Quote Originally Posted by Franglais
Ask a person what job they have and you immediately classify them in a box. It's - almost rude...
Well, I'll try not to make this a French-bashing post, but I think it's a good example of why a lot of Americans (and others around the world) think they're arrogant.

As a magazine feature photographer, I meet a great many people whom I chat up endlessly as I photograph them. I also talk to people I meet in public all the time just about everywhere I go.

If I don't already know, usually the fist thing I ask them is "so, what do you do?", and then precede to talk about their job or career. Among other things, of course...

I find people endlessly fascinating, and what they do for a living as well. In this country we "are" what we "do": by that I mean it's connected to our personalities. To me, asking and talking about it is the opposite of rude. It shows an interest and respect for someone.

And what they do...

BTW, this definitely is not an American thing. I've traveled to Europe, Asia, and South America, and many folks in all these places have wanted to know what I do and have been quick to talk about what they do for a living...

It's human nature. Just not French...