Impact's Montano files racism complaint after subway incident
I have been to Montreal numerous times and never had a problem using the Metro even though my French is pathetic.
Probably more to this story then they are letting on.
My guess is attitude could have been a problem.
Assuming what he claims is correct, it's at best discrimination... claiming racism for incidents like this really diminishes the impact when actual racism occurs.
Last edited by WestStandGeoff; 06-20-2012 at 08:27 PM.
Moderator
I've never spoke a word of French whenever I've been to Montreal (including riding the subway) and I've gotten by with no hassles at all. I think you might be right about his attitude, though I have often heard that many foreigners who speak neither languages well run into similar problems.Originally Posted by Petor
Now THAT'S something I wish the Politically Correct crowd would understand.
Did the USA , of all countries, just fix soccer? - C. Ronaldo, May 27th commenting on the FBI-led investigations into fraud and corruption throughout FIFA.
As someone who was born and raised in Montreal, this is more a reflection of Quebec language politics than racism. If you don't ask in French, you'll run into the occasional nationalist who won't serve you, even if they fully understand you. This may seem really stupid, especially if they work in a tourism-related industry, but that's the way it is.
My mother tells the story of asking for bread in a bakery and the employee acting like they didn't understand, so she ordered it in French. The employee then said in perfect English "one loaf of bread, coming right up." It's an attitude of "you're in my territory now, so you have to speak my language," which is totally different from the rest of Canada where we bend over backwards to accommodate everyone.
MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto
^You can see their point though. Although the stereotype of the rude Parisian or Quebecois is perhaps not totally undeserved, they really only are so when you just assume they will speak English, without any effort to even address them in French first. I mean, you wouldn't expect someone from Montreal or Paris when visiting New York or Toronto, to just start speaking in French to a waiter or a sales clerk. At least a lot of the Impact players and coaches (Marsch, Arnaud, etc.) have made efforts to learn the language.
He would probably prefer the TTC: it's just shit for everyone.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote