Scary Social Thoughts from the Crypt

Sometimes, not always, but sometimes, Quebec is one big, bad, Creepshow. I was reading about the "Reasonable Accommodation" debate in Hull and came across this beauty from a person who stood up to address the esteemed panel.

It seems, the problem of foreign invaders can be attached to one of ignorance of the French language - a language Quebecers barely could speak or write themselves. Yeah, best they first learn it also I suppose. Anyhow, he said, "We have to be very strict about linguistic things." Fair enough I guess. Quebec identifies itself fervently on language. However, here's where the whole idea of freedom of expression and speech in Quebec becomes screwy.

He suggested people complain to the "L'Office de la langue francaise" (Office of Le Wet Paint) for stores that do not give proper services in French.

First, rare is it these days that French is not properly protected. In fact, the social awareness non-Francophone people have is quite high. If not out of respect for the French language then for outright fear (gulp) of being harassed and accosted by outfits like the OLF. Nice way to build a strong culture, eh?

Quebec's language laws, to nationalists, are a necessity. Perhaps. But they can not, on the other side of the intellectual fence, claim they are democrats. Some laws here are anti-democratic and trample on the rights of individuals. The minute those rights are challenged you cease to be a democracy at the social level. You pick your poison is one way of putting it.

The OLF is a kind of language police made up of parochial people armed with petty rulers and the power to fine (all backed by laws and the government of course. To make sure "les autres" stay in firm check) hard working citizens. I know people, even French-Quebecers - who were visited by them. Their sense of belonging and privacy were subsequently shaken to its core.

The OLF are a mild form of Black and Brown shirts who jump into the Bat-French Mobile at any complaint made by an insecure troublemaker. All in the name of protecting a culture.

Some culture.

Most Quebecers are unaware of this fact. I am convinced if they knew (or were subjected to) the middling actions of the OLF and its ilk they would not be pleased. Indeed, a colleague of mine was such a person. He began to watch English news and reading English papers to get a sense of what was going on and he was somewhat dismayed. "We do not get any of this coverage on the French side."

There is a plus to this. Quebecers and their mentality are prepared to defend their interests. Something Canada as a whole can learn from. However, like everything else moderation is paramount.

Francophones claim that the English are political. They believe they are far more progressive and open - in some ways they are. However, as a person of neither French or English extract who pays attention to both sides of the coin, in this commenter's opinion, it is the French who are far more politically charged. Recall, it is this place with a political chip on it shoulders with an axe to grind.

The overhang of 1955 still resonates among the nationalists. The English (as if they are a monolithic block. Which is no longer the case. But this is how they are seen here) have long moved ahead. Leaving us Quebecers in the dust - again.

We are an young, immature society. Maybe one day we'll reach puberty.