The sub-pages under “Themes” aims to address points of interest that were commonly shared amongst the interviewees. The themes below are some of the themes that I was unable to express on the map.
Major Themes:
- Expat vs. Immigrant: This sub-page looks at how the interviewees view themselves in terms of their foreigner status in the U.S.
- Why NYC?: This sub-page looks at the overlapping, albeit obvious, reasons why the interviewees decided to live in NYC.
- Friendship: This sub-page gives an insight on the difficulties the French have with making friends in NYC. There is also brief explanation of the cultural differences between America and France in friend-making.
- Food: This sub-page touches on one common point of interest across all the interviewees: a change in eating habits, food service, and food products.
- Comparisons: This sub-page mentions a cultural difference between the act of comparing things. In America, people tend to compare a lot, whereas it is not the case in France.
Some remarks on the interviewees:
Essentially all of the interviewees stated that they do not go out of the way to seek out French people. It is nice to have a French friend to relate to, but one is enough. Surprisingly, none of my interviewees find themselves constantly surrounded by other French living abroad, even the interviewees who are studying abroad through a program.
Two of the interviewees mentioned that living in NYC helped them either quit smoking or smoke less. This is due to the higher costs of cigarettes as well as a change in social habits. Smoking is much less prevalent in NYC and even has a strong stigma attached to it. They stated that they do not feel as strong of a need to smoke in social settings.
The interviewees range in background, from city dwellers (Paris residents and the suburbs) to former residents of small towns. However, all of them have lived in a big city at some point in their lives before moving to New York. All of them have at least a Bachelor’s degree (or the equivalent) or are currently in the process of completing it.
Responses to how long they intend to stay in NYC vary. A few responded that they see themselves in NYC for a long time. Some said they currently have no intention to stay in NYC permanently, however, they would enjoy a few more years in the city.
Some final observations:
All of my interviewees stated that being French in a Francophile city made them feel more French than they ever were back in France. Suddenly, being French takes precedence over any other part of their identities. This is frustrating at the beginning, however, overtime, they realize that there is no point in denying it. They find themselves wanting to fit in, but at the same time, ostracized by the very own community that welcomes their culture. The Francophile nature of the city that accepts French immigrants also exoticizes them, labeling them as foreigners – others, a source of curiosity, and a novelty.
