In the U.S. the French are the butt of jokes. Often they are depicted as just simply the weakest or most cowardly in the world. I am not saying that is an accurate description or that it is even deserved. I am just stating that as how they are depicted in U.S. popular culture -- especially in humor.
One joke that has been going the rounds and sticks in my mind is about the recent opinion that some think the world has now entered the beginnings of a World War -- i.e. WWIII. However, the humorous reply to that is,
"Nonsense! It isn`t a World War until the French surrender."
I am particularly interested in the views of other Europeans. Do the French have the same reputation as being weak amongst other countries in Europe, too?