They represent us!
The ClubHouse: Archives: They represent us!
Dogdoc | Saturday, September 29, 2001 - 12:47 pm   These players are representing the United States with their actions during the games. I would have disqualified Paul from the game when he kicked the Eiffel Tower. (Colby taking coral on Survivor 2 was another example of rude behavior but at least that was out of ignorance).Maybe I missed it but I haven't heard one person trying to speak French while in France, including Team Guido. |
Roe325 | Saturday, September 29, 2001 - 12:53 pm   The new york guys tried. |
Wcv63 | Saturday, September 29, 2001 - 01:01 pm   Marguerite tried. The teachers made a lame attempt with their asking for a "blanco and yellow flag" then responding "si" (not oui, but si) to a question from someone trying to help. They all made a attempt at one point or another but some were completely clueless. I wouldn't fault them too much for not attempting the language because it's possible they don't know it. |
Hippyt | Saturday, September 29, 2001 - 08:26 pm   Yeah Paul kicking the Eiffel Tower was pretty bad,talk about your angry American. I loved the nasty teachers speaking fractured Spanish to the French!!!! |
Muse | Saturday, September 29, 2001 - 08:33 pm   Team Guido did. I remember them asking something when they first arrived in Paris (something about the metro, maybe?). And in the last episode they asked some people passing by about the ferris wheel. Of course they also asked those people, "Is it a building?" in French, so I don't really know if their French was exactly up to par. If someone pointed in the direction of a ferris wheel when I asked about "the Big Wheel", I doubt I'd be asking if it's a building. Marguerite's French seemed okay. The frat brothers made an attempt. They obviously only knew a handful of words, but it was cute that they tried. I don't think it's a terrible thing not to speak French in Paris. Most Parisians do speak English to some degree - better than most of the contestants on The Amazing Race speak French, at least. It's nice to give French a try, but if you're totally clueless (like the teachers) and just butchering the language, it'd probably just be better to politely ask, "Do you speak English?" instead. I DO think the rudeness some of the contestants showed (especially Paul kicking the Eiffel Tower) is pretty uncalled for, though. I don't know if he should have necessarily been disqualified, but a time penalty would have been nice.  |
Dogdoc | Sunday, September 30, 2001 - 06:27 am   Muse, I agree, a time penalty would be better. I did appreciate those who tried to speak another language. All I really wanted to hear were the contestants saying "merci" to the mayor who was gracious enough to great them at the end point.Languages are difficult to learn and use but one "thank you" is all it takes to be polite.I admit I have used up my French vocabulary in this post and would by clueless getting around there. |
Tbear | Wednesday, October 03, 2001 - 12:24 am   I am Canadian, but I can definitely see your points. Everyone is stressed, but I have found that they don't say Merci, they just rush off. I would take some time at the check-in point and make even more conversation about letting them have the use of their landmarks for participation in the show. If someone helped me I would hope that I was grounded enough to show my appreciation, even hug them and say thanks. What is the use of a million dollars if you remember back and feel really bad about your actions in obtaining it? (Like kicking the eiffel tower). On a HAPPIER note, reading what you have posted and having been in this and other chat-type rooms. I know that there are nice people and rude people in the states, as well as the world. I become frustrated by the opinions and ignorance that people have expressed regarding Canadians in general at times. P.S. I really feel for those who have lost loved ones due to the tragedy in New York. Also to everyone, as we are all feeling the effects. This tragic event is beyond words....I can't imagine what some people are going through and seeing ground zero in person sounds like it way worse than even the pictures can capture. |
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