Ask Delphine what the meaning of life is

[Delphine]

Do you have an opinion on the proposed Transatlantic Free Trade Agreement? I have a feeling it may have been a popular topic of discussion in France.

To be completely honest, I don't have a specific opinion on the TFTA, mostly because I care less for economic questions than others (I am more interested in social and societal matters), I did study it in geography and economic classes, but I don't have enough knowledge concerning this agreement so I'd rather not pronounce a vague position on this topic, it wouldn't be very relevant.

I don't believe it's a very popular topic of discussion in France as of now, maybe it is in more intellectual debates but I wouldn't know. Right now, and it is pretty sad to say it, the only thing that we all have in mind is the book our President's ex-wife wrote about their private life, which made him even more unpopular than he was, because it reveals the fact that Fran?ois Hollande doesn't have left-winged ideas as he is supposed to, being in the Socialist Party; the guy once proclaimed with pride that he 'doesn't like rich people', and now this book gives the image of a man who calls poor people 'the toothless'. Same man who said on the evening he was elected, 'I shall be the President of all the French people'. He doesn't like the rich, nor the poor; who does he like? Why did 'we' elect him (I say 'we' because I wasn't 18 back then and didn't have the right to vote, and I wouldn't have voted for him anyway to be honest)? That's what's being discussed in the country right now. You didn't ask, and maybe you're not interested in knowing but I thought it could be nice to share what's going on in France right now.

Thank you for always asking very interesting questions! Do you personally have an opinion on the TFTA?

Have you ever heard any weird french songs?
Recently in french class we're learning a song about a phoque called "complainte du phoque en alaska"
{For those who don't know phoque means seal}
Our class won't stop laughing everytime we hear it.

Hahaha what the... is that song? XD I need to listen to it!
Huh, weird and stupid songs in French... 'Petit Poney' (guy goes like: 'little ponyyyy, little ponyyy... you wander in the fields without a care for the time passing, little ponyyyy'), also 'Ponga, le pingouin judoka' XD It's funny when you do the dance at the same time!

And a song in French which is disgusting is 'Ma Poubelle' by Sum 41.
'You are my little trash bin, you are my lady, I'll search for trash for you and I'll start in my pants'. Lovely. Just because you say it in French doesn't make it romantic =_________= Plus the guy's accent is awful and it's full of bad grammar.

Oh and also: 'Qu'il est beau le lavabo' was a hit in the 80s or 90s, can't remember... It means... 'The washbasin is so beautiful'... what? And also 'T'as le look Coco' ('Coco, you got style')...

Aaaand another one I just thought of: Ren? la Taupe (Ren? the mole who shouts 'You're so cute but fat, fat, fat'...)

Oh and how could I forget 'Le Poussin Piou'?

Not thanking you for the question Swiftstream cause Le Poussin Piou is catchy and it's going to be stuck in my head for a few days XD <3

 

[Zulehan]

You didn't ask, and maybe you're not interested in knowing but I thought it could be nice to share what's going on in France right now.

I am interested in everything you have told me about France. No news agency will give me such an intimate perspective about France.

Thank you for always asking very interesting questions! Do you personally have an opinion on the TFTA?

Thank you.

Likewise, I do not have much of an opinion, though I am quite interested in economic matters, and think TFTA certainly is ambitious.

I recall new stories on Deutsche Welle Journal about how France was particularly opposed to it, and one commentator claiming that a major reason for that was what the French see as growing encroachment of America culturally in Europe. Relatedly, according to the commenter, France was particularly worried about growing English influence in movies, books, etc., over French literature.

In any case, I suppose TFTA, despite the setbacks, shows how closely Europe and North America work together. On the one hand, I have seen the North American Free Trade Agreement as a possible response to growing European integration (e.g., the European Union, but also other agreements and cooperative efforts), though the TFTA may be seen as an attempt by the States to remain intrinsically connected the Europe.

 

[brownboy102]

When you pass by a homeless person on the street but you can't donate anything, do you feel bad? I know I do.

 

[Delphine]

I am interested in everything you have told me about France. No news agency will give me such an intimate perspective about France.

That's nice to know, thanks! It's actually hard to get informations in France. TV channels generally give so little information it gives you the feeling they want you to be confused and ignorant of what's going on.

Thank you.

Likewise, I do not have much of an opinion, though I am quite interested in economic matters, and think TFTA certainly is ambitious.

I recall new stories on Deutsche Welle Journal about how France was particularly opposed to it, and one commentator claiming that a major reason for that was what the French see as growing encroachment of America culturally in Europe. Relatedly, according to the commenter, France was particularly worried about growing English influence in movies, books, etc., over French literature.

In any case, I suppose TFTA, despite the setbacks, shows how closely Europe and North America work together. On the one hand, I have seen the North American Free Trade Agreement as a possible response to growing European integration (e.g., the European Union, but also other agreements and cooperative efforts), though the TFTA may be seen as an attempt by the States to remain intrinsically connected the Europe.

Oh yes, Americanization! Sure got the communist parties grow bigger. Not trying to blame others for French people's stupidity that leads them to extremist parties (though I tolerate all thoughts and beliefs, I do not like extremists). It's so existing in the country that I wouldn't know where to begin. I studied globalization A LOT, especially in my economic classes which were in English. I wrote a paper on the subject, 'Is globalization a threat to the French industry?' and got a 18/20 (an excellent grade considering my teacher also teaches in Sciences Po, anyone not familiar with that name can follow the link), here is what I wrote, if anyone is bored:

Spoiler: Delphine's super smart paper on globalization

The process of internationalisation corresponds to the development of the economic relationships between the different nations of the world. It can concern whether the increase of trades (goods, services or any type of capital) between countries and firms, or the internationalisation of the production of goods (with the idea of products “made in the world”).
Globalisation is a world economic integration that goes beyond the internationalisation of trades of merchandises, services and capitals, for it is characterised by a perfect mobility of capitals and by a vast and increased competition between firms and nations. It has been able to spread itself all over the world, due to policies such as deregulation and liberalism (thanks to GATT and WTO), and to the increase of new technologies regarding information and communication.

Though the process of globalisation is often criticized for many of its aspects, we cannot argue that it only presents defaults.
From a strictly economic point of view, globalisation can be a good thing. It forces every company to rethink itself because of the enormous number of competitors. In this globalized economy, the enterprises have to be competitive if they want to make it; they will therefore try to lower their selling prices by reducing their costs of production (by investing in machines or lowering wages). Consumers will have more choices when buying their products or services, which will provoke an increase in demand and in consumption which is a path to growth, and is therefore desirable for an economy’s good health.
Globalisation is also a good way to help undeveloped countries prosper. Foreign direct investments (also known as FDI) have helped these countries integrate themselves. It’s because China opened itself to the world that it could become the country with the 2nd biggest economic power of the world. Nowadays, it is the first investor in Africa. From a large point of view, globalisation has rather decreased inequalities between countries. Surely, there still are the powerful ones and the exploited ones, but these last ones are on their way to catch up with the others after they’re done industrializing themselves.
Globalisation has also allowed tons of products from different origins to arrive in our country. It is thanks to this system that we have access to so many cultures so easily; we are enriched by the possibility of learning from other horizons. For example, France is the 2nd country to consume manga comics, right after Japan. When they became really popular, in the early 1990s, their readers began to show much interest to Japanese culture in general. From that moment on, Japan knew that France was a good place to export, because they had numerous potential buyers. Exchanging between countries can benefit both the exporters (it generates wealth) and the importers (it increases the well-being).

However, you can argue with that and object that globalisation takes our very national culture to turn it into a sort of globalised mishmash (we are all wearing clothes that are pretty identical, consuming goods from the same brands, enjoying watching the same movies and TV shows…). In that case, it feels that we are losing our national pride and our own identity. But the question of knowing why people would rather listen to Beyonc? than to Julien Dor? and would prefer watching Game of Thrones over Plus Belle la Vie is a hard one. Our tastes must have changed within the decades, but can we prove that it is due to globalisation? Do we wear Levi’s jeans to proclaim that we are pro-American or just because they are the cheapest and the best? Since these questions of national identity are extremely subjective, you could argue forever on that topic.
Back to an economic point of view, globalisation presents several defaults. If a firm invests in a foreign country – Starbucks in France for instance –, the money created from that firm will go back to the country of origin. If I were to buy myself a delicious Frappuccino at Starbucks, using the wages that I made here in France, then a large part of the money I gave to Starbucks would go back to the United States, were all of the wealth created by Starbucks goes to, and would not be of any help for the French economy. The wealth created here in France by Starbucks would not benefit our country. Surely, a part of the money made in France would be used to pay the French salaries and such, but the major part of the benefit made would go right back to the country of origin.
Also, some countries are totally excluded from globalisation, and are more marginalised than ever, especially in Africa, were poorness remains. Pollution is another big problem caused by massive production.
Another problem is delocalisation. Companies are trying so hard to be more competitive that they sometimes delocalise their production to places were the cost of labour is cheaper (a striking example would be China, or India). This kills jobs in many developed countries that are unindustrialised and turning themselves to tertiary activities (services). Workers have to deal with competitors from all over the world, especially in France since the Schengen agreements that allow any worker from a country part of the European Union to work anywhere in that zone.

Globalisation presents both advantages and limits. It’s a fact. Since the 2008 subprime crisis, which was essentially due to globalisation (well, actually, which had repercussions all over the world because of the globalisation of the financial system), the question of the legacy of this model is now more than ever making us all sceptic. Should we totally review this model, and change it deeply? Should we just shut our doors, remain ourselves in our own country and play the card of protectionism? Or should we believe in liberalism, and try to improve its weaknesses? Globalisation does not take into account the social problems seriously enough, such as the unemployment caused by delocalisation, and only focuses on the economic aspect that it offers. Sustainable development seems a good bet, for it proposes to account the social, economic and environmental aspects of the world, in order to live in a bearable, equitable and viable world.

- - - Post Merge - - -

When you pass by a homeless person on the street but you can't donate anything, do you feel bad? I know I do.

No, because my parents give a lot of funds to different associations. I have never worked and so, I have never earned any money, so it does not make me feel bad, as I only ever have pocket money. But when a homeless person asks me for money, and it so happens that I don't have any to give, I simply tell them 'I'm very sorry Sir/Madam, but I don't have anything on me. Have a good day though and good luck.' I feel like it's better than just ignoring them.

Also, the homeless people in my neighborhood are jerks. They made fun of my skin disease. Of course, they were drunk. But I hated it. The guy got too close to me and wanted to touch my skin. It was so disturbing. I was a young girl back then, uncomfortable about her looks, and this douchebag hurt my feelings. Now when I come across him, he lowers his eyes. I'm not mad at him anymore and I don't have anything against homeless people in general, you know. It's just... just such a bad memory, and I should be able to get over it, but I can't. I don't know why.

 

[Zulehan]

The first paragraph of that globalization paper especially sounded like something out of my world politics textbook. Nice work.

Sustainable development is the key term to me.

The question of whether globalization in its current form has been helpful to underdeveloped countries certainly is a point of contention for many scholars and activists, and I sit more on the side that sees a lot of bad, though I certainly do not hold onto any egalitarian, isolationist dreams.

Rather, I believe that a lot of 'globalization' is being driven by an elite few (not just more privileged people, but more privileged regions of the world which, when combined, make up a minority of the world population but use up the majority of resources) who are dictating policies for the world in a highly centralized, generalized manner, rather than allowing for much customization and accommodation at the local level, leading to a lot of people being passed over, or worse yet, being plowed over, for the sake of globalization.

 

[brownboy102]

When you pass by a homeless person on the street but you can't donate anything, do you feel bad? I know I do.

Eh?

 

[Delphine]

The first paragraph of that globalization paper especially sounded like something out of my world politics textbook. Nice work.

Sustainable development is the key term to me.

The question of whether globalization in its current form has been helpful to underdeveloped countries certainly is a point of contention for many scholars and activists, and I sit more on the side that sees a lot of bad, though I certainly do not hold onto any egalitarian, isolationist dreams.

Rather, I believe that a lot of 'globalization' is being driven by an elite few who are dictating policies for the world in a highly centralized, generalized manner, rather than allowing for much customization and accommodation at the local level, leading to a lot of people being passed over, or worse yet, being plowed over, for the sake of globalization.

I can only agree with you!

Eh?

I did answer xD

 

[brownboy102]

It makes me cry every night when I think about how many I've past..

 

[kbelle4]

lols at the Sum41 comment xD don't go to Quebec sweetie, he's singing with a Quebequois accent using Quebec french

-

Why is the cafe so depressing today? I had some little things bugging me so I went to post them. Came out 10x angrier than I went in -.-

 

[brownboy102]

What's wrong with Quebec?! (I'm Canadian D:< )

 

[kbelle4]

Sparro don't cry!!!

You can't help all of them. That's unreasonable to think. And furthermore, money won't fix the underlying issues as to why they're homeless. Whether it is a mental disorder, unemployment, or bad life choices, pocket change won't help. If you really feel like you want to help volunteer at a food bank, or a soup kitchen. Those are the services that will help even more (but not on Thanksgiving if you're american. All the extra "one time" volunteers make things harder than if they didn't volunteer at all xD)

 

[Delphine]

It makes me cry every night when I think about how many I've past..

Look, you can't feel personally bad for every poor person you meet... Not everything is your fault and sometimes, you just can't do anything. I know it's hard but it's life. It also makes me very sad when I really think about it, but we have to face the hard truth. Other people, and associations, may help them. So don't feel so sad for something which is out of your hands, and if you really feel guilty, why not try to do some charity and volunteer?

 

[kbelle4]

I'm Canadian too Sparro xD I lived in Montreal for 4 years as well. It's the ghetto slang of the french language xD I have nothing against it. It's just what it is.

 

[brownboy102]

I would.. I want to. I can't. Don't ask.

 

[Delphine]

Why is the cafe so depressing today? I had some little things bugging me so I went to post them. Came out 10x angrier than I went in -.-

Because people enjoy complaining and whining n_n'
When something makes you feel bad/sad, think about something else

 

[kbelle4]

Because people enjoy complaining and whining n_n'
When something makes you feel bad/sad, think about something else

Thanks Delphine xD I'm now listening to grouplove so I should be good

 

[Delphine]

Je vais d?s ? pr?sent envoyer ce sujet jusqu'? la premi?re page.

 

[Skep]

opinions on me

 

[Delphine]

opinions on me

We haven't talked much but I think you're really nice and funny, I always like to see your signature, so you're a member I really like n_n

 

[Delphine]

Ceci est un bump