CaptainBolduke
Active member
People care locally. It just is what it is.
In North America you'll never see one that doesn't speak the language of the rednecks.
At what point do we look at the GM...
- Thread starter CaptainBolduke
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People care locally. It just is what it is.
In North America you'll never see one that doesn't speak the language of the rednecks.
You've never lived in Montreal, right?
CaptainBolduke
Active member
I have (not long mind you).
In North America you'll never see one that doesn't speak the language of the rednecks. The Leafs will never hire a GM that can't speak English. Never.
This shouldn't offended English speaking fans, because many of them would be irate if their team hired a GM that could only speak something like Farsi. The old "You're in American - SPEAK ENGLISH!" holds as much weight as "You're in Quebec - SPEAK FRENCH" to those that feel it.
We live in a divided world.
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CaptainBolduke
Active member
He speaks English though. We're talking about people that would need translators. That won't happen in North America. The rednecks (French or English) would get really really angry. It's too political. We live in a divided world. People get super angry over language.
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The nuance a few of you are leaving out which is crucial and is not that evident to people who have not lived in Quebec and experienced the political turmoil is that it's not just about a language.
It's about cultural identity being Omni present in Quebec institutions and like it or not the Montreal Canadians are part of that fabric.
The same people that clamor on a yearly basis to make sure the GM and coach are Quebecois and that we get more local born players are often fervent Nationalists.
Now what I'm saying is that more often than not they will make sure this is a constant topic of conversation, it doesn't mean a Federalist doesn't want to see the GM and coach have the capacity to speak French but there are sects of the media and fan base that insist on this as this organization represents more than an NHL team to them but a Quebecois institution.
It's about cultural identity being Omni present in Quebec institutions and like it or not the Montreal Canadians are part of that fabric.
The same people that clamor on a yearly basis to make sure the GM and coach are Quebecois and that we get more local born players are often fervent Nationalists.
Now what I'm saying is that more often than not they will make sure this is a constant topic of conversation, it doesn't mean a Federalist doesn't want to see the GM and coach have the capacity to speak French but there are sects of the media and fan base that insist on this as this organization represents more than an NHL team to them but a Quebecois institution.
CaptainBolduke
Active member
Hey - I wish it wasn't an issue, but it is what it is unfortunately. It's the world we live in.
hockeylover
Well-known member
I wouldn't have any issues with a non English speaking GM of the Leafs if he was icing a good team. It's only when we're losing that I care what a GM has to say anyways really.
CaptainBolduke
Active member
You're a progressive. Rednecks in Thunder Bay and a lot of other parts of the province would be annoyed. It's too bad. You'll never see a Leafs GM that can't speak English.
Sal_Butera
Well-known member
The head of Quebec’s sacred cow Hydro Quebec was an anglophone - Michael Penner. The Quebec government thought so highly of the job he did (and he did a phenomenal job - utilities worldwide now benchmark HQ) promoted him to Chairman of the Board, again the first ever anglophone to hold that role.
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Sal_Butera
Well-known member
The reality is most of those Nationalists are hitting the twilight of their lives - Reggie Tremblay etc..
The young breed coming from parts unknown throughout Quebec are more often than not globalists. The quiet revolution crowd is trying to hang on for dear life & stay relevant....their half life will be done within 5-yrs. Mathias Brunet, MA Godin, etc.. speak flawless English and Philippe Cantin was leading the hire Babcock campaign. There’s a generational shift taking place in the francophone media....
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The point is being missed here...you need the coach to speak English in all markets including in Montreal because it's the universal language of communication of the NHL.
The debate isn't about not speaking a language and being accepting to it....no NHL team would bring in an only russian speaking coach because it simply doesn't make sense.
In Quebec the debate is catering to a culture and a fan base that include the Montreal Canadiens as part of that heritage....several feel that it's important that local executives and local players be part of that to maintain some degree of that heritage and culture
However the new generation often feel that when an Anglophone coach or player is making an effort to speak the language and integrate in Quebec they see it as effort to be inclusive...hence why PK was loved, you have an Anglophone that is making effort to speak the language, integrate into culture by taking part in events, shows etc...that are Quebecois.
Exactly what I mentioned in my post above...the new generation is more inclusive, they see effort and willingness to integrate as just as valuable.
CaptainBolduke
Active member
I have no interest in hearing anything MB says. His words are irrelevant at this point.
Sal_Butera
Well-known member
Hemsky retiring, Mete being sent down to juniors, and let media vent / take the wrath to protect players & coach
How’s that?
I'm pretty sure he won't be saying that.
Sal_Butera
Well-known member
PC sounds like a success to me, MB has the media eating out of his hands.....and some pretty forthcoming comments. He’s got the Jean Chretien franglais down to an art form
Calm hysteria[emoji736]
Calm hysteria[emoji736]