What And When Was French Bashing?
From 2003 to 2007, French bashing in the USA was particularly notable due to political tensions over the Iraq War. France’s opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 led to a wave of anti-French sentiment. Prominent examples include the renaming of French fries to “freedom fries” in the US House of Representatives’ cafeteria and various media outlets mocking France’s stance. This period saw a rise in stereotypes about French cowardice and ingratitude, fuelled by political rhetoric and popular culture.
The Second Gulf War, or Iraq War, began in 2003 when the US invaded Iraq to eliminate suspected weapons of mass destruction and overthrow dictator Saddam Hussein. No WMDs were found, leading to prolonged conflict and instability. The war officially ended in 2011 but left lasting impacts.
After 2007, French bashing in the USA diminished as political tensions over the Iraq War subsided and global dynamics shifted. While occasional jabs at French culture and policies persisted in media and popular discourse, the intensity of the anti-French sentiment decreased significantly. The focus of American public opinion and media turned to other international issues and domestic concerns, such as the global financial crisis and the election of President Barack Obama.
Who Were The Most Notorious French Bashers In The USA?
Notorious French Bashers: Jay Leno – Glenn Beck – Dennis Miller
Politicians and Elected Officials: The White House Under Georges W. Bush – Administration, Cabinet & Advisors – House of Representatives – State Governors & Representatives
Writers, journalists, bloggers and TV hosts: Journalists & Columnists – Business and Economic Leaders – Anti-French Books – Comedians
Anti-French Websites (before Social Media platforms): Websites
What Is Miquelon.org?
Miquelon.org is a website created to counteract and address the negative stereotypes and anti-French sentiment, particularly French bashing, in the United States. It was founded by Marc Cormier, a French expatriate, in response to the widespread criticism and mockery of French culture and policies during the early 2000s, especially in the context of France’s opposition to the Iraq War.
Miquelon.org is a watchdog group dedicated to documenting Anti-French activity in news and entertainment. Miquelon.org’s activities are purely academic and charitable in nature.
Miquelon.org has been featured or mentioned in many media outlets: Financial Times, AFP (Agence France Presse), Libération (www.liberation.fr), 20h de TF1 (www.tf1.fr), KTTM Radio, Fox News Radio with Alan Colmes, Der Spiegel, the Utne Web Watch and was scheduled to appear on Bill O’Reilly, only to be pre-empted by the Scooter Libby Affair …