A Small Victory, and Mary Walsh

16 Comments

1. Yes, there is a feeling that, for me, the security I was beginning to feel as a Canadian was misguided. My guard is back up.

   After the years of growing up experiencing: first the Americans dub us ‘goofy Newfies’ (which is why so many of us hate that term); and then moving to the mainland as a young graphic artist to pursue experience I couldn’t get at home only to find the worst kind of condescending attitude. And even though my work was good, and opportunities lay everywhere, I came home because I didn’t want to live in a place where people wouldn’t even look at you when they spoke, and made unkind jokes about the way you talked, strange assumptions about the life you lived at home. There, I always had to give twice as much, be twice as smart and twice as clever to be considered half as competent, at least until bosses and co-workers got over my being ‘a Newfie’. I could have stayed. I was doing fine.

   I remember meeting a young aboriginal girl in Toronto (circa 1970)who told me how out of place she felt in the city and how everyone treated her like an irresponsible child. She said said to me she didn’t understand why she was so underestimated, and why I was the only person she met in the city who didn’t talk down to her. She said, “I’m just an Indian girl, I’m not anybody.” Her pain made ne angry and I told her to be proud of who she was and where she came from and I told her to spit in the face of those who tried to keep her down. As I spoke with her I realized I knew exactly how she felt, because I had experienced it first hand, in fact experienced it every day when someone identified my “accent". I got tired of laughing at bad Newfie jokes, explaining I didn’t live in an igloo, no my father wasn’t a fisherman, yes there are post-secondary schools, yes I finished highschool, blah blah blah. So, I left Ontario and returned to Newfoundland.

   Here, I carved out a career and never looked back. Over time, I forgot how it felt to be treated that way. Eventually I was confident enough in my life and work to not care what anyone thought. Then came a sea change, lo and behold, out of the blue it was cool to be a Newfoundlander and Labradorian. Our music was making waves, our actors, comedians, writers and pundits were forefront in the Canadian media. And we had Rex Murphy, who everyone knows must be the smartest feller in all of Confederation.

   And then some American woman writing for an Upper Canadian paper wrote, “I like Newfoundlanders, I really do.” And immediately I flashed back to how it felt to live and work in Toronto. I remembered that young girl, and how we both felt so out of place and underestimated because of where we came from, culturally and geographically.

   And now I know that the ’sea change’ and the appreciation that was being expressed of our culture and our people are, for many, just a veneer. Underneath are the same old prejudices in the same old places. And while intellectually I know those opinions don’t matter, I guess there’s still a sore spot.

   Reading some of the responses on Kevin’s most excellent blog, as well media reports, editorials and letters from across the country has shed some light. I’ve seen some real understanding from areas of the country I didn’t expect it, but I’ve also seen some terrible assumptions and real prejudice. So, I no longer feel unconditionally accepted as a Canadian, sea change or not.

   Comment by Debra — 1/25/2005 @ 8:12 pm

2. Places like Newfoundland, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, New Zealand, etc. are becoming the sanctuaries in the World. In the light of a growing global instability, these places can now be considered a respite. We are not immune form Terrorism, but we allow people the opportunity to imagine a gentler time, actually, not so long ago. This makes up a proud people no longer willing to accept negative portrayals of our region.

   Lately, I hear a lot of people say, “Time is Speeding Up”. This does not make much sense on the physical level, but it is something we all feel. There is another version of this saying, “Karma is Speeding Up”. When something is said or done its return is faster in its manifestation, and therefore less chance to go unnoticed. This is the repercussion that we are feeling today in our view of a quickening time. Examples of this can be seen in recent news: Premiere William apology to the Innu of Labrador for past errors made to their culture and the United Nations finally recognizing that the Holocaust did happen. With this said it becomes easier to apply this to Newfoundland. We as a people are feeling the affects of the past - jokes in many cases that we apply towards ourselves, but later come back to haunt. This joke making is very counter productive. These kinds of things fuel the idea that Newfoundland is backwards and it makes us all look bad. I always hated being made fun-off for being a Newfie, and there are many more out there, right now, in that same predicament. Newfoundlanders, in this era, are feeling the burden and are saying enough is enough. This is why shows that make us look foolish, like Hatching Matching and Dispatching, are by many no longer acceptable, and why we are demanding better of ourselves. This is why we longer accept the idea from others (outside Newfoundand) that we can be simply dismissed and poked fun at.

   Comment by Peter — 1/25/2005 @ 8:48 pm

3. Debra, I have lived in both Montreal and Ottawa for the past 20 years and I have been in your shoes. I understand so well what you are saying. But I guess they were more ignorant in Toronto because once I told people in Montreal that I would not be called a Newfie, they backed off. My pride and love for Newfoundland are so great that it overcome any shyness and apprehension I might have had about fighting back and putting people in their place. I have defended Newfoundland as fiercely as I could. I have had the satisfaction of actually embarassing one person in a roomful of people while on a course because she used the Newfie word and she was embarassed enough to apologize to me. I guess I sound like a bit of a militant but it works for me.

   We all have to remember that when we challenge the people who try to belittle us, they back down because they are cowards. They don’t expect a Newfoundlander to actually stand up for herself. Boy are they shocked. I leave them with their mouths open! That is my little war and I continue to wage it whenever I need too.

   We should never allow ourselves to be put down. We have to stand up for ourselves. I do and it is a very satisfying experience.

   Thanks for listening!!

   Comment by Anne Marie — 1/25/2005 @ 10:05 pm

4. If Margaret Wente had not written her article, how would the flag episode, and the offshore oil dispute, be different? I think her injection coloured this conversation, seasoning it with a deeper thread that would otherwise have been tacit. Rex Murphy would never have written his piece, and Roy MacGregor may have stepped away from his Newfoundland and Labrador series. Interesting times. Wente’s column seems to have motivated those she was criticizing, more so than anything else. The events surrounding this issue, since last June, have played out in an unpredictable way.

   Comment by Kevin — 1/25/2005 @ 10:08 pm

5. Anne Marie
   Quebec was always different, and Quebecers understand how it feels. The prejudice I experienced in Toronto in the seventies was not mirrored in Quebec, although Quebecers didn’t look much beyond their borders and separatism was growing. Quebecers I have known are closer to this region culturally and have more empathy for the isolation so many of us feel, because they, too, experience it. And so while I resent the hard bargain the government of Quebec drove when Newfoundland approached it for a hydro deal, on another level, I find I have more in common with Quebecers from all regions than those who live in Toronto. They’re not afraid to call you by name or look you in the eye

   Now, on a completely different subject (well, at least on the surface) I’m rooting for Hatching, Matching and Dispatching, provided it’s injected with some fresher writing. It was produced well, had some very funny and amusingly twisted moments, and, yes, like most sitcoms, based its humour on stereotypes. I was, however, put off by its attempt to be edgy - didn’t quite make it in some places. However, with some work, I think it could be quite good, and I know it would provide work for local people in the industry.
   That being said, I understand why some see it as perpetuating the ‘dumb Newf’ stereotype. But you have to admit, there’s a lot of truth in there, too. I think the backlash here is because of the sore spots. It’s OK for us to laugh at ourselves, but we’re more reluctant to put it out there for those Upper Canadian fellers to laugh at us, especially now that we have been reminded that we’re deadbeat inlaws looking for a handout, and chewing off the hand that feeds us with our comeuppityness - ok that’s not a word, but it works for me.

   Comment by Debra — 1/26/2005 @ 5:44 am

6. Comeuppityness (adj) - latin/greek/N&L

   1. decidedly uppity,
   2. no room left to become even more uppity,
   3. uppity to the MAX

   Yup works for me too Debra

   Fred from CBS

   Comment by Fred Harris — 1/26/2005 @ 10:19 am

7. Personally I try to ignore anything I hear coming out of the gossip rags and potty mouths of central Canada. I understand first hand the degree of ignorance and self promotion that exist there. As a person who have lived in Ontario the level of ignorance, bigotry, and racism I witnessed there is second to none. It’s enough to make the great emancipator himself roll over in his grave. Canadians who foster these qualities, and fortunately they are few, constantly console themselves of their own tolerance. What a joke. These characteristics are buried deep in the psychic of the Canadian bigot which make it ugly and sinister. No one knows this diabolical attitude better than Newfoundlander’s who have been bearing the brunt of this kind of persecution ever since we were manipulated into this dysfunctional federation.

   With respect to such commentary as that of Ms. Wenty and others so possessed, I suggest they try writing news for a change rather than lies and innuendo. The way the Globe and Mail and even the National Post have portrayed Nl over the past years would make even the Nazi minister of propaganda envious. These unjustified attacks are nothing more than an attempt to diminish the profile of this beautiful part of the world. It is quite simply an underhanded attempt at cultural genocide. I suggest they have learned the lesson very well. Tell the same lie often enough and people will eventually believe it. Isn’t that what happened to the Jews under Hitler.

   Do I feel Canadian? Not for a long time now. I am prepared to mark a significant ballot to demonstrate my feelings. I would much rather be a popper in my own country than a beggar and a whipping boy in Canada.

   On behalf of stupid Newfie’s everywhere I extend a warm Newfoundland and Labrador invitation to Ms Wenty to visit our backward land. I will personally provide an interpreter. Be aware though the scenic and beautiful welfare ghetto’s of rural NL still don’t have fuel stations for domestic or commercial brooms.

   Finally,I was not pleased with Hatching Matching and Dispatching.

   Comment by Chris — 1/26/2005 @ 1:20 pm

8. Chris, I think you’ve leapt off of a pretty high cliff here.

   This is the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. It’s fine to argue and get angry, but we aren’t in the same boat, and we never were. Such comparisons completely weaken what you are trying to get across, and have no fair basis whatsoever. It’s insane to suggest otherwise.

   Comment by Kevin — 1/26/2005 @ 1:39 pm

9. Potty mouths? Let’s not go overboard. It’s ok for a little justified anger, but it’s never ok to sling anything other than the truth - even that should be wielded carefully. And for the sake of our sanity and our dignity, let’s not lose our sense of humour!

   Comment by Debra — 1/26/2005 @ 2:44 pm

10. “There was little that Newfoundlanders haven’t said about themselves before: it’s the mood that’s changed.”

    I think the “mood” is part of the realization over the years that we as Newfoundlanders have always been able to make a joke about ourselves and appreciate it for just that, simply a joke. The reality is that when that joke leaves the island, many non-Newfoundlanders don’t realize it was supposed to be just a joke, and it becomes our typecast. Of course with so many of us living away, it’s even more apparent that we have to reverse that thinking and change the typecast!

    I say change the typecast because I want to remain distinct/unique. I like Newfoundland and Labrador very much the way it is, and I want others to know what N&L is “really” like, along with all the great things about being a Newfoundlander.

    Having visited/lived in many different places, I know first hand that “Comeuppityness” is everywhere, and for a lot of people that is never gonna change.

    While travelling in Europe, I was “just” a North American.
    While living in the United States, I was “just” a Canadian.
    While living on mainland Canada, I was “just” a “Newfie".
    While living in St.John’s, I was “just” a “townie".

    Typecasts are everywhere and we should all try our best to not let them interfere with our treatment of all people.

    For me I want the best deal for N&L, but one that is as fair as possible. Go Danny Go!

    Comment by Colin — 1/26/2005 @ 5:28 pm

11. Hee hee.
    I’ve never coined a word before.

    Comment by Debra — 1/26/2005 @ 10:29 pm

12. the show hatching matching and dispatching was a wonderful piece of our culture with a little bit of humour added. when your afraid of a little bit of humour about your culture you are ready for the dispatching.to bad the show wasn’t called after original sign,which said we serve you dead or alive. keep up the good work mary.

    Comment by kevinslaney — 1/29/2005 @ 9:05 pm

13. I think the mood HAS changed! Although we can laugh at ourselves furiously,leaving the sofa with pains in our sides–maybe it is time for the rest of the world–Canada at least–to see us for who (the majority of us) we really are–EDUCATED, HARDWORKING, ACCOMPLISHED Canadians!

    Comment by Sharyn Williams — 2/1/2005 @ 12:31 am

14. I was so disgusted with mary walsh’s hatching,patching and dispatching,I couldn’t stay tuned.It’s little wonder we have to tolerate opinions by the like of Margaret Wente.There was nothing funny about it,it was insulting to the extreme,the sad thing is,it will probably be a hit.

    Comment by Paula Kelly — 2/2/2005 @ 6:50 am

15. Mary commented when she was interviewed by Debbie Cooper that these characters can be found in Newfoundland. In a sense I have to agree, we do have our share of “characters"; every town in NL has one or two or more, but then so does every town all over the globe. I hate being called Newfie and being belittled but sometimes we can take ourselves a little too seriously - I didn’t find the show overly offensive.

    Comment by Owen Russell — 2/2/2005 @ 12:05 pm

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