Letters: The French are not always above petty xenophobic jibes

To the Editor,

While I can in no way tolerate the declarations of Harriet Dart concerning her French opponent, Nabila Ramdani shows a total lack of knowledge of the subject in her recent column.

Clearly, she has never watched, impartially, a rugby match from Stade de France on French television between France and England, or any other native English-speaking side, or refereed by a native English speaker.

On French TV, commentators associate themselves with the French team with the use of "on" standing for "nous", whereas the BBC uses commentators from all of the six nations and beyond: 

Note, too, the persistent whistling by the French crowd at any decisions by the referee against France, the cat-calling of the British kickers concentrating on a penalty or conversion, and the dubious claims of biased refereeing.

Read the comments after a France-England match on l'Equipe or Rugbyrama to understand just how totally partial the French are, especially if France have lost!

No, Nabila Ramdani, nationalistic jingoism is not a British speciality.

Admittedly, French commentators have immensely improved from the days of Roger Couderc and Pierre Salviac who were not even subtle in their support for France only, with not the slightest inkling of fair play in their comments, but to this day we still cannot say that the French are non-partisan.

Paul Darby, Puy-de-Dôme

To the Editor,

Many years ago, before living in France, I worked for an international company in Norway. One day over lunch with several different nationalities present (but no French), an Italian called Carlo referred to a cake he was eating as a Napoleon.

"Well," I remarked as Carlo took a large bite, " it seems to have met its Waterloo!"

To which replied, "Why do the English always think of Waterloo when Napoleon is mentioned?"

I thought I had made a witty remark but according to Carlo and to your columnist, Nabila Ramdani, I was just taunting the French in a stereotypical way!

I actually admire many of the good things Napoleon did, and am a staunch Francophile. Long may the friendship, humour and appreciation continue!

Marjorie Smith, by email

To the Editor,

I would like to take issue with article by Nabila Ramdani about the British insulting the French. 

While this is a long-established English habit, there is less evidence for the other countries of Britain. Indeed, for centuries there was the 'Old Alliance' between Scotland and France against the English and that bilateral amity continues to this day. 

Please do not accuse Britain as a whole of being xenophobic when this behaviour is generally limited to a 'Little Englander' mentality.

Deborah Hunter, by email

Does cultural and sporting rivalry at times translate to a lack of respect? Do you ever encounter this in France? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com