October 31, 2007

  • Intolerance and Paranoia.

    As an ardent proponent of multiculturalism and diversity, when I read news like what follows, I feel utterly disgusted:

    "Bertrand, a separatist-turned-federalist who has reverted back to separatist
    politics, told the Quebec commission that it can only protect its culture by
    getting rid of multiculturalism. He said that can only be achieved through
    Quebec sovereignty.     "

    "The commission is looking into how immigrants integrate into Quebec society.
    It was formed after some Quebecers complained about rights afforded to ethnic
    and religious minorities."

    As a proponent of multiculturalism and as a proud Canadian, I cherish the contributions and rich heritage that Quebec and our French Canadians have given to the history of Canada, a respect I would not have had the opportunity to develop if I were as intolerant and culturally paranoid as some separatists today.  Our separatists might do well to take that point to heart - French Canadian culture is not dying, but the best parts of it are much alive in enriching the fabric of our nation.  If those with power and influence spent more time and effort encouraging and helping foster the growth of Quebec's culture rather than putting out to the world the face of intolerance, hatred, and fear, they too would be playing a hand in strengthening the culture they claim to protect (an example of positive cultivation of culture: a recent announcement by joint levels of government of a new plan to revitalize downtown Montreal).  In fact, they damage that culture with each overreaction and outcry, staining the face of that proud heritage to the world, choking the life blood of their culture with stagnation and starvation until, perhaps, their language is the only identity they have left to hold onto.

    The recent assaults on the virtues we hold dear as a Canadian nation, the virtues that make our nation strong and vibrant, praised the world over, virtues such as multiculturalism, diversity, fundamental respect for human rights - to throw them down and tread on them as some have done recently - shows a dangerous regression in terms of our social growth and maturity as a species.  I had thought we'd have learned from world wars our forefathers fought and conflicts endured in the last century owing to thinking like what has been recently espoused.  We as Canadians hold dear the principle that we are not a melting pot but a glorious quilt-work of many different fibres, each lending their strength and their unique vivacity to our cultural landscape, bound together by a respect for the history of this country.  We become stronger by the many different parts, not weaker.  It is sad that some people do not realize that it only by the positive act of lovingly cultivating and nourishing our cultural roots - and not by the negative one of treading upon those of others, or enforcing cultural consistency at the barrel of gun or the end of a gavel - do we build a healthy society with a strong culture.  While the positive route requires simple gift of faith in the vigour of one's cultural identity to grow and eventually flourish, the negative alternative takes from us, robbing from us our very humanity as we stamp out the universal human rights of others.

    link to the article:
    "Separatist assails Habs who don't speak French"  (http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/  )
    (Finnish Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu berated for not speaking French in public appearances)

    From another article,
    "    Quebec politicians tackle immigrants' rights"
    (http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071024/que_hearings_071024)

    "Councillors were also against the display of overt religious symbols such as
    hijabs in public life.

    Herouxville Coun. Andre Drouin told commissioners Wednesday that the Charter
    of Rights and Freedoms "is a tool to destroy our country" and that judges should
    drop legal protections for religion.

    Otherwise, warned Drouin, the province would have to separate from Canada."

    I wonder if these same councillors are also considering imposing a prohibition on the wearing of crosses, rosaries, the carrying of bibles, or the wearing of robes by priests outside of churches?  The Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects us from intolerance and guarantees each of us the right to live as we please so long as we do not harm others.  Far from a tool to destroy anyone, it is what stops xenophobes from public lynchings and regression back into the days of witch hunts and public inquisitions.