the american dream

"Among the educated, enlightened, expensive middle classes of Europe, this [America is fat, stupid & ignorant] is a received wisdom. A given. Stronger in some countries like France, less so somewhere like Germany, but overall the Old World patronizes America for being a big, dumb, fat, belligerent child. The intellectuals, the movers and the makers and the creators, the dinner-party establishments of people who count, are united in the belief—no, the knowledge—that Americans are stupid, crass, ignorant, soul-less, naïve oafs without attention, irony, or intellect. These same people will use every comforting, clever, and ingenious American invention, will demand America’s medicine, wear its clothes, eat its food, drink its drink, go to its cinema, love its music, thank God for its expertise in a hundred disciplines, and will all adore New York." - A. A. Gill (Vanity Fair, July 2013).

The irony, I tell ya! (Many thanks to Olivia for sharing). Perhaps it's somewhat similar to the ways in which Americans can consider the French pretentious while unapologetically consuming the romance of Paris? To a lesser extent maybe ;). No matter where your opinions stand, I doubt one would be able argue against a Friday happy hour in Belleville that includes a cold apéro, warm sun, and this view. Had I known it could be so wonderful (and had I not been coming straight from work), I surely would've packed a picnic like the gents above. Gosh, I'm going to miss Paris for the next two and a half weeks. New York, here I come...!