I would not want Bardot as the symbol of French personhood. She's a racist nutter because she married one herself. One can defend one's country and demand the government do their job without being a loon.
When I visited France, I was attacked on the street at night. Thanks to two Senegalese guys for rescuing me because the French people walking by didn't give a shit. young people I mean. People say New Yorkers are insensitive! Not true. I was wondering where the police were,etc. Next time I'll be more careful most definately. I'll never walk Paris after dark as everything literally shuts down after ten or eleven.
I've only been the France once,I didn't like Paris, but the rest was nice and the people treated me well.Probably worse now.