Perhaps It's Time To Rally Around A Definition Of "Quebecois"
I have to say it was astonishing to see the Conservatives tripping over their tongues trying to define what is a "Quebecois" on Monday. For Stephen Harper and his Government, who pride themselves on message discipline, it was a serious breakdown in communications that left Cabinet members twisting in the wind, as they struggled to come up with a widely acceptable definition.
Watching the coverage of the Leadership Convention on CPAC, Liberals also seem to be of different minds when it came to who is a "Quebecois" -- a situation that will hopefully be remedied once a leader is selected this weekend. But just to get the ball rolling, I thought I'd offer up my own definition. Here it goes:
The benefits of a definition like this, are threefold: 1) The basis for identifying as a Quebecois transcends territory and/or ethnicity, and is found in culture which is both accessible and inclusive. 2) It preserves the element of choice. 3) It does not establish a distinct civic nationalism in Quebec to rival the civic nationalism of Canada.
UPDATE: "Confused over Québécois? You're not alone, poll shows", from The Toronto Star, December 9th.
Watching the coverage of the Leadership Convention on CPAC, Liberals also seem to be of different minds when it came to who is a "Quebecois" -- a situation that will hopefully be remedied once a leader is selected this weekend. But just to get the ball rolling, I thought I'd offer up my own definition. Here it goes:
A Quebecois is a person who has an abiding affection for, and attachment to, the unique culture of Quebec. While Quebec culture is rooted in history and the French language, being a Quebecois is not dependent on ancestry and/or mother tongue. Any person who resides in Quebec may consider themselves a Quebecois should they feel inclined to identify themselves in this manner.
The benefits of a definition like this, are threefold: 1) The basis for identifying as a Quebecois transcends territory and/or ethnicity, and is found in culture which is both accessible and inclusive. 2) It preserves the element of choice. 3) It does not establish a distinct civic nationalism in Quebec to rival the civic nationalism of Canada.
UPDATE: "Confused over Québécois? You're not alone, poll shows", from The Toronto Star, December 9th.
posted by Peter Wrightwater at
4:18 PM
7 Comments:
I agree with your general approach. Surely Stephen Harper was deliberately avoiding the implication that every resident of Quebec (including First Nation individuals, for example) is Quebecois. But it may not have been politically palatable to say that in so many words.
Aboriginals are identified in part by blood lineage and in part by practising an Aboriginal culture (First Nation, Inuit, or Metis).
I think similar criteria should apply with respect to "Quebecois". It would be possible for a Chinese immigrant, for example, to enthusiastically embrace Quebecois culture, and self-identify as Quebecois. But mere residency in the province shouldn't automatically bestow Quebecois identity, in my view.
My father-in-law grew up in Rouan-Noranda Quebec. He is ethnic Chinese. Regardless of their roots to the region, attendence of French schools and fluency in French, his brother and his children who remained in Quebec are not considered Quebecois.
In that case, to paraphrase a former politician, "Ich bin ein Quebecker!"
Oh get over it - all angles have already been discussed over and over and over and over and over again and again and again.
Obsession is a sad quality.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
I think you should get over your obsession with me, anon from Hamilton. This was posted over a week ago, three days after the resolution was passed when people were still debating its meaning, not today!
Until Stephen Harper defines this nation notion motion for "all Canadians" I will view it as Harper trying to dodge a bullet and falling into a tar pit.
He's so far making matters worse, getting up on tv and talking nonsense out of both sides of his mouth.
This is exceedingly embarassing for Canada. But it sure goes a long way to keep the public eye on the shenanigans going on behind the curtain: CWB, Income Trusts, Environment, Economy...
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home