>But I suspect that overseas they are more likely to view country music through the same lens as "America", having no specific concept of "despicable Southerners".
I think you're going to find that the rest of the world is going to have much more commonality in social cultural viewpoints of the American South than with California.
Depends on what part of France. I'm sure French farmers will find quite a bit in common with American farmers. I'd be surprised if country music is popular among Parisians.
I think you're going to find that the rest of the world is going to have much more commonality in social cultural viewpoints of the American South than with California.