I am a “Multicultural Marshmallow”

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Today’s Blog Post


I am a “Multicultural Marshmallow”

At great risk of making statements again about things that I don’t really know/have the right information about… here I go again! At least in some folk’s eyes that is the case.

I am jumping in again about Quebec and the present situation that continues to grow about the wearing of a Niqab in that province.

In doing some more reading of articles posted on this growing situation in the province of Quebec I have discovered a new thing about myself… I have been placed in a “new Box”… a new category by some other folks. And I am not sure if it is good or bad… if I should be uncomfortable and make changes or simply accept it as a compliment. It is confusing to say the least – this new “Box”.

Here it is.

I am now labeled as a “Multicultural Marshmallow”. Or as this quote from the article posted in the Globe and Mail – March 19, 2010 by Les Perreaux states…

“Ms. McAndrew argues Canadians looking down on Quebec should consider why debate seems impossible outside the province.

“Public debate in Quebec is vigorous, and the level of the debate is complex. On diversity, the debate is very poor in Canada. It's marshmallow multiculturalism. You're okay, I'm okay,” she said.”
End quote.

Makes me wish that I could live in Quebec now… and then I could enter the vigorous debate.

Les Perreaux’s article is one of the best that I have read.

He points out that in all of Montreal there may be only a few dozen women that were the full veil – according to Muslim Leaders.

The article also points to the fact that some of the debate that is among women is a result of the repressive ways that the Catholic Church treated women years ago. And as time went on women rose to rebel against these kinds of oppression.

In my earlier article I pointed to “domineering” language laws in Quebec. I was challenged or confronted on my statements by people that had a better understanding than me. (I yielded to other opinions at that time.)

Les Perreaux’s article demonstrates that it is not only about language but rather about a far bigger issue… the proclamation that has some powerful statements about religion.

Look at this quote from the same article…

“Quebec's leading feminist group called for formal limits on accommodation last year. Scores of intellectuals more recently signed at least two manifestos calling on Quebec to become a secular state.

Two years ago, philosopher Charles Taylor and sociologist Gérard Bouchard issued a report calling on Quebec to adopt “open secularism” and guidelines putting equality ahead of religious accommodation. The duo had conducted hearings where Quebeckers blew off steam on the issue. Capping off two years of raucous debate, their report acted like a sedative that put the crisis to rest for a while.”
End quote.

So it is not language or the maintaining of the French Language that is a problem. It has to do with breaking free of the Religious Domination that is a lot of the conflict. The need to declare and perhaps even force upon the whole province a vastly different way of thinking – where the religious ideology is pushed aside and a new secularism(another religion of non-religion) is fully adopted.

Now there is a bigger problem than language… and a bigger issue of domineer-ism… it will potentially expect an entire population to become non-religious in all that is done. No doubt you can have a personal religion and faith – just don’t show it.

I wonder if Catholic priests would not be allowed to wear their priestly outfits/garments outside of the church?

I wonder if Nuns will need to dress differently as well. No "Black and Whites".

The Niqab is a religious ornament worn by some to express their standard of faith. And wearing it bothers some folk a whole lot.

I have stated that it doesn’t matter to me…. in every case except when I cannot read the woman’s mouth when she is speaking to me.

And as I live in a part of Canada other than Quebec, speak primarily English, and don’t really know what is going on… I am a “Multicultural Marshmallow”. Or I have adopted ideas that have placed me in this group.

Isn’t Canada a free country? I mean other than the Taxation and the Government that we live under… isn’t it FREE?

Marshmallows are good – roasted over a camp fire or eaten right out of the package. I think I am okay.

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

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Sources:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/quebec/quebecs-view-on-niqab-creates-fault-line/article1506700/