnment! I don't get it..
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-17-2004
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 11:52am
Welcome

Renee ~~~