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Headlines like these chauvinistically
confuse the problem of corruption with the
identify and people of Quebec (ie. Bon Homme) |
A reader writes:
I was wondering if you'd be able to offer some insight into the recent movement in Quebec. Out here in Ontario the image the media portrays, and from what I've gathered from online forums, is that it was originally tuition hikes that were the issue, but now it has transitioned to bill 78 and protesting corruption in the province altogether. If the protest is now about overall corruption, a lot of people outside of Quebec are either going to dismiss it as being a cop out, or at least wonder why that wasn't the message from the beginning. If the issue really was about corruption in Quebec (which I no doubt believe is true, and I believe should be the primary concern), why didn't the movement state that was the issue from the beginning? Did the student organizations say they were protesting the fees not only because they believe in free education, but because there is a bigger issue here? The media didn't show any sign of that being the case, nor did any french protesters that I have spoken to through text or online, so I have to admit I'm a little skeptical. However, I do want to understand this issue as much as possible, so any insight would be appreciated!
Dear reader,
Thank you for your question. In our view, there is something of a political communication disconnect between Quebec and the Rest Of Canada which has to do with the National Question in Canada and the unequal historic status of Quebec in confederation. A positive sign of the student demonstrations is that, as your letter shows, more and more forces are reaching out in solidarity and trying to overcome this barrier, find the truth beyond what the corporate media says, and draw inspiration from the protests.
It is true number of streams of opposition to the current government have run together with the student protests, but we think you maybe mistaken in your initial conclusions.
