How does the rest of Canada feel about Quebec?
- Thread starter Xeke
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There are a lot of people outside of Quebec that have French heritage, and there are a lot of people inside Quebec that don't. Quebecois share culture and language for the most part but they are not a single ethnicity.
100% Hate really?
If true, this is pitiful and sad for Calgary and Canada as a whole...
Its true. You guys are practically tibet.
IISANDERII
Member
My brain must be wired differently than everybody else's because I think that cover/blurb is fucking great. It tells me there's a fight to stop the hemorrhaging towards fascism and hopefully a beginning to the pendulum swinging the other way[edit: not all the way left, natch].
This spin certainly isn't helping QC right now. I saw this shit and laughed. What a bullshit, sensationalist cover. It's offensive to think that the rest of English Canada will most likely see this and take it as 100% wholesale truth.
But hey, "Fuck today's youths and their iPhones," right?
TheAtomicPile
Member
As an American, my opinion isn't what's being asked for in this topic, but I will say that I had a geography professor in college who had been all over the world several times and claimed that visiting Quebec was the worst traveling experience she ever had. She said that in general, they were the rudest people she had encountered in all of her travels, and strongly suggested that none of us ever take the time to visit.
I should note that this trip to Quebec probably took place at least 20 years ago, so maybe things have changed since then. Or perhaps they just don't like Americans?
I should note that this trip to Quebec probably took place at least 20 years ago, so maybe things have changed since then. Or perhaps they just don't like Americans?
BocoDragon
or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
I find that "100% hate" unlikely... 100% of that poster's friends/family, perhaps.
-Pyromaniac-
Member
Quebec...as an Ontario native, I can't say I'd miss them if they split up like they wanted to. It would have been funny (and sad) if anything.
So then we shouldn't preserve Quebec culture and the language? We should just scrap it and have everyone abide to English Canada?
Not directed at you: But I don't think Quebec will ever split from Canada. At least, Canada won't let it happen. They are the largest producer of hydro-electricity among other things. Yeah, we're not letting them go...
In my experience:
Vancouver>Montréal>Toronto
Vancouver's beautiful enough to push it to the top. If we're talking culture wise, however, then Montréal wins by a landslide.
That's exactly how he feels, although he'd probably say that it's better to let it die on it's own as opposed to wiping it out immediately. He wouldn't want to look like an asshole, you know. There's a reason why Québécois are so protective of their culture.
Are you Canadian? And are you 200 years old?
I thought this too in '95, but I was also 10 at the time and didn't understand the role Quebec plays in the country.
You could say the same thing about just about any city here I'm sure. Things might not have changed, but they might not be as bad as she made them out be either.TheAtomicPile said:
Wolf Dawgz
Member
Personally I liked Quebec. Their distinct culture gives some spice to Canada. I took up to French 11 in the B.C schooling system,but not very fluent in it. I like the animation that comes from there and it gives Canada more media. I understand how they feel politically about wanting to preserve their heritage while they're still a significant amount of them and not end up like the First Nations situation.
A lot of people in western Canada probably don't support Quebec all that much though. I'm not going to say they hate them, but there is a lack of sympathy towards their issues since they are segregated lingually and geographically.
A lot of people in western Canada probably don't support Quebec all that much though. I'm not going to say they hate them, but there is a lack of sympathy towards their issues since they are segregated lingually and geographically.
That's bullshit. Quebec is still very French. Most people from the other provinces only visit Montreal which is bilingual as hell and doesn't represent Quebec at all. Plus for awhile now the government has been favoring immigrants from ex-French colonies to increase the number of French speakers (people from the Maghreb for example).
-Pyromaniac-
Member
Didn't care in 95 and don't care now.
Don't hate Quebec, just don't care for their plight.
Dr.Guru of Peru
played the long game
Hieberrr said:
I have no particular leaning either way. The culture would evolve naturally, like every other culture has. I certainly wouldn't mind if present-day Quebec culture could survive, but without its racism and insularity. Unfortunately, that racism and insularity is probably the only reason it has survived this long.
I must be a weird quebecois according to how the rest of Canada see us. I'm no immigrant and i speak french, but i dont give a shit about separation and the obsession of the Parti Québécois over that is the only reason i'm never going to vote for them.
Although Harper isn't doing anything to help the rest of Quebec to think like me, if anything, separatism might get more popular if he does too many stupid decisions in the next years.
And no, french isn't to disappear anytime soon. Only Montreal is filled with people who can't speak french. Go to Quebec city, Gaspé, Trois-Rivières, Sherbrooke, Saguenay... ANY city other than Montreal and you'll mostly hear french. You might hear more english in the Vieux-Québec part of Quebec city, but that's because that's where all the tourists goes.
Although Harper isn't doing anything to help the rest of Quebec to think like me, if anything, separatism might get more popular if he does too many stupid decisions in the next years.
And no, french isn't to disappear anytime soon. Only Montreal is filled with people who can't speak french. Go to Quebec city, Gaspé, Trois-Rivières, Sherbrooke, Saguenay... ANY city other than Montreal and you'll mostly hear french. You might hear more english in the Vieux-Québec part of Quebec city, but that's because that's where all the tourists goes.
I don't see how Quebec is any more racist than the other provinces. Do you have examples of that?
Wanting to preserve elements of your culture is not racist btw.
BocoDragon
or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
Believe me... a lot of the stuff that Harper does makes a lot of us non-Quebecois want to separate too
Agree on that point.
Have you actually been to France (or Europe in general)? Montreal is a pretty standard North American city with a bunch of French speakers. Want something closer to Europe? Go visit Quebec City.
Having grown up there with French as a first language, I got nothing but love for Quebec. However, I feel that their insecurity is only hurting them in the long run. You'll do more towards preserving a culture by proudly spreading it around, not by staying in your bubble.
Liberty4all
Banned
I'm from Toronto.
Here is a situation we had for years. For the Americans in this thread, imagine if you had a federal party in your government who sent many members to congress ... and that parties main ideological goal was to separate from the union. Imagine that same federal party represented a very big chunk of congress (say about 20 - 25 percent -- Quebec gets 75 seats in our House of Commons, the rest of the country gets 292). Imagine that state almost managed to get itself declared a "distinct society" within the US Republic (this almost happened in 1987 in Canada). Imagine that to the rest of the United States it felt like this seperatist state was constantly catered to by the Federal government (because the feds either needed those 75 seats support in minority government situations, or near elections wanted to win some of those 75 seats to get a majority government). Imagine that state decided to vote to leave the Union and the results were 50.58 percent to stay and 49.42 to leave?. And this referendum was held DESPITE all the seeming favoured treatment given to that state at the federal level.
How well do you think that would go over in the rest of the United States?
To be fair Quebecers tossed the sovereignists out at the federal level thanks in part to the NDP and the late Jack Layton last election. But there is still alot of anger from English Canada towards Quebecers. Usually the further west of Ontario you go the deeper that anger gets. Ontario and Quebec are seen in many ways as the liberal "northern" states of Canada (BC too). With the exception of BC the entire west of the nation is like our version of the "southern states" ... deeply conservative.
It's not just the English, French thing .... there are deep deep ideological differences that strain the entire Canadian National fabric. Hell I'm sure most Albertans hate Ontario just as much as they hate Quebec (my brother lived in Alberta for 5 years, just moved back to Ontario a few weeks ago).
Here is a situation we had for years. For the Americans in this thread, imagine if you had a federal party in your government who sent many members to congress ... and that parties main ideological goal was to separate from the union. Imagine that same federal party represented a very big chunk of congress (say about 20 - 25 percent -- Quebec gets 75 seats in our House of Commons, the rest of the country gets 292). Imagine that state almost managed to get itself declared a "distinct society" within the US Republic (this almost happened in 1987 in Canada). Imagine that to the rest of the United States it felt like this seperatist state was constantly catered to by the Federal government (because the feds either needed those 75 seats support in minority government situations, or near elections wanted to win some of those 75 seats to get a majority government). Imagine that state decided to vote to leave the Union and the results were 50.58 percent to stay and 49.42 to leave?. And this referendum was held DESPITE all the seeming favoured treatment given to that state at the federal level.
How well do you think that would go over in the rest of the United States?
To be fair Quebecers tossed the sovereignists out at the federal level thanks in part to the NDP and the late Jack Layton last election. But there is still alot of anger from English Canada towards Quebecers. Usually the further west of Ontario you go the deeper that anger gets. Ontario and Quebec are seen in many ways as the liberal "northern" states of Canada (BC too). With the exception of BC the entire west of the nation is like our version of the "southern states" ... deeply conservative.
It's not just the English, French thing .... there are deep deep ideological differences that strain the entire Canadian National fabric. Hell I'm sure most Albertans hate Ontario just as much as they hate Quebec (my brother lived in Alberta for 5 years, just moved back to Ontario a few weeks ago).
PastorOfMuppets
Banned
Sure you do. I'm well aware of the existence of Quebec Solidaire as well.
But lets not pretend that it's 50/50. Asians, blacks, Indians, Jews - most of Montreal's ethnic communities are completely against separation. Clarence Thomas is a black Republican but that doesn't mean that the Republican Party is friendly towards black people.
Also for the record, I believe that Canada would be a lot better off as several smaller countries ala Europe, rather than one big one. The only reason I don't support such movements is that I don't trust the United States and these sorts of movements tend to be rooted in ethnic nationalism rather than practicality.
Europe and Canada are about the same size geographically. Europe has 700 million people. Canada has 34 million. I don't see how we would be better off as a bunch of tiny countries with even less say in global affairs than we currently have.
Lots of countries have regions of disparate culture and language and manage to persist just fine. The world needs fewer states, not more.
Liberty4all
Banned
It's no secret among whites outside of Quebec either. I still remember Oka Crisis well (see immediate causes at link).
Quebec is the only place I've traveled to that I didn't feel welcome in, though I don't get to travel that much so I haven't been to all that many places. I just remember going there once with my family when I was young, and feeling the eyes of people watching us when they heard us speaking in English. I went to Quebec again later when I was older and didn't feel the same resentment, so I'm a bit confused overall about it.
Individually, Quebecers can be nice - just like any other people. Put together and I think the general feeling is that Quebec tends to demand special treatment, and lashes out against English Canada.
I think the same rules for bilingualism on signs, etc. should apply in Quebec as they do in the other provinces. If French instructions/ingredients/warnings/etc. are required to be on things in English Canada, then English instructions etc. should be required in Quebec. Just put the French as the primary/default text, and the English on the back/smaller/whatever.
As it is you see French/English in Ontario, and then go to Quebec and see French only. Things like that only help fuel the feeling that Quebec has something against the people of English Canada just for being primarily English-speaking. The distrust/dislike between Quebec and the rest of Canada probably mainly stems from each feeling a bit unjustly persecuted by the other for being who they are. That's what it seems like to me, anyway.
Individually, Quebecers can be nice - just like any other people. Put together and I think the general feeling is that Quebec tends to demand special treatment, and lashes out against English Canada.
I think the same rules for bilingualism on signs, etc. should apply in Quebec as they do in the other provinces. If French instructions/ingredients/warnings/etc. are required to be on things in English Canada, then English instructions etc. should be required in Quebec. Just put the French as the primary/default text, and the English on the back/smaller/whatever.
As it is you see French/English in Ontario, and then go to Quebec and see French only. Things like that only help fuel the feeling that Quebec has something against the people of English Canada just for being primarily English-speaking. The distrust/dislike between Quebec and the rest of Canada probably mainly stems from each feeling a bit unjustly persecuted by the other for being who they are. That's what it seems like to me, anyway.
PastorOfMuppets
Banned
The way I describe it is that outside of Quebec, race issues are more prominent and discussed but inside of it, it kind of takes a back seat to the French-English thing so a lot of us feel like we're in third place and our issues always have a French-English narrative to the debate.
Liberty4all
Banned
In all honesty I don't want to see Quebec separate. The Canada I've grown up in has always included Quebec. With that said most people I know just roll their eyes whenever yet another complaint/demand/etc from a Quebec politician crops up in the news.
Extra Sauce
Member
I've heard that story in the past and it came from tourists who were insulted that some people wouldn't talk to them in English. They seem oblivious to the fact that a lot of Québécois flat-out do not understand the English language. That's not being rude.
When someone only knows one language, I don't think they are in a position to judge other people who don't learn English.
Canada wants to have Quebec as part of the country. It's a good thing, and is completely obvious to most people who haven't been bullshitted with party politics.
Canada hates Quebec partly due to the rejection (we aren't good enough complex), but 90% is because of the political efforts Quebec has used to wring the federal government dry. It's half robbery, half blackmail, and thoroughly sleazy. This is done mostly by the separatists, so we especially hate them.
Having lived in Quebec and the West and currently living in Ontario.... I cannot imagine Canada without Quebec. I just can't.
The haters are hating a political stereotype of La Belle Province. For myself, there's a lot about the Quebec political scene that I dislike, but I don't equate that to hating an entire province.
The haters are hating a political stereotype of La Belle Province. For myself, there's a lot about the Quebec political scene that I dislike, but I don't equate that to hating an entire province.
Depends where you go in Quebec too. In Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, there are a lot of people who downright hate those who speak English.
We don't hear a lot about that over here, can you give some examples? And I'm not understanding how seperatists could have done that.
I completely understand their point of view. The protection of their culture and the French language is important. However, some of their policies are just downright absurd and do nothing but hurt them in the long run.
My mom's side of the family is in Alma. Thankfully, they're quite anti-separatist.
I went to see "La fabuleuse histoire d'un royaume" last year, which is a theater production on the history of the Saguenay, and the thinly veiled separatist message throughout was pretty infuriating. I can say I'm happy most of my extended family doesn't think that way...I wouldn't get along too nicely with them if that were the case.
My mom's side of the family is in Alma. Thankfully, they're quite anti-separatist.
I went to see "La fabuleuse histoire d'un royaume" last year, which is a theater production on the history of the Saguenay, and the thinly veiled separatist message throughout was pretty infuriating. I can say I'm happy most of my extended family doesn't think that way...I wouldn't get along too nicely with them if that were the case.
Extra Sauce
Member
Well yeah, that's because they are a rural, conservative, rednecks bunch. Canada and the US have the equivalent of that too.
No joke.
I was at the SAQ a few months ago, needing a refund because they gave me the wrong bottle of scotch. The guy was taking down my information...gets to my last name, and I answer "Rooney", and he just rolls his eyes at me. I wanted to give him a good smack in the face.
CrudeDiatribe
Member
That's not my perception, though there are definitely assholes like that.
I feel the same way. (Halifax)
It really sucks for my dad's family, who are all English only speaking living in Quebec (Pontiac region). English only people are a pretty opressed bunch in Quebec.
Granted, I know very little about Canada. But I imagine that roads and transportation and the like gets federal money, no?
IF that is the case, then it makes sense, and is fair, to have things like that be bilingual, considering that both English and French are the federal official languages...
The Internet
Member
I love Quebec. I love Ontario.
I just work for an oil company in downtown Calgary, and just listening to everyone's opinions. Bunch of social conservatives, uneducated, intolerant people.
Go to Calgary Sun and read peoples comments regarding anything Quebec related. Those are the people in the oil industry here.
CrudeDiatribe
Member
Provincial jurisdiction. The signs in provinces that aren't New Brunswick are typically English-only.
New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province, and has signs to match.
I just want to clarify one thing: not everyone who is a seperatist hates English speakers. In a perfect world, the two shouldn't be associated.
I would say that the French only people in, let's say, Manitoba are a lot more oppressed than the English-speaking people here. And isn't Pontiac close to the Ontarian border? I'm kinda surprised if he gets a lot of hate there.
I think it's starting to change with the younger generation. I see a lot of teens/young adults watching movies in english, listening a lot a music in english and speaking a lot in english too. I hope it's starting to change anyway.
TheRagnCajun
Member
I'll never understand Quebec. Personally I don't care what boat my ancestors stepped off of, or anyone else's. I don't understand the point of fighting assimilation & melting pot cutlure. I don't see how it matters who won or lost the fight for land hundreds of years ago and how that is relevant to me today.
Of course this is all coming from a dirty Ontarian, so what do I know...
Of course this is all coming from a dirty Ontarian, so what do I know...
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