Although Souvenir (November 2001) is about a search for a WWI memorial, and although the French people in the film can't give directions to the British monument, they absolutely have not forgotten WWI, much less WWII. What does seem to be forgotten, though, is the goodwill and sympathy the world extended to Americans during the period in which Souvenir is set, the goodwill that has been squandered.
Dunleavy quotes an American student giving the simplistic advice that has served backpackers well for years: "We have been told that if we face any kind of a threat, we should say we're Canadians, not Americans." That's the fifth time in a week I've seen this tactic mentioned in the media. That's something worth writing home about.
