Despite how successful and talked-about Netflix's series, 'Emily in Paris,' is, it's still pretty controversial. This story of a wide-eyed American ingenue starting a new professional life in Paris sort of offends both parties, if you catch the drift. On one end, there's all the laid out stereotypes of French, particularly Parisians, which, in many ways, are almost cartoonish to an offensive degree. Meanwhile, Emily's (played by Lily Collins) ignorance on many things French doesn't exactly paint a good picture of how Americans are like when they go abroad. Nevertheless, the show, particularly its second season, does come out with a few good social lessons foreigners ought to follow when they go to Paris.
Source: Netflix
Leave French Culture Alone
As already mentioned, a huge part of why 'Emily in Paris' draws so much flak is that it appropriates French culture and sheds a pretty unflattering light on the French at large. Granted the show is from an American perspective, but it doesn't exactly bode well to see that Parisians on the show are portrayed as either being snooty and snobby or so liberal, they practically don't care about infidelity. News flash! The French, their culture, and their
social customs are more than that! No matter how you glamorize them, they're still real and deserve respect. Don't blame them for being bitchy at you if can't even respect their culture!
Source: Netflix
Embrace The Carefree Attitude of The French
Nevertheless, what 'Emily in Paris' season 2 did get right is show how carefree the French are with their bodies. They're not so open as to treat infidelity nonchalantly (heads up Emily and Sylvie!), but they're also not afraid to let it all out in the open in the appropriate places. Take, for instance, when Camile took Emily to a Paris Hammam for her birthday in episode 3. The stark difference between Emily, who was so embarrassed that she asked to wear a robe in a steam room, and Camille and her friends baring it all out, is a reminder of how far apart the cultural differences are between the French and the Americans.
Source: Netflix
Fight for Your Convictions
In a country that has a national motto, '
Liberté, égalité, fraternité,' you can expect that people stick to their convictions here. In fact, they respect those who do, especially
when it comes to business! Gabriel (played by Lucas Bravo) is a perfect example. When Antoine Lambert (played by William Abadie), his investor, tries to change the menu of their new place, the handsome chef decided to stick to his guns and serve what he's always been planning to serve throughout his career. Expecting an argument to arise, Antoine caught Gabriel by surprise when he said that he liked the latter more because of what he did, even when it meant disobeying his wishes.
Source: Netflix
Never Work on Weekends
As far as
working in France goes, one important rule you must never forget is to never work on the weekends. And yes, just as they said on 'Emily in Paris,' there is a law that enforces that. That's why, despite the state of
the country's job market, the French always seem more relaxed than those from other countries. Their work culture allows them to have the right work-and-life balance. When it's time to work, work hard. When it's time to rest, rest all you want! That's how it is in France. Even if you're asking for a social media post to gain more traction, if it's for work and it's the weekend, don't expect the French to go along willingly.
Source: Netflix
Don't Mix Your Personal and Professional Lives
If the second season of 'Emily in Paris' had one big lesson to teach, it's to never mix your personal life with your professional career. Sure, you can go on business lunches, socialize in events, and the like, but if you go beyond that, you never what might happen. If you act like Emily, you risk getting the ire of one of your most precious clients. If you do things spontaneously like Sylvie, you also risk hurting your love and his pride. If you don't get what all of this is about, you need to watch the latest season of 'Emily in Paris' on Netflix!
Source: Netflix
Prepare for All The Four Seasons Here
What Luc said in episode 7 may seem like a joke, but in fact, it's the truth! At least, part of it! The French aren't that so in touch with nature that you're left to fend for yourself once the seasons change, however, they are more adaptable than you think. Come summer, they deal with the heat despite not having air-conditioning by opening the windows, turning on the electric fans, going swimming, taking a stroll, and the like. Come winter, they put on layers of clothes, turn up the heater,
drink coffee, and more. In a nutshell: the less complaining, the better!
Source: Netflix
Always Have a Euro for La Dame Pipi
If you didn't know who
La Dame Pipi was before watching the second season of 'Emily in Paris,' you do now! Although Camille (played by Camille Razat) briefly explains her to be some sort of restroom attendant, it's not exactly an official role people can apply for here. She's simply a nice woman by the public toilet who askes for small change while you use the restroom. And before you go thinking this is a scam, that small change—usually €1.00—is actually somewhat of a compensation for having the restrooms cleaned for your comfort and convenience. So always have some small change with you for when you go out! There are
la dame pipis everywhere in Paris and the rest of France!
Source: Netflix
As controversial a show as 'Emily in Paris' is with its overused tropes and unflattering stereotypes, its second season did present a few social lessons worth learning. Most especially if you want to go to Paris yourself without looking like a fool like Emily!
Though not exactly a social lesson, getting yourself a
luxury home in Paris is an absolute must!
