Lyon, France: If The French Think They're Better Than Us, Maybe They're Actually Onto Something

If you’re around my age—I’m 48—and from a working class background, you might have grown up in an environment where a British accent was labeled rude and snooty and the French were snobs who think they’re superior to the rest of the world, particularly Americans.

Of course, I thought all of these things—and more about myriad groups of people—by default.

You’re a kid! You know nothing more or better than what you see and hear around you. Plus, working class culture often focuses on respect. Respect for your elders, even if they have no idea what they’re talking about. Challenge them and they put you in your place.

Of course, nobody really had any idea what they were talking about. They watched Archie Bunker on TV and thought we needed more people like him. Even when All in the Family was in reruns.

I like to think I was always skeptical, but scared to speak up. I moved away at age 19 and instantly changed. Being around every ethnic group and sexual orientation possible in Miami has a way of making you wonder why you dislike—or worse—people who don’t look, act or live like you. It wasn’t culture shock. It was an education.

That education continues to do this day. But in a much different way.

Case in point—walking around Lyon, France last week.