Push forward, proceed.
In the turbulent decades of the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s, societal shifts and political upheavals have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. This article offers a retrospective glance at some key events in Quebec and beyond, focusing on the stigmatization of the pro-Palestinian movement, political repression, and the resilience of individuals who challenged prejudices.
The pro-Palestinian movement faced significant stigmatization, with creative means used to discredit it. This was particularly evident in Quebec, a region still grappling with its own traumas stemming from its relationship with Catholicism. The repression of pro-Palestinian demonstrations was not unique to Quebec; the United States, then the most powerful nation in the world, also witnessed significant political repression of such demonstrations.
Quebec's response to the arrival of Gaza evacuees is a testament to the power of public pressure. Initially, a handful of these evacuees were excluded from the Quebec Health Insurance Board. However, a petition to the National Assembly led to a reversal of this decision, demonstrating the potential for change through collective action.
The political obsession with Islam in the Western world was another significant factor. Built on a strong cultural imagination of Islam as an enemy of the West, this obsession manifested in various ways, including the Quebec government's proposed bill to prevent street prayers. However, the information presented in this bill was questionable, and the identity of the bill's proposer remains unclear.
In Quebec, a more subtle and culturally appropriate tactic was used to limit the freedom to demonstrate. An example of this can be seen in the removal of a pro-Palestinian camp at McGill University, where the Montreal Police Service did not see enough danger to limit the right to protest, leading to the hire of a private security force instead.
The Archbishop of Montreal, M. Christian Lépine, expressed his indifference towards demonstrators praying near the Basilica of Notre-Dame, suggesting that religious diversity was more accepted in some quarters than others.
Janette Bertrand, a prominent figure in the 1960s and 1970s, has been a key figure in challenging prejudices against women and homosexuality. Her work has been instrumental in the evolution of society, and she remains active to this day.
The passing of Guy Rocher, an engaged sociologist, is a loss felt deeply by many. His work covered topics such as education, secularism, democracy, rights, and modern Quebec.
In hindsight, the stigmatization of the pro-Palestinian movement and the bill to prevent street prayers seem comical, due to the way information was presented. It is important to remember that democracy retreats when the government legislates on non-violent ways people can express themselves about the state of the world.
For those interested, a video related to the content of this article can be watched at this link. This article, being a column, reflects the values and position of its author and not necessarily those of Le Devoir. The Opinion section of Le Devoir promotes a plurality of voices and ideas, and does not necessarily reflect the values and position of the newspaper itself.
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