July 21st, 2008
A grudge is lingering anger
against an event, person or thing that happened in the past. It's when
the grudge lasts beyond its time that it becomes obscure and dangerous.
We've all had instances
where we've felt hurt, betrayed or wronged by a close friend, foe or
family member; it's a regular occurrence in human nature. Throughout
nature we've seen massive betrayals occur, mutinies and even mindless
raids on lands that still foster resentment towards the resident citizens.
But after several hundred
years, would one not think that fostering grudges for this long is a
waste of time, effort and emotional energy?
Over the weekend Paul McCartney
descended on Québec City for its 400th anniversary since its
original inception in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain. This remarkable figure
is honoured amongst the world, with this band, The Beatles, surpassing
every known record to mankind in music.
Though he's highly revered,
some people would have rathered he stayed home in Britain, feeling threatened
by his presence at the festivals on la capitale nationelle.
Sovereignists are claiming
they feel "uncomfortable" at the "disturbing memories"
it brings of Britains "conquest" of New France...over 200
years ago.
Now this is just silly.
A region in a relatively "civilized" (which can be questionable
at times) environment where petty regional wars are shunned upon, these
antics does not lend itself well to the overall image of Québec
nor the Québecois in general. As McCartney himself put it, "..the
pipe of peace and, you know, put away the hatchet..."
An event that happened 248
years ago should eventually have those negative feelings snuffed and
put away for the sake of a continued partnership that has tried so hard
to foster both cultures into its own.
Only when the clouds of
dissension and ancestral grudges have dissipated can we begin to function
anew, for this whole incident is not doing anything to help Québec
in the least.
The parting population to
other provinces, companies uplifting their headquarters to Ontario or
out west in Alberta and the general internal dissidence against anglophones
are too real of a realization that perhaps their grudge has gone too
far. Yet it seems as though no one wants to try and break this nasty
and debilitating sentiment.
Compared to Montréal,
who once held the title of Most-Populous City in Canada, is now undergoing
some fundamental changes as people move out and move in to Toronto.
The amount of construction in Toronto is nothing short of remarkable;
once-barren areas are now thriving with tall buildings; the skyline
is seeing a revival after years of stagnant growth.
All because of this grudge
that lingers within the Québecois culture against an event that
happened nearly 250 years in the past.
Perhaps when they realize
that holding grudges is only hurting them more than it is helping, or
if they decided to share their culture with the rest of Canada
then perhaps they wouldn't feel so reclusive, mocked or threatened.
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