When you get over there to Paris don't mention to them that we
are planning on emptying Gitmo and ramping up everything.
Posted on 01/16/2015 9:56:41 AM PST by don-o
When top US diplomat John Kerry rushed towards the French president, arms open, to warmly embrace him on Friday, what followed was a cringeworthy culture clash that has befuddled many a visitor to France.
The French are just not that into hugging.
Kerry had given fair warning to his French counterparts that some American-style affection was on the cards.
"My visit to France is basically to share a big hug for Paris and express the affection of the American people for France and for our friends there who have been through a terrible time," he said on the eve of his trip.
The phrase alone sparked confusion in the media who struggled to pin down a translation for the word hug.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Since he was in France, Kerry wanted to do a French kiss.
Thanks for the warning! Things just can’t be unseen.
I think he meant to say, "some metrosexual-style affection was on the cards." I worked in a position where I greeted foreign diplomats and international VIPs. No professional I know greets people like that.
But no. Waitaminnit. Then I'd have to speak French.
the botox is clearly cause toxic build-up on his brain synapsis.
Don’t these guys have diplomats and other aids that brief them on proper social protocol before doing this kind of thing? I’ve been to 28 countries and I always watch and learn what’s acceptable before doing something silly. It’s embarrassing and makes the USA look like like a bunch of classless idiots. As a rule, Europeans are more conservative in their dress and mannerisms than Us. Everytime I’ve been to Europe it’s easy to spot the Americans by their loud boisterous and flippant attitudes and white tennis shoes and jeans. Plus most Americans are really overweight compared to most other parts of the world. John Kerry should be properly briefed before he does socially unacceptable things overseas.
(BTW, the pic of Kerry and Hollande nose to nose really shows the jaw J F-ing K stole from Guy Smiley. Weird... it's a faux pas in itself.)
I've been asking myself that same question since Jimmuh Cartah gave the Queen Mum a kiss on the lips
“The phrase alone sparked confusion in the media who struggled to pin down a translation for the word hug.”
Um, the word “embrace” is word the French taught us, so why would they not grasp the concept?
Kumbaya.
I’m too young to remember Carter very well. I was a kid. But if you did that in business you’d probably get fired.
What? He didn’t! I do remember Carter kissing Brezhnev, and the Soviet leader had a look on his face that was a combination of ROTFL and WTF!
La Bise, tres chic!
Translation for the B.S. impaired.
Who the hell would want to hug a Frenchmen? On a Friday— before the Saturday baths?
Yuck.
Carter was a faux pas doozie. He wore a rented tux at at state dinner for Queen E. The trousers were way too short.
Regarding the famous Queen Mum kiss, she later had the last word..
When you get over there to Paris don't mention to them that we
are planning on emptying Gitmo and ramping up everything.
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