New York Times

Last week, the New York Times wrote that Frenchmen are boorish with their women and have manners that date back to “the old regime”.
I felt targeted because I kiss the hand of most women that I meet, including on professional occasions. All to please my grandmothers, even if they’ve been dead for some time.
There are two types of women. Those who allow you to kiss their hand because they are used to it and then those who stiffen as soon as you begin to move the hand upwards (because the hand must rise while I bend, otherwise it’s not a pretty picture). I recognize them all and can tell them apart. But let’s get back to these Americans who neglected to speak of the condition of women throughout the world. In Japan, for example, where in society a woman must not speak unless she is asked to; the Middle East, a champion in all categories; and the United States where, excluding New York, skirt or dress-wearing is three times higher than other Western countries.
This reactionary edge can also be found in a recent survey where each continent was asked what evoked luxury for them. Whilst the whole world said couture luxury brands, cosmetics and accessories, the United States mentioned flashy sports cars and luxury real-estate. A wonderfully macho and unpolished demonstration of those who’d do better not to criticize, or else see their criticism turned back on them.