Many people believe that a multicultural society is an utopia. I have been living this utopia since 1991 in Montreal, Quebec. Quebec is the province where multiculturalism is the most vivacious. British Colombia and Ontario for example have much more immigration but it is mainly from east and south Asia while in Quebec, and Montreal which is the recipient of the majority of immigrants, the mosaic is richer, there is no dominant community from immigration.
Of course, many things are difficult for an immigrant here in Quebec, as compared to the rest of Canada, especially when it comes to professional integration and dealing with the nationalistic aspirations of the Québécois who, in their majority, are proud of their distinctive ethnic character and their past, but it is not difficult to coexist with other immigrants from other countries with radically different cultures.
Yesterday, I went to the Eco center of my neighbourhood to get rid of some home painting material. But the Eco center had moved and I found myself carrying a heavy load from one place to another and out from the car and in the car again. After I finished, I went shopping for some grocery. At the cashier, I realised I was tired of carrying heavy bags and I asked the clerk if I could leave my bags near the door for about five minutes, the time I needed to drive the car and park it at the level of the store. A man behind me, a complete stranger, asked at that point where was my car, and I told him. He said: 'I would like to offer my help'. I was pleasantly surprised and accepted immediately while thanking him. We shared the load and walked outside. It was raining. He opened his umbrella for me. He spoke a litterary French, not the local dialect. I asked from which origin he was. He said that he has been living in Montreal since long but that he comes from Russia. I said that I was originally from Lebanon. I was affected by his curteous kindness and kept thanking him. He said: 'don't worry, this is Montreal, and after all, I am sure you would have done the same'.
I thought that it was so easy to be kind with others, even the distant other, that it should be the natural state of intersubjectivity; assuming kindness in others and acting under this assumption.
Update with a significant comment on this post from The Two Wolves blog:
Is it an example of multiculturalism though? Is it really true that even Quebec is really multicultural?
Definitely multi-ethnic but that's something different. Observe that you conversed in a tertiary language and that you were impressed by his mastery of that language. Also observe that you had to ask him where he originally came from, that it wasn't obvious to you. Isn't that an example of his, and your success in integration into a tertiary Franco-culture?
It is necessary to be mult-ethnic to be multicultural but it is not necessary to be multicultural in a multi-ethnic society, in fact I would argue that Canada has escaped the suspicions and privations evident in the US because its immigrants have more readily absorbed a Francophile culture. I think your story underlines that.
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Since March 29th 2006
5 comments:
That's a nice story Sophia, mutual consideration and cooperation makes one feel valued and safe.
Is it an example of multiculturalism though? Is it really true that even Quebec is really multicultural?
Definitely multi-ethnic but that's something different. Observe that you conversed in a tertiary language and that you were impressed by his mastery of that language. Also observe that you had to ask him where he originally came from, that it wasn't obvious to you. Isn't that an example of his, and your success in integration into a tertiary Franco-culture?
It is necessary to be mult-ethnic to be multicultural but it is not necessary to be multicultural in a multi-ethnic society, in fact I would argue that Canada has escaped the suspicions and privations evident in the US because its immigrants have more readily absorbed a Francophile culture. I think your story underlines that.
Hi Sophia
a lovely story. Quebec and Montreal are both lovely. As a reader i am curious if you support the Quebec independence movement.
Wolfie,
You are completely right. For Multiculturalism to work you need some common ground. And I agree with all the subtle distinctions you make. But the end result is worth the effort. Thanks for this comment.
Wolfie,
I published your comment in the main page. I think it adds something valuable to the post. I might add that Quebec has insitituted a law for the use of a common language, loi 101, that requires from immigrants to master French and to send their children to Francophone schools if they are to benefit from subsidised schools. This law, which was opposed by Québec's Anglophones worked magic and I think it was necessary for integration. My generation of Quebec's Anglophones don't speak french very well and it ois the same for Francophone, they were prevented from speaking English because of the rivalries between the two communities but thanks to loi 101, my children's generation is now bilingual from all sides.
Canada in general and Quebec in particular had designed laws for integration and they worked well...Not everything is bright and perfect but the laws have really helped integrating immigrants...
Anonymous,
In Quebec one has to disinguish between nationalism and separatism. You can be a fierce nationalist and still not a separatist. I think separatism is the less evil.
I am sympathetic to th plight of Quebec's separatists. I voted for them at the last provincial elections because they were opposed by a so called 'liberal' party, which is really a conservative party and by apopulist conservative more right wing and xenophobic party. However I am against the separation of Quebec. I think Quebec has worked its way as a distinct society and doesn't have to be afraid of loosing ist distinctive character now and I am also afraid that if Quebec separates, the political landscape will narrow and make more place for nationalists...Quebec's separatists are also a mosaic ofpolitical affiliations, they are from all political sides, conservatives, progressives, etc... and I am afraid that a separate Quebec will be a complete fiasco because of this. i think the separatist party will have to utate and to offer the Quebec society a project more coherent than only the aspiration for separation from the rest of Canada. I don't feel comfortable with thier project as it is now. Moreover, separatists are very ambiguous about Multiculturalism, they feel it like a threat because it was imposed by federal politician slike the late Pierre Elliott Trudeau. I am attached to canadian Multiculturalism...
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