"Grève," Schmève!

In France, socialist sympathizers say the same thing about striking that right-winged people in the States say about bearing arms: "It's our right, so don't even think about messing with it!" Of course, French strikers don't risk killing innocent people by carrying out their right. They just barbecue merguez on the side of the road, organize a few manifs, and try to shut down the country for a day or two. It's how they vent, and if you ask moi, it makes a whole lot more sense for a disgruntled postal worker to close shop for a day than open fire on his co-workers.

Sally Field as Norma Rae. [Online image] 1979.

A Contagious Moment

During Obama's historic inauguration on Tuesday, we the people felt like part of history, too. We were happy to be witnesses to the Obamas' happiness. That's because cultural hegemony works in America.
In France, one person's victory doesn't make les autres feel victorious: they become critical and bitter because they don't think it will ever be their "turn."
We, on the other hand, are so blinded by the American Dream that even a taste of success (a J. Crew ensemble as seen worn by Michelle, anyone?) feels as good as the real thing. Perhaps if Carla started foregoing her usual Chanel, more people in France could have their petit goût of fame aussi.

Glynis Johns as Mrs. Banks. [Online image] 1964.

Bringing Back Home

When the initial shock of being back in Paris after a visit home--and all the soul-searching questions that follow ("Did my métro station always have this odor?")--clears, it's just a matter of time before you tell yourself, c'est la vie, and get back into the French swing of things.

But now that you're fully armed with your favorite peanut butter, three pairs of jeans that fit, and the entire gamme of Luna bars, are you really just supposed to go back to métro, boulot, dodo and like it? 

Or do you do what it takes to make sure that parts of the life you left behind live on?

Rachel Ward as Meggie Cleary. [Online image] 1983.

Holiday Lag

Aisles of heart-shaped candy boxes and flowery cards on January second may seem like a slap in the face for Americans who'd been hoping to stave off sweets and codependency for at least the first week of the New Year.
But faded door wreaths and garish strands of street lights in mid-January don't exactly inspire bold resolutions either. Christmas has come and gone, and the French seem content with leftover winter cheer. Maybe flakey galette and soldes racks are enough to get through January's grisaille?

Renee Zellweger as Bridget Jones. [Online image].