[scocha]

The NYT overestimates the animosity that the average American has for France. As a result, the NYT misses the thing that really drives the French crazy: Americans do not care what the French say, think, or do. Meanwhile, they watch our movies, eat at McDonald's, and go to Disneyworld. The French would much prefer to be actively loathed than to be ignored. That is why they joyously embrace Francophobic rants like this. Tres pathetique, no? French culture is passe.

[Lancey Howard]

As a result, the NYT misses the thing that really drives the French crazy: Americans do not care what the French say, think, or do.

You nailed it.
In fact, Americans have that same attitude toward all of Europe and it simply drives the newsroom elites there crazy.

Where's Hank Scorpio when you need him?