I think that Michel de Certeau absolutely nails the introduction to his essay "Walking in the City." It states that in his essay, "he presents a theory of the city, or rather and ideal for the city...against ideas of urban planners and managers." In order to do this, Michel de Carteau walks through the city. WALKS. He decides that the most important thing was to see the city as it was, to see what it truly needs, and to look at the city, really look at it, rather than giving a glance over. de Carteau makes a point to separate the "everyday" from the "official."
I believe that this is a monumental statement in and of itself. While looking at cultural differences in general; people in Paris take note to things in much greater detail. They care about the little things. For example, in the US, girls will leave the house in yoga pants and a hoodie with perfect makeup. In Paris, people always had exquisite fashion sense, even if it was a plain blouse, they dressed it up with a fancy necklace.
They also just recognize small things. While a boy in the states might call me "hot", "sexy", or if they are really trying, "beautiful," boys in Paris would comment on my eyes, or freckles. Something specific that is at least a little bit more unique.
The people watching habits in general point out how much more people are appreciated in Paris. I think that this is a powerful message that people (everyday or official) need to be reminded of sometimes.
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