Inclusion or Illusion...?
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Moving to Montreal was a mix of aspiration and reality for the Maghrebi Europeans interviewed by Mandin. Many of them describe their reasons for coming as rooted in a feeling of being stuck in Europe, what Hage calls “existential stuckedness.” For example, Sonia and Leila, who left France for Montreal, talk about “la galère” they experienced back home. Sonia couldn’t find stable work despite her efforts, while Leila felt betrayed by a system that didn’t reward her five years of university education with a secure job or the possibility of owning a home. This sense of stagnation and injustice where playing by the rules didn’t lead to progress pushed them to look for opportunities elsewhere.
When they compare Montreal to Europe, the differences are stark. Montreal is often seen as a place where identity isn’t constantly under scrutiny. Nadir put it bluntly: “The day I arrived , I understood that I was not an Arab, but an individual who was among other things, Arab.” This contrasts sharply with their experience in places like France or Belgium, where being identified as Maghrebi or Muslim often limited their opportunities and subjected them to racial and cultural stereotyping. Montreal’s multiculturalism seemed to offer what Fernando called “indifference to difference,” a relief from the hyper-recognition they endured in Europe.
Yet, their feelings about Quebec don’t always align with its reality. For example, while they initially celebrated Montreal’s openness, many noticed similarities to Europe’s rising Islamophobia over time. Sana felt that Quebec was becoming “a French province again,” as debates over identity and religion began to mirror the divisive discourse she had left behind in France. Others, like Redouane, recounted moments of casual racism that reminded them of their past experiences in Europe, such as his daughter being told by classmates that “people like you” were responsible for terrorist attacks in France.
Finally, the interviewees noticed significant shifts in Quebec’s political climate since their arrival. Many justly felt that Quebec had given way to more restrictive debates about identity. The 2013 Charter of Quebec Values, which sought to ban public employees from wearing religious symbols, became a flashpoint. Although the charter was abandoned, it left a lasting impression, revealing underlying tensions in a society they had hoped would be more accepting.