An American in France: The Election

Pennsylvania was an important state in the election, right?

By Katelyn Livorse

 

EiC’s Note: This is the first article in a new series called “An American in France.” In the series, I will discuss interactions, similarities, and differences between France and the United States. Each article will focus on a different topic concerning the two peoples and their cultures as they relate to one another. 

 

Just last week, I arrived in France for a semester abroad. Despite my best efforts, I am sometimes identified as “The American” in France. I have an accent, my clothes might be little too casual, or I forget to say “Bonjour” when I walk into a shop.

 

Once identified, I am often asked which state I am from in the United States, what I’m doing in France, and, of course, my thoughts on the recent Presidential election. Some people know enough about American politics that, when they hear I am from Pennsylvania, they ask, “Le Pennsylvanie, c’était un état important, n’est-ce pas?” (Pennsylvania was an important state, right?).

 

Often, in the United States, we hesitate to ever bring up politics, the election, or anything remotely related to those topics with someone we don’t know well, or even with someone we do. For the French, it is a natural part of conversation. Political discourse highlights a critical cultural distinction between the US and France. In this case, the French are happy to debate and discuss and debate topics such as the election and Donald Trump’s latest actions.

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Some French are in favor of Trump, others are strongly opposed to him, particularly after his recent withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and threats to impose tariffs on the European Union. France is also experiencing political upheaval and contention between parties of the left and right. Most recently, the former Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigned and there has been a rise in supporters of the far-right party, le Rassemblement National headed by Marine Le Pen. Altogether, many people have strong opinions one way or another on the election.

 

Despite any differences of opinion, however, there is, generally, less hostility attached to the conversation than there might be in the United States. I have noticed that conversations about the election are less about trying to prove someone wrong than out of curiosity and a genuine desire to hear what the other person has to say.

 

People across the world often follow U.S. elections, and discussions about politics can be a touchy subject, regardless of who is talking or why. Hearing people from outside of the United States speak on their perceptions of the election is instructive.

 

If I’ve learned one thing so far from my time in France, it is that civil political conversations are possible. US elections and politics in general are often touchy subjects at home and across the world, no matter who is discussing it or why.  These discussions, however, do not require an overly emotional response. Indeed, we should consider following the French example and, in an inquisitive and open mindset, ask, “Pennsylvania was an important state, right?”

 

 

About the Author

Katelyn Livorse is a marketing fellow at the Institute for Faith and Freedom and the editor-in-chief of Checkpoint News.  A junior political science and French major, Katelyn is a style editor for the Grove City College Journal of Law and Public Policy and served as a contributing writer for The Collegian. She is also a member of the AEI Executive Council at Grove City College.

In the summer of 2024, Katelyn interned at The American Spectator as an editorial intern. There, she covered topics ranging from Iraqi politics to the 2024 American Presidential Election. She also interviewed figures in American politics, including Paul Haring who wrote the Hyde Amendment.

Katelyn has also worked as a translator for the Jews of the Somme Project. She worked to translate French documents written during the Nazi occupation of France detailing the persecution of the Jewish population. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in international relations.

READ MORE BY KATELYN LIVORSE: Next Steps for South Korea

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grove City College, the Institute for Faith and Freedom, or their affiliates.

Cover Image: Photo by Earth on Unsplash

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