Posted at 12:00 p.m.
There is certainly something to be proud of being a Quebecer, the pride of being part of the continuity of those who preceded us. It is an opportunity to celebrate the history of this nation and to help build it. It is also an opportunity to come out of the selfish self and to be part of a whole and to want to contribute to something that goes beyond our own person.
Without this patriotism, what distinguishes us from other nations? We lose our personality, which makes us unique. This is why it is important to celebrate the different patriotisms. Is Haiti still Haiti if Creole is no longer spoken there and the population is made up solely of people who have no Haitian origin? (The question can be asked for all companies.)
Now, to define what a Quebecer is, it is someone who decides to be one, as Pierre Falardeau said. I would even say that he is someone who speaks French — or who tries as best he can — and who wants a secular state.
A State is not a hotel where everyone does as they please. There are rules to respect, like in a house, and those who don’t want to respect them don’t have to stay there. They will find a place that better suits their ambitions.
A Quebecer is also someone who wants less immigration, and who wants us to better integrate those who arrive. Especially when we know that many immigrants still have precarious, poorly paid jobs, and that it is sometimes impossible for them to have their diplomas obtained in their country of origin recognized. I come across them every day.
On this, I must join the one you friendly call François: let’s take less of it, but take care of it! Are Anglo-Quebecers Quebecers? If they define themselves as such and once again try to speak French and respect our common language, then yes, they are our brothers! How many people of my generation (Y) come from English-speaking areas of Montreal and are unable to have a basic conversation in the language of Molière? A lot, unfortunately.
I don’t understand this obsession with being inclusive at all costs. Each State must be in a position to create rules for living together that are suitable for cultural and historical harmony.
P.S. – Ketchup in poutine is NO!