Q & A

Subject: Anti-Americanism

Question:

Hi there. I'm an American musician who is considering a European tour, which will take me through much of France. My wife is French, and she has expressed some concern about some of the places I am scheduled to play, citing that there is a pretty strong sense of anti-Americanism, particularly in Lille and the suburbs, and that I could encounter some hostility and even violence, especially given the situation with Iraq. Usually when I go to Europe, I keep a low profile. But as a touring musician, the fact that I'm an American is really going to be illuminated. The tour is planned for March. Below is a list of some of the places I might be playing:
- tue 18/03: tba - wed 19/03: Paris (tbc) - thu 20/03: Tourcoing (dealed 305 euros) - fri 21/03: Limoges (tbc) - sat 22/03: Miramont de Guyenne (tbc) but i'll wait a confirmation of the options in Nantes, Evreux, Bruxelles, La Rochelle, Strasbourg...
Would you recommend me conducting a tour at this time, and/or would you suggest me avoiding any of these places? Many thanks in advance for your help.

Answer:

Have to say that I disagree with your wife's opinion of France. She makes the mistake of thinking that anti-American government protests or sentiments are anti-American people. The Bush administration is not loved in France, but in general American culture and people are. Here in France there is a distinction made between the American government and its people. I don't see you having any problems in France during your tour.
Personally the only anti-Americanism I have experienced, after living here for over three years, is with my neighbor (a retired gentleman who thinks I make to much noise) who told me that I was not in Texas anymore. Which at face value is more anti Bush than anti American.
Please come to France if for no other reason than to show the French that there is more to American culture than MacDonald's!

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