How many people in Quebec are like Viper and Grallon?

[Maximus]

Yet, they were all speaking the same language, they all shared the same origins and the same common founding myth (the revolution).  The gulf between them was not fundamental - it was merely ideological - and thus circumscribed.

Interestingly, it is quite telling of the differences between Americans and Canadians that you guys went to war over ' relative trivialities' while we didn't over much more profound issues.

Language is far more trivial than ideas.

[dps]

Yet, they were all speaking the same language, they all shared the same origins and the same common founding myth (the revolution).  The gulf between them was not fundamental - it was merely ideological - and thus circumscribed.

Interestingly, it is quite telling of the differences between Americans and Canadians that you guys went to war over ' relative trivialities' while we didn't over much more profound issues.

Language is far more trivial than ideas.

And a hell of a lot more trivial than human chattel slavery.

[Grallon]

Language is far more trivial than ideas.

And a hell of a lot more trivial than human chattel slavery.

Language is fundamental to some peoples' identity - and identity, its survival, its protection, its continuation - are anything but trivial.  You both express that point of view because your own native language isn't under siege.  By the same token it's been a big fad in France, for many years now, to use all sorts of english words and expressions - they feel secure enough to do so.  See my point?

In any case we will not give up who we are to please foreigners.  And if that makes us racists and tribalists and whatever other slurs you can come up with then so be it. *shrug* 




G.

[The Minsky Moment]

One would imagine patriotism is something American would understand - maybe not cave rats like Raz but the others should be able to grasp the concept.

Ethnic nationalism is a fringe concept in the US.

Fringe is maybe an overstatement.  Given the nature and breadth of opposition to the immigration bill and the continuing popularity of the English as official language cause.

[Maximus]

In any case we will not give up who we are to please foreigners.  And if that makes us racists and tribalists and whatever other slurs you can come up with then so be it. *shrug* 

It is those who cling to such backward concepts as basing your identity on language that try to get people to change who they are.

[Crazy_Ivan80]

In any case we will not give up who we are to please foreigners.  And if that makes us racists and tribalists and whatever other slurs you can come up with then so be it. *shrug* 

It is those who cling to such backward concepts as basing your identity on language that try to get people to change who they are.

that's what the PC-brigade claims here too, but of course they're wrong here too.

[garbon]

In any case we will not give up who we are to please foreigners.  And if that makes us racists and tribalists and whatever other slurs you can come up with then so be it. *shrug* 

It is those who cling to such backward concepts as basing your identity on language that try to get people to change who they are.

that's what the PC-brigade claims here too, but of course they're wrong here too.

[Maximus]

that's what the PC-brigade claims here too, but of course they're wrong here too.

Ah the old PC-labeling tactic.

Nope, sorry. It's not the 19th century anymore. People have figured out how useless nationalism is.

[Agelastus]

that's what the PC-brigade claims here too, but of course they're wrong here too.

Ah the old PC-labeling tactic.

Nope, sorry. It's not the 19th century anymore. People have figured out how useless nationalism is.

How naively optimistic of you.

Moreover, I'm curious. What do you base your identity on if language is not a component of it?

[Eddie Teach]

His identity is completely wrapped up in his being a 5th columnist for the metric system. 

[crazy canuck]

His identity is completely wrapped up in his being a 5th columnist for the metric system. 

We have them planted all over the US.  One day, in the near future, there will be a referendum to bring civilized measurement and then they will reveal their true might.

[The Minsky Moment]

Moreover, I'm curious. What do you base your identity on if language is not a component of it?

Why is there a need to base one's identity in the first place?  Why not just have a stable personality and some basic self-confidence?

[Crazy_Ivan80]

that's what the PC-brigade claims here too, but of course they're wrong here too.

Ah the old PC-labeling tactic.

Nope, sorry. It's not the 19th century anymore. People have figured out how useless nationalism is.

reality disagees with you.
Language is so much a part of identity that even within the same language different groups differentiate their use of language from other groups as a means of distinguishing themselves, of creating and maintaining group-identity. Your erlier post is a prime example of that.
Regardless: if -using your first post again- langauge isn't a basis for identity then all these people migrating to countries where people speak other langages will gladly and enthousiastically adapt. After all, it's only language. Right?!

[Maximus]

Why is there a need to base one's identity in the first place?  Why not just have a stable personality and some basic self-confidence?

Indeed. Seems like a sign of insecurity.

[Maximus]

reality disagees with you.
Language is so much a part of identity that even within the same language different groups differentiate their use of language from other groups as a means of distinguishing themselves, of creating and maintaining group-identity.

In backward areas sure.

Regardless: if -using your first post again- langauge isn't a basis for identity then all these people migrating to countries where people speak other langages will gladly and enthousiastically adapt. After all, it's only language. Right?!

Right. What's your point?