September 6, 2012

My home.

Politics? Not usually something I engage in publically. But since Pauline Marois’ historic victory in the 2012 Québec Provincial Elections, this image has persisted in my mind's eye:



The election campaign, the results, and the fatal shooting at the Parti Québécois celebration rally left me with some lingering thoughts and feelings.
  1. I’m reasonably bilingual and I like it. 
  2. Language issues remain divisive for some folks. But those who speak with violence ne parlent pas pour moi. 
  3. Although I don’t consider myself a separatist, I love living in Québec. I especially love Montreal, peu importe ma langue maternelle.  
  4. Honestly... I’m no longer certain what it means to me to be Canadian since Harper was elected as Prime Minister. The Canada I loved feels like it's disintegrating.
  5. Some Canadians outside of Québec seem to have a peculiar idea about what it’s like to live here.
  6. The first people that lived in this land spoke neither French nor English. 
The Fleur-de-lys in the drawing is an emblem from the Québec flag. Did you know that “quebec” is originally a Mi’kmaq word? It means “strait”. I live here; it's my home.
Posted by The Animated Woman at 4:59 PM
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14 comments:

  1. Brenda and Rick KozlanSeptember 6, 2012 at 5:31 PM

    Canada as it spreads across the masses remains the one you love too.... I am with you! Harper will not ever be able to strip you of it! But we can strip him out one day. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. The Animated WomanSeptember 7, 2012 at 12:15 AM

      Thanks Brenda - you may be right about Harper, but the damage he is doing is irreparable. #tarsands

      Delete
  2. GrandeMochaSeptember 6, 2012 at 5:35 PM

    Beautiful! I feel the US of A is falling apart too. The FUIGMs (FU I got mine) are buying the election and lieing and dividing the country.

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  3. areyoukiddingmeSeptember 6, 2012 at 5:43 PM

    I'm sorry that you Canadians are entering the world of separatist politics...

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  4. KathySeptember 6, 2012 at 8:14 PM

    Like you, I love my home. I am a Montrealer, a Quebecer and a Canadian and damn proud of all three. I can't imagine living anywhere else even if my mother tongue isn't French. It could just as easily be my picture in that fleur-de-lys. Hopefully Mme. Marois' minority government won't be able to cause too much trouble and, being minority, we may even get another chance to vote her out sooner rather than later if she does stir the pot too much.

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    1. The Animated WomanSeptember 7, 2012 at 12:18 AM

      I think democracy may actually work best with a minority government. The people are more vigilant about what they want, and there is much less chance of an abuse of power.

      Delete
  5. OisSeptember 6, 2012 at 11:07 PM

    Learning another language is fun. It's always interesting to learn about concepts that we can't express in English!

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  6. AnonymousSeptember 6, 2012 at 11:40 PM

    I was born and brought up in Montreal. I am an anglophone who speaks both languages. I left because the laws that outlaw the English language made it difficult for me to work, shop and enjoy my "home" town without conflict.
    I will not live where I am not welcome or wanted, there are many places in the world that do welcome me.

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    1. The Animated WomanSeptember 7, 2012 at 12:21 AM

      I myself have never encountered discrimination here, but I know a few people who have. I'm sorry this happened to you in your hometown, in my hometown too.

      Delete
  7. IzzyMomSeptember 7, 2012 at 1:38 AM

    I didn't know you lived in Canada. Some of my very favorite people are Canadians! Can't wait to meet you at the Non-Conference next month!

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  8. MeganSeptember 7, 2012 at 11:09 AM

    I visited Montreal last year and thought it was lovely. I didn't have any problems with not being fluent in French.

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Cuz You Rocketh.

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