Aero: Henry Livingston – France 2018 – History and Culture
Aero: Henry Livingston – France 2018 – History and Culture
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Henry Livingston
Initially, one my largest motivators to attend this trip was the historical background of the region and the unique culture surrounding it. Indeed, this aspect of the experience was one of the most appealing to me throughout the duration of the trip. Previous to attending the trip, I had been interested in studying history and especially that of Europe. Leading up to my departure, I had taken various courses regarding the history of Europe, which provided me with a general understanding of the region’s background. Features such as the French revolution, Napoleon, and the two world wars, were prominent in my studies. Moreover, I had also learned about the unique cultural art of the region, which gave me a preview for the artistic style of France. France being in the front lines of most of western civilization, has influenced the development and attitudes of American culture, which allows for interesting parallels between the two civilizations.
The physical difference between American and French history and culture, is exemplified in the architectural and artistic styles of the regions. In France history is prominently displayed, more often than in America, with numerous statues, cathedrals, and facades, which showcase the country’s historical background. The age of the structures is also vastly older than those found in America, with structures commonly dating back to pre-renaissance times. However, the city still utilizes these structures with its modern advancements, such as the road leading to the Arc de Triomphe, which was historically used to parade soldiers, from Napoleon to the Nazi regime. The Arc de Triomphe has also influenced similar structures around the world including one in New York city. Various historical insignia is scattered around the cities, including numerous Napoleon emblems on historical sites. Additionally, the number and size of the churches located in France is much larger than any in America, with a variety of historical artwork displayed throughout these sites. The significance of art in the French culture is very pronounced, not only in their historical structures, but in their contemporary environment, with art and artists commonly occupying public spaces. Additionally, there is a wider variety of art displayed in French museums, because of the numerous artistic stages the country has undergone. Seeing some of the historical landmarks I was taught in class was a fascinating experience, it also helped me better realize the physicality of the artifact. When I witnessed Napoleon’s tomb in-person, I was struck by how much larger it was than it appeared in the pictures. Also, the Mona Lisa appeared darker than I first thought. The medieval history of the region made the cities much more compact than in America, which was an enlightening experience.
The culture of France was more inclined to the communal aspects of daily life, and in general there appeared to be a larger emphasis on shared activities. Similarly, there were more worker’s strikes in the country, another testament to the communalistic nature of France. The history of France was also portrayed through the dining experience, with a variety of foods that had historical origins, such as the historically prevalent bread and cheese, which is still in integral part of the French meal. Similarly, the French culture placed a high importance on food and specifically each meal. The culture surrounding entertainment was more geared towards personal interaction and less around television, video games, and other electronic devices. Like in America, music is a large part of French life and although they have their own unique style of music, there is an abundance of foreign music as well. Overall, I found the collective atmosphere of the French culture to be extremely enjoyable and the history of the region to fascinating, for these aspects alone I would consider returning to France.
Henry Livingston
Study Abroad – France 2018 @ FLCC
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(Click here to browse the entire FLCC @ France 2018 Gallery!)
