Dear Garrison,
What is your opinion of France and the French, especially nowadays? I am studying abroad in Paris next year and many have recommended that I pretend to be Canadian, in order to prevent anti-Americanism against myself. Is this sound advice?
David Polk
Tufts University
David, you won't make a convincing Canadian. Be yourself. Get to work on your French. There is a French David inside you and now is the time to bring him into the open. You will find people to love in Paris, and you'll find people who are irritating in utterly original and brilliant ways, and you'll have a great time.