There is something about Bathurst … Something we need to talk about … Art?
Let’s talk bilingualism.
Art? Talk about Art? In Bathurst?
Yes, definitely … But we also need to talk about bilingualism.
There are some people who are fortunate enough to be perfectly bilingual.
Bathurst has been been bilingual since … Well not quite since Adam and Eve perhaps … But those of us who were born and raised here have always accepted bilingualism as part of our culture.
These last so many years have been hard on those of us who are not fortunate enough to speak fluently in both official languages. And yes … It is true … There are still people living in and around Bathurst who speak only French or only English.
So what!
Language, like Art, is one of those things … Some can, some can’t.
I am sure we’ve all heard the expression …
“I can’t draw a straight line. ”
The thing about Art? It really has nothing whatsoever to do with drawing straight lines.
Not every person has the ability to draw or paint or make music. If we accept that, then why is it so difficult to accept that not everyone has the ability to learn your language.
Ahhh yes … I hear the reply … You have to try harder! If you really try you will be able to do it! … How often have I heard those same words?
Each person has some unique gift and talent. Let’s appreciate people for themselves Let’s think before we discriminate against someone who is not exactly like we are and whose tastes are different from our tastes and whose language is not our language.
Most of all let’s talk about this …
Chaleur Bay - Festival 2015 - Baie des Chaleurs 