This is an open-ended blog ranging from news about my latest gigs and publications
to ruminations about politics, world affairs, culture and whatever piques my interest—or ire.
Contact: tomsancton@yahoo.com

Friday, August 9, 2013

THE UGLY AMERICAN


Anyone who wonders why American tourists are not always well received in France should check out the photo of this shirtless, pot-bellied Yank wandering through the manicured gardens of the Versailles palace as if it was the beach at Coney Island. In the summer, Americans jog bare-breasted through the Tuileries gardens, down the Champs-Elysees and up the stairs at Montmartre. Just because they’re on vacation doesn’t mean this historic European metropolis is their private playland. French women may sometimes go topless on their beaches (a rarity these days) but you’d never see a native going shirtless through the French capital. Respect is a two-way street. 

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