Canadian Tory Prime Minister Stephen Harper just recognized Québec as a distinct nation within Canada, which is culturally true.
Harper addressed the Canadian House of Commons just two days ago (November 22, 2006) with two questions and answers: "Do Quebecers [i.e. Québécois] form a nation within a united Canada? The answer is yes. Do Quebecers form an independent nation? The answer is no -- and it will always be no." In 1995, Québécois only narrowly defeated voting themselves a nation independent of Canada altogether.
All borders are formed by war, conquest, and treaty. New France once embraced New Orleans, Detroit, and Montréal, among other current urban centers. The British took over most of New France at the end of the Seven Years War in 1763, but in Québec and New Orleans, French language and culture remained strong, even flourished. What more proof do we need when nearly 250 years after coming under Anglo rule, Québec is declared even by the Tories (remember -- they were the British Loyalists during the American Revolution) as a distinct nation?
As for Detroit, it could use its own French Quarter a la New Orleans. How about along the Detroit River? Jazz, blues, French/Cajun/Creole restaurants -- how about it, entrepreneurs? A French Detroit renaissance? What we have now are street names and some other traces to build upon. More than enough to get things going again.
Today's Rune: Breakthrough.
Laissez les bons temps rouler. . . . .
4 comments:
A French Quarter in Detroit. Interesting concept.
What are natural boundaries, professor?
Eric,
It's certainly a good idea. But, given that Detroit is the only big city in the whole country that has an (ahem) Elijah Muhammad Boulevard, I don't see the city government endorsing a French quarter anytime soon.
I have always wanted to visit the french quarter in New Orleans.... guess that ain't gonna happen any time soon huh?
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