Parallel Universes

I don't know what to say about this article (Japanese suffer from 'Paris syndrome'), but all you have to do is replace a few words, and you have a completely different article.

A STRANGE illness has descended on Japanese living in Paris, tipping many of them in a state of profound culture shock after realising their ideals about the French capital were unrealistic, a study published in Liberation newspaper said.

A STRANGE illness has descended on Americans living in Baghdad, tipping many of them in a state of profound culture shock after realising their ideals about the Iraqi capital were unrealistic, a study published in Liberation newspaper said.

More than a 100 expatriates a year are sinking into a state called "the Paris syndrome" which is characterised by feelings of persecution or suicidal tendencies, according to the mental health facilities of city hospitals.

More than a 100 expatriates a year are sinking into a state called "the Baghdad syndrome" which is characterised by feelings of persecution or suicidal tendencies, according to the mental health facilities of city hospitals.

Part of their clinical depression stems from having to reconcile their romanticism about Paris with reality, psychiatrists said.

Part of their clinical depression stems from having to reconcile their romanticism about Iraq with reality, psychiatrists said.

"Magazines are fuelling fantasies with the Japanese, who think there are models everywhere and the women dress entirely in (Louis) Vuitton," Mario Renoux, the head of a French Japanese Society for Medecine was quoted as saying.

"The news is fuelling fantasies with the Americans, who think there are capitalists everywhere and the people love Americans," Ahmed Marzeha, the head of the Iraqi Health Ministry was quoted as saying.

After a relatively short period of only three months or so, Japanese immigrants expecting to find a haven of civilisation and elegance instead discover a tougher existence with many problems dealing with the French.

After a relatively short period of only three months or so, American entrepreneurs expecting to find a haven of civilisation and elegance instead discover a tougher existence with many problems dealing with the Iraqis.

"They make fun of my French and my expressions", "they don't like me" and "I feel ridiculous in front of them" are common refrains heard by the doctors.

"They make fun of our customs", "they don't like me" and "I was almost kidnapped last week" are common refrains heard by the doctors.