#EmilyinParis. The perfect show about French clichés we need right now.

“Emily in Paris” is this Netflix show making the top 3 of most seen series in many countries, including Norway and … France! I saw the title many times and felt bored before I even clicked on play. What is the point, I thought, for a French like me to watch the fabulous life of an all-too-skinny American who wears bérets and learns to say … Continue reading #EmilyinParis. The perfect show about French clichés we need right now.

2015. The Year that Traumatised France

One’s first first reaction in these circumstances is to make sure one’s family members and friends are fine. The 7 areas of Paris where the attacks occurred started turning around in my head: is any of my friends likely to have attended the rock concert at The Bataclan last night? Could any of my family members have been in the Cambodgian restaurant where people got shot … Continue reading 2015. The Year that Traumatised France

Illustration: Ole Johnny Hansen for afroginthefjord.com. All rights reserved

Morals in Politics: What if French DSK had been Norwegian?

Do you remember Dominique Strauss Kahn? Or DSK like we call him in France? He was a high profile French politician, once the Head of the International Monetary Fund, French Ministry of Finance, and one press release away from becoming a serious candidate to become France’s President in 2012. He was basically one of the most powerful men in the world, until this day of May … Continue reading Morals in Politics: What if French DSK had been Norwegian?

Why the French are so arrogant (and why Norwegians aren’t)

My home country, France, is internationally known for its great wine, food, kisses, seductors and philosophers. What a creative nation: as good in bed as in the kitchen. But there is a but, of course. Paris is not that romantic after all (it’s actually quite dirty and noisy), and French people are also internationally known for their rudeness and arrogance. We have been elected as … Continue reading Why the French are so arrogant (and why Norwegians aren’t)