The World Cup almost always captivates in the oddest of places. The other day technicians from Sears came to our house to service our stove - all is well. On this day, the stove was the least of my concerns as the television was on - you know it - a soccer match.
One of the men was oblivious to what was on but the younger one kept turning his head to catch a glimpse of the game. During the session, he and his partner were engaging my wife in a conversation - as I continued to be focused on the game. All took place in French of course.
The conversation was an appealing one. The World Cup reveals some universal truths about cultures and how we perceive them. I remember a man once telling me he hated people who waved flags. I thought that was a bit harsh. Sure, when done in nationalist fervor it tends to rear its ugly side but in general what is so wrong in connecting to ones roots via a symbol like a flag? Another fascinating point, the tactics and styles employed by soccer nations often reveal a thin hint into that country's national psyche. Which is why people may take it so seriously.
The older man told my wife that it's amazing to see how cultures rally during soccer. He was impressed by the act of solidarity and strength of some cultures. Then, he took a sudden turn towards Quebec culture. "I wish Quebecers were united. We pretend to be but we're not. We're all for ourselves. Here, even the separatists are divided. I wish it was different. I hope it improves one day."
It was a poignant and honest comment. One that many ethnics in the province agree with. For years, the minorities have been trying to explain to Quebecers that some of their aspirations are suicidal and pointless. Driven by passion rather than sober pragmatism.
Many Quebecers are slowly becoming aware of the shortcoming of the culture now. There is a segment of the Quebecois population (as well as pretty much all communities) that are well ahead of the cultural curve vis-a-vis our political and academic masters. For too long Quebec culture was defined first by the Church and then by politicians and nationalist scholars. Quebecers were never allowed to flourish under their own accord. That's why they exhibit a colonial world view. The only way they will evolve into a mature society is if they free themselves from the shackles of oppressed imaginings.
Right now, Quebec society is way too parochial to be taken seriously. Which in part explains why they failed three times to insanely leave Canada. Being impoverished and immature are not the best conditions to leave a country. The will of the Quebec people - so enamored by romantic nationalists - is a myth.
I too hope he gets his wish that things will change one day. Canada is not at the World Cup, but soccer still managed to have an opinion about us. Ah, the beautiful game.
You raise an interesting point. Canada's early existence was indeed marred by an inablity to define its purpose. There was a battle ground between those who wanted to remian loyal to British cutlure and those who felt it necessary to move closer to the U.S.. We never made a decisions and the result is evident today. We remain confused. As for soccer, there really isn't an excuse except for lack of committment and mismanagement. Now, whether that committment has something to do with history is plausible. More on this later - possibly. I have to go watch a soccer game....
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