Magic
versus misery
By Nancy Snipper
You may
think it absurd to compare Montreal
with San Miguel. After all, one is a huge North American metropolis; the other a
tight-knit colonial Mexican town. You may assume that Montreal’s international
festivals, remarkable restaurants, stadiums, ski resorts and opera houses are
the prime ingredients for happy habitation. You might also imagine that because
people from all over the world are adding further culture to la belle-ville - life in the city is fun and stimulating. The
truth is no amount of sleek buildings, wide sidewalks, hockey games, hip
hoppers, newcomers, notables and fashionistas can make up for the sprit of warmth and
acceptability that San Miguel offers. A
city must embrace an ethos and ambiance that cherishes personal freedoms and
values difference. So lucky are those
who wake up and say: “I’m so glad I live in San Miguel!” Here, North Americans and Mexicans with their
two languages co-exist in harmony. Each enjoys the difference - in language,
customs and way of life; it makes life more fun. Most importantly, one culture does not attempt
to repress the other. That is what I
most cherish about San Miguel.
When I walk
on the streets here, I can smile at the kids, even give them a little hug, and
of course say hello in Spanish to strangers I pass on the sidewalks – if they
don´t beat me to it. It`s really sweet.
Do that in Montreal ,
and you are given a menacing look. You may even be perceived as a weirdo. No
problema in San Miguel; Here all eccentrics, nerds, wannabes, nobodies, some-bodies
and VIPS are accepted – even welcomed with open arms, and age knows no boundaries here.
As for
Montreal`s old folks, they don’t seem to be anywhere outside. They`re shut away
in senior “care” homes where their only company is the one nurse tending to 45
other poor souls. Such is the norm in Montreal .
Here in San Miguel, all family members go out together to partake in the
evening activities. There is laughter,
music and endless people watching.
I fear
getting old in Montreal .
What happens if I become senile, and end up blurting out something in English
instead of French? Will I be fined?
Thanks to Bill 101, the French language police of the province happily spend
their days walking the streets of Montréal in disguise checking to make sure that
no English signs appear anywhere outside the establishment. If you must use
English for your business, it can only appear inside the building and in much
smaller letters than the French. Unlucky are those who have vision problems.
Once again, no consideration is given to the elderly when it comes to reading
English outside the home. Mark my words:
you will be fined a handsome sum!
Such was
the case for a famous Italian restaurant on St-Laurent Street, a hotspot for
movie stars and local celebrities. The menu had the word ‘pasta’ in it, and for
that the owner was handed a humongous fine.
Word
spread all over the world about this ludicrous fine and the malevolence behind
the action. The province’s leader, Pauline Marois said it was a mistake and
sent her henchmen to scout out lesser known places to punish anyone sporting
English signs, and avoid the media.
By the way, all those immigrants I referred to
- they can`t send their children to English schools, nor can anyone whose
native language is English, except if one is born in Canada.
San Miguel
is a community that nurtures us all regardless of language, looks, age and background.
I love this place, so for you ex-Montréalers, enjoy the rest of your happy life
here. As for those nay-sayers, who will surely castigate me for being so
negative about Montreal, just come up for another harsh winter, insufferably
humid summer and take a drive on the streets cratered in potholes. Then try to
get help if you get a flat tire. You may be standing there for a very long time
... but less longer if you speak French.
Also posted on / Également affiché sur: Culture Plus
Also posted on / Également affiché sur: Culture Plus
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Articles relié par Nancy Snipper: http://smrcultureplus.blogspot.ca/2013/04/cumpanio.html