However, being 15 in France is different, fun, cool, extraordinary. Especially because of the fashion.
Keeping up with the trends and fashion teens try to fit in and match their language. However, in France language purity is very important. Slang is not allowed nor are incorporated English words. The society is expected to keep up the original language to cling on to the standards of being French (Kranz).
Sleepovers are unheard of and it's very rare for a girl to be allowed to spend a whole day with her friends at the weekend, especially out of the house. (Living In France)
The customs and expectations in France for teens around the age of 15 are different from many other locations, causing it to be a busy place out of the "ordinary".
In France teens and their parents are always absorbed in their tasks and jobs. Typically in France both parents work while their children are always involved in school or extracurricular activities, causing parents to have to constantly work hard to even involve themselves in their kids' lives (Kranz).
I can imagine how it would feel to always have your parents to busy to ask about your day or keep up with much of your life. Sometimes my dad has to leave on business trips sometimes even for weeks, and my mom becomes really busy taking care of my six siblings and I. It's sad having everyone in your family to busy and no one to keep up with you.
Not only that but having the lack of freedom in France would be hard as well. There can be many problems of sexism throughout the country, where boys are given more freedom ("I Don't Belong Here). Occasionally my brothers are allowed to go places or do whatever they please while I am not permitted to do so. It's hard not to have that equality and freedom others may have.
However, in my life I am given a lot of freedom, attention, connections, and free time making me very privileged. At times I experience what it is like to lose those things and I realize how much I am given, making me able to connect and understand with how other lives are. Especially with 15 year old teens in France.
Works Cited
“Cute Fashion.” Cute Fashion, France, 16 July 2011, newfashion22.blogspot.com/2011/07/french-fashion-2012-fashion-in-france.html.
A Day in My Life in France. Directed by Christina Grace, Christina, 16 May 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzaMsUK6QPg .
“The Eiffel Tower.” Photos, Trek Earth, France, www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/France/North/Ile-de-France/Paris/photo1043686.htm.
“Fashion.” Lily Kate at Joli House, LBD, 30 Apr. 2015, www.jolihouse.com/primark-little-black-dress/.
“France City.” Pc Wall Art, France, pcwallart.com/image-post/161925-france-city-wallpaper-4.jpg.html.
“Juniors.” France Langue, France, www.france-langue.com/courses-and-programmes/juniorsandfamily.html.
Kranz, Nickie. Teens in France. Minneapolis, MN, Compass Point Books, 2007.
Rosie. “My Life in France as a Teenager.” La Vie En Foussais, 12 May 2015, lavieenfoussais.com/2011/02/28/my-life-in-france-as-a-teenager/.
“Vietnam – One of Most Dynamic Asian Economies: Italian Analyst.” Vietnam – One of Most Dynamic Asian Economies: Italian Analyst, Franchise Consulting, 28 Nov. 2014, vffranchiseconsulting.com/news/vietnam-one-dynamic-asian-economies-italian-analyst/.
“Vintage Outfit Ideas - French Teenager.” Vintage Outfit Ideas - French Teenager, Bike Pretty, France, 7 Aug. 2013, www.bikepretty.com/blog/2013/08/vintage-outfit-ideas-french-teenager.
“Welcome to the No-Slacking Zone.” US Represented , Dec. 2014, www.usrepresented.com/2014/12/page/7/.
“What French Kids Eat for School Lunch.” What French Kids Eat for School Lunch, Mbg, France, 11 Aug. 2014, www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14845/what-french-kids-eat-for-school-lunch-it-puts-americans-to-shame.html.
“'I Don't Belong Here!' What It's like for Children Moving to France.” Living in France, FrenchEntrée, 8 Sept. 2014, www.frenchentree.com/living-in-france/i-dont-belong-here-what-its-like-for-children-moving-to-france/.
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