Harleyquiiinn
10-21-2011, 06:03 AM
I read this article about a psychiatric problem called the japanese syndrom.
Basically, it's about tourists goin crazy in Paris and apparently, japanese are touched more oftenly than the rest of tourists.
It is because they imagine the Paris of Doisneau, Chanel n°5 and Vuitton and then realize that it is more of an ordinary city with, maybe, a little more dog poop than elsewhere.
This is also due to a culture shock between japanese (shy, polite, discrete, respectful, tidy) and french - especially parisians - who are the complete opposite.
The conclusion of the article is that, maybe, Paris and parisians should adapt to the tourists more.
and yeah, I completely disagree with that.
Not that I think that we shouldn't care about tourists ! After all, Paris is one of the more touristic destination in the world and it's one beautiful city. But we do care about them. I mean, parisians won't tell you to go fuck yourself if you need directions. If they don't answer, it's mostly that they don't speak english (always ask younger people, there is more chance they can answer you).
Now, do we have to adapt the city to tourism ? Maybe in terms of indication. The public transportion is complicated, the geography of the city is complicated and maybe a little more info is needed.
But should parisians adapt ? no way. Yes, café's waiters are not always polite and won't always give you the best service. But they are like that with us too. It's part of the trip.
What I mean is not only for Paris. It is for all touristic cities. I am a tourist myself, and I think I have to adapt to the city I visit. Not the contrary. Visiting a foreign city isn't only about the monuments, it's also about the inhabitants.
I went to Turkey this summer. Great trip, beautiful country. But that was so weird. People were doing so much efforts to welcome tourists that I didn't feel that I went in a different country. That got me frustrated.
For people living in touristic cities, what is your relation to tourists and tourism ?
(of course, I'm sorry for these japanese. Obviously, they have been cheated... but not by us...)
Basically, it's about tourists goin crazy in Paris and apparently, japanese are touched more oftenly than the rest of tourists.
It is because they imagine the Paris of Doisneau, Chanel n°5 and Vuitton and then realize that it is more of an ordinary city with, maybe, a little more dog poop than elsewhere.
This is also due to a culture shock between japanese (shy, polite, discrete, respectful, tidy) and french - especially parisians - who are the complete opposite.
The conclusion of the article is that, maybe, Paris and parisians should adapt to the tourists more.
and yeah, I completely disagree with that.
Not that I think that we shouldn't care about tourists ! After all, Paris is one of the more touristic destination in the world and it's one beautiful city. But we do care about them. I mean, parisians won't tell you to go fuck yourself if you need directions. If they don't answer, it's mostly that they don't speak english (always ask younger people, there is more chance they can answer you).
Now, do we have to adapt the city to tourism ? Maybe in terms of indication. The public transportion is complicated, the geography of the city is complicated and maybe a little more info is needed.
But should parisians adapt ? no way. Yes, café's waiters are not always polite and won't always give you the best service. But they are like that with us too. It's part of the trip.
What I mean is not only for Paris. It is for all touristic cities. I am a tourist myself, and I think I have to adapt to the city I visit. Not the contrary. Visiting a foreign city isn't only about the monuments, it's also about the inhabitants.
I went to Turkey this summer. Great trip, beautiful country. But that was so weird. People were doing so much efforts to welcome tourists that I didn't feel that I went in a different country. That got me frustrated.
For people living in touristic cities, what is your relation to tourists and tourism ?
(of course, I'm sorry for these japanese. Obviously, they have been cheated... but not by us...)