Is it true that the French skip bathing, eat cheese all day long, are rude, and complain about everything? A Cuban woman residing in France decided to investigate some of the most popular stereotypes about the French people and share, based on her own experiences, which ones hold water and which are far from reality.
Meet Gladys Vargas (@gladis._02), a Cuban immigrant who describes herself on social media as a "migrant mom." She recently posted a humorous video on TikTok where she examines four well-known myths about the French.
"The French don't bathe, they're rude, and they complain about everything. Living in France, I've found that some things are true and others are simply tall tales," the young woman begins.
The first myth she tackled was among the most controversial: that the French don't bathe. Her verdict was quite straightforward.
"Look, they do bathe. I've been around many French people, and they smell really nice. What might differ is the frequency or timing of their showers. So, for me, this is a myth," she asserted.
However, when it came to cheese, Gladys admitted she discovered something she previously thought happened only in movies.
According to her, cheese plays a special role at the French table, even during dinner. "Cheese is a must. And the stinkier, the better," she quipped with humor.
Another stereotype she addressed was the alleged rudeness of the French. In this case, Gladys acknowledged that her experiences have been mixed, and cultural differences might affect perceptions of everyday interactions.
"There are people who are very polite and professional, but there are also those who are quite dry and discourteous. If you're from a more expressive culture, like the Latin one, this manner can be a bit jarring," she explained.
But the myth that amused her the most was that the French complain about everything, because, as she confessed, she herself has picked up this habit.
"I've learned so much that I even complain when public transportation is two minutes late. So, I'm becoming Frenchified," she said, laughing.
Gladys's experience highlights some cultural differences that Cuban immigrants might encounter in France, especially when transitioning from a vibrant society like Cuba to one with distinct customs and social interactions.
Other Cuban women living in France have also shared their experiences on social media. For instance, Deily Salazar Estévez recounted her journey of making it in Paris after arriving without speaking French or knowing anyone.
The gap between expectations and the reality of living in Europe has also been discussed by Cubans residing in other countries. Recently, a Cuban woman in Spain explained why earning euros doesn't necessarily mean living like a millionaire.
Concluding her video, Gladys encouraged her followers to share other French myths they have discovered to be true or completely false after living in the country.