A Tourist In My Own City

This evening, while driving, I noticed a stop sign that said STOP. Not Arret. It said STOP. Now while I am totally for bilingualism, and believe that stop signs should say both Stop and Arret, you have to appreciate my shock, in that moment. I had come face to face with an endangered species. I stared at the STOP sign for a brief moment longer, and began to daydream of a life in Quebec without language laws. Without language police. A Quebec of Freedom, if you will. What a happy, albeit bittersweet moment. For daydreams are no more that what they are, and I was thrown back into reality all too quickly later on, when at a store, I spoke English to an employee, who gladly spoke English back to me, saying it gave him an excuse to 'practice'. When he went to ring up my order at the cash, he said, "So where are you from? Are you vacationing?"
I said, " No, I'm from here."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm from Saint-Constant." I explained.
"Oh, what made you want to move up here?"
"Up here?" I repeated.
"Yes, are you from America?"
"No, I'm actually born, raised, and currently here."
"Oh. I just thought..."
"Yes, I know what you thought."
He then proceeded to apologize and explain himself further. He was perfectly nice and it was an honest mistake...but wow. Really makes you think, doesn't it? English is the language that is spoken almost anywhere in the world, and more importantly spoken throughout Canada...and because I spoke it today, in my own province, in my hometown, where I have always been...It was assumed I was a tourist...or couldn't possibly be a local. Usually I prefer reality to daydreams....today I'm not so sure.

Your Name Is Too English-Sounding

Seventeen year old Xavier Menard of Quebec wants to name his graphic design company "Wellarc" but when he went to register this name, it was rejected for being 'Too English-sounding'.

What is this province coming to?!

This young man is simply trying to better himself by starting his own business. He is smart, driven, and not backing down. He took to YouTube to tell his story, and I, for one, applaud him. This language war effects both Anglophones and Francophones alike, and we will not put up with these ridiculous laws any longer! Like I've said from day one, there is power in numbers, and people are starting to notice that we will not stay quiet about our rights being silenced. 

It seems so much money goes to corrupt mayors, changing signs from English to French, and language police.
 (I know I should technically have capitalized the first letters, there, like this; Language Police, but I refuse to acknowledge that it is an actual position at an actual company as I find it so humiliating that my province has language police...and it's 2013. so there you have it, my own private protest by not using proper capitalization.)

Don't you ever wonder what we could so with all that money? How about fixing some of our awful roads? How about helping out those who need it? (I know Montreal has some wonderful shelters, but imagine, how many more we could help!) How about we all switch places for a day and turn this thing on its head; what if I was the Discrimination Police? And you were all on my team, and together, we scoured this province for forms of unfairness and racism and prejudice...And then handed out fines for it? If you absolutely must fine someone for how they act and/or speak, shouldn't that be the reason?!

Xavier Menard is a fighter, and I respect him. You have my full support, Xavier, and I stand behind you in this fight!

See The CTV news report on him below
Teenaged entrepreneur denounces business-limiting language laws | CTV Montreal News

What A Beautiful Day To Fight Discrimination

The sun is out, the breeze is cool; it’s Barbecue season. There are lots of things I need to get, and one of those things is ice.  I head on down to my local Dépanneur in search of huge quantities of ice.

I walk into the Dep, the bell chimes, 

“Bonjour!” Says the woman at the cash.

“Bonjour!” I reply, “Umm, excuse me, how do I get into the big ice box outside, is there a key?”

Her response shocks me; “FRENCH!”

“Excuse me?” I ask. They are the only words I can muster at this point, as I’m quite literally shocked to my core.

“FRENCH!” She repeats.

“I’m sorry, I don’t see how the word ‘French’ has answered my question or aided me in anyway. I was simply asking about ice.”

“FRANCAIS! FRANCAIS! ICI ONT PARLE LE FRANCAIS!” She yells without hesitation.

“Yes, and you must be very proud. French is a beautiful language, after all. I speak it, too. I do so enjoy learning things about people, but would you mind answering my question about the ice?”

(By now, you have noticed, I have no problem making people uncomfortable or putting them in their place.)

“PARLE LE FRANCAIS MAIDMOISELLE!” She demanded. (How rude…really!)

It is at this point, that I desperately want to lock her in the ice box until she learns some manners, but that would probably be frowned upon and classy girls do not lock rude cashiers in ice boxes. 

I take a moment, find my voice, and speak, “There is no reason to yell, Miss, and there is certainly no reason to demand that I speak French. Si vous ne parlez pas l'anglais tout ce que vous aviez à faire était de me dire et je l'aurais volontiers parlé à vous en français.”

I’d like to say that we all lived happily ever after, and she learned her lesson, and offered me a lifetime supply of free ice as an apology. Unfortunately that’s not what happened, but the shocked look on her face as she handed me the key to the ice-box was a pretty good prize, too. 

Don't you hate it when you're misunderstood?

Ok, apparently I have to clarify the following; I do not think all Francophones are separatists nor do I believe all Francophones hate English speakers. I am simply pointing out if anyone feels the need to suppress any language; you and I are going to have a problem.

As for the person who thinks I am comparing Anglos to Martin Luther King Jr., again, you are incorrect. I was simply giving examples of those who came before us and fought against any form of discrimination. They refused to stand for it, and I follow that way of thinking. I will not stand for it either.

And yes, I realize Rosa Parks was told to sit in a different section of a bus because of her race and the English are not forced to do so. (Someone actually thought that was what I was implying.) I am not trying to devalue in any way the bravery these heroes showed through the immense amount of suffering they endured. However, when you are on your local STM bus, on your way to your office, friend’s house, or your home, the signs that surround you are all in French. And should you find a sign that has English on it, such as the emergency exit, I guarantee that the font is at least half the size. Is that not discrimination? Do I, as an Anglophone, not deserve to be able to read the emergency exit instructions as well as Francophones? How is that fair? Or safe, for that matter? I am certain many, if not all Francophones will agree with me, on that one.

So for those out there, who misunderstood my message, I hope this clarifies things. I fight toward a Quebec that is non-discriminatory and multi-lingual, and where language police are just a distant memory. This is what I stand for, and I'm truly sorry and saddened if I made anyone think otherwise.

Ok, so that should settle things, hopefully!

Thanks Montreal Gazette for promoting Cricket's Corner!

See what I mean here!

Okay, so it’s very odd to have your friends tell you they “Googled” you...

…And found you. I have tried very hard to shut out main-stream technology. I am 29 and very new to Facebook, which may shock some of you, (By the way, I don’t have twitter, either! WHAT?!) I liked being anonymous. I went to a huge high school and I enjoyed not being bombarded with engagement announcements, wedding invites (by the way, who invites people to a wedding on-line?!), birthday parties, (are we twelve?!) and people who come out of the woodwork out of nowhere. Then I wrote an article for The Montreal Gazette, and apparently you need the internet to get your voice heard. (I can hear a million Duh’s in chorus; I get it!) So here I am, with a Facebook account (I hope I don’t live to regret this) and suddenly a voice on-line. While it’s a little overwhelming, I've never been one to shy away from anything, and I do have an opinionated mind and a big mouth…I may as well use those attributes. I am after all, a self-proclaimed chatterbox who never cared what other people thought about me. And trust, most of what you find out there, isn't actually my information; Wettlaufer is a far more common name that you'd think.

To those of you who have contacted me and asked for my personal contact information so you can speak to me personally; thank you but the best way to reach me would be on this blog. For obvious reasons, I cannot give out my phone number and private email, although I'm sure you mean well. 

Which brings me to my next topic; different aspects of this blog. when I started this blog, I wanted to write a little about everything; human rights, animal rights, how-to-renovations, and even recipes.  I promise I will find a way to create different sections to this blog so you can read what you came here to find.

Well, that's it for me for today, my friends. Have a great afternoon and break out the popsicles already! Try and stay cool out there!

Peace & Love,

Cricket

Me And My Big Mouth...

When I wrote this article I had no idea what would ensue. I woke up on Canada Day morning, furious at the discrimination I found waiting around every corner. So, I picked up my laptop, made myself an enormous coffee, and sat on my patio and decided to get it all off my chest. I had no idea the impact it would have on you; the reader. I had no idea what I was even going to do with the article. But the longer I sat there, the more feverishly I began to type about how I had had enough. I had no idea the out-pour of support would be so great, and I had no idea you would all stand behind me so proudly. My Maple-Leafed heart is about to burst with joy at how many of you have thanked me and *high-fived* me and stood by me...and even a few of you suggesting I run for office! (Wow, if you think I've made some people mad now, imagine!) I just wanted to take this moment to thank YOU; the reader, the fellow writer, the random stranger, the new friends, The Montreal Gazette for giving me a voice, my friends for their amazing support, my awesome parents;  who always told me my big mouth would get me into a lot of trouble if I chose to speak my mind...but that it would be worth it...they were right. My amazing sister, who helped me set up this blog. my wonderful boyfriend, who stands by me as I complain about my rights to anyone who tries to silence them.   Everybody. Thank you. There is power in numbers, my friends, and this is only the beginning, and I, for one, am proud to have you along for the ride.


Also, check out these awesome Maple-Fighters:  www.putbacktheflag.com they need your support! Like them on Facebook, I did!

So I Went To Buy The Paper This Morning...

Would you guys believe I went to SIX different places before I could even find a store that sold The Gazette? No English papers anywhere! This included, 3 Couche Tards, A Pharmaprix & A Tabagie!  Thanks to the good people at Ultramar for still carrying The Gazette…THIS is what I'm talking about people! I shouldn't have to drive to SIX different stores to get an English newspaper…Makes me so sad.

To: Miss Wendy Ramsey & other supporters

I respect everyone's opinion, here. And just want to clarify that I do not think English is superior to French. I want us to all co-exist is peace, & THAT is why I wrote this article. To those who support me in this fight; thank you. To those who do not; that's OK too, we are all entitled to our own opinions, hence the reason for this article. I just wanted to take a moment & personally thank those who have sent messages of support. And to Miss Wendy Ramsey, who responded on The Montreal Gazette's site,  whoever you are, Thanks for being in my corner. You are welcome to rant with me on my blog any time...consider that a formal invitation!
                                                      Be good to one another out there!
                                                                 Christina

I am a Canadian. I am a Quebecer. And I will not be silenced.

I wrote an article for the Montreal Gazette, check it out!

Welcome to Cricket’s Corner

I’m Cricket, a twenty-nine year old Montrealer with a lot to say. As an aspiring writer, I thought the best way to get all my thoughts off my chest, and out of my cluttered mind, would be to start a blog. 

            I have always been called a chatterbox with a big mouth, and while I'm sure some would take offense, I consider it quite the compliment. After all, where would we be today if no one ever took a stand and spoke their minds? I don’t shy away from controversial topics, and I tell it like it is.

            By now, you're probably wondering if this blog is for you. Well, this paragraph should help you decide that. I am outspoken on my opinions (and I have a lot!). I believe in freedom of speech, in equality for all, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. I have been known to start arguments with anyone who makes any sort of racist, sexist, or homophobic remark. I am a strong advocate for animal rights, and have two rescue kitties, myself. I am an obsessive recycler, and try to do my part to save our planet in any way I can...(I am the girl who honks at you on the highway when you throw your Tim Horton's cup out the window.) I believe that there is power in numbers and that every little step we take matters, every person who stands up for their rights counts. I plan on posting about topics like these, as well as the odd mix and match of home renovations (bought my first house one year ago, and lots to do!) I'm quite-the handy-woman, and recipes (I'm a tad obsessed with cooking everything form scratch).

           So, to those of you still interested in what I have to say; here's a little about me; I hail from a little city called Saint-Constant, on the South Shore of Montreal.  I have a slight obsession with coffee and David's Tea. I prefer biking to almost anything and prefer animals to most people. I have wanted to be a writer literally my entire life and have written a few books, but never got around to publishing them.

              So, pull up a chair, pour yourself a glass of Merlot, and bust out the Fun Dip...wait, do they still make Fun Dip?!