As in the theory of communicating vessels, each time we make an individual gesture to fuel the use of English in Quebec, it is French that suffers. In this sense, Bill 96 will provide a very precarious dike against the apprehended Anglophone tsunami.
The self-victimization of Anglophones in the face of the affirmation of French as the only official language in Quebec reveals their Rhodesian position in relation to the affirmation of Francophones. A majority in Canada, Anglophones also want to be in Quebec; hence their attitude of turning their backs whenever their privileged position seems to be threatened.
For their part, Francophones are well aware of a remarkable, even dazzling, acceleration of anglicization in several spheres of their daily lives. Through the media, the song, in advertising, on the Internet, at work and in shops and others, English culture is increasingly present; we would think we were back to the situation that prevailed before the Charter of the French language. However, this awareness goes hand in hand with a feeling of guilt well maintained by opponents, including Francophones, for whom the preservation of the French language in Quebec is an outdated fight. […] In the past, there was a name for this alienating compromise, we spoke of “colonized behavior”.
Quebec no longer has a choice; it must beef up its interventions to ensure the survival of the French language. The time is no longer for half measures, we must dare. As sociologist Guy Rocher affirms, the Charter of the French language must apply to English-speaking CEGEPs, this place of diversion of a significant portion of French-speaking youth. In addition, we must ensure that French occupies all strata of society. Unfortunately, Bill 96 will not save French in Quebec; it will only lessen his fall. Let’s make sure there is one less Anglophone “I” for one more Francophone “we”.
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