Impressions of Parisians. 6-14-22

I've been lucky to be in Paris for 2 weeks, but unfortunately, that time is ending. Before I go to Rome, I will share some things I observed. First, let's start with the speaking voices. In America, we tend to be as loud as trains roaring by when talking. On the other hand, Parisians are very soft-spoken, and you have to really focus on their words as it's a hushed tone. One thing I've noticed as well is people dress pretty casually here. Walking in the streets, I often see many people wearing jeans, even when it's 74 degrees outside. In America, that's deep into short weather. One thing that feels very weird still is when I walk into a store here in Paris out of respect. I greet the shopkeeper, but everyone walks in and minds their own business in America. Continuing with that point, Americans often tend to nod their heads or give eye contact with a person as a sign of acknowledgment. Here in Paris, that is also not a thing. It also feels weird to be a minority here. I don't know much French, but know a few essential words. In America, even with someone random on the street, I can have fluent conversations with them. In Paris, I learned that each culture is different, even sometimes in the tiniest ways, but humans must learn to adapt and respect others for what they provide.



From a journalism perspective, that last statement is huge; you are tasked with interviewing different people worldwide, whether you're covering a basketball game or another sport. Each person comes from a different culture, and it's essential to know the values of each person you're talking to and how to be considered culturally appropriate when reporting.


Well, this is it from Paris. We leave for Rome tomorrow (Wednesday morning), and I hope you continue with me on this beautiful journey until next time. I'm Evan Katz saying au revoir one last time.