''Maîtres chez nous'': la Révolution tranquille
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When studying Canadian history, Québec’s past is quite unique in relation to religion. Historically, Québécois people were extremely oppressed by the Catholic Church, which controlled education, healthcare, and entertainment (Mahrouse, 91). The period during the 1940s and 1950s is called ‘‘la Grande Noirceur’’ by Québécois people. During this period, Québécois people felt guilt, loneliness, and anxiety daily. Furthermore, they lacked the freedom to control their lifestyles, as it was mainly monitored by the Catholic Church (The Canadian Encyclopedia). After this period, the Quiet Revolution took place during the 1960s. Society was transforming itself, and the social dynamics were rapidly changing. The Church became weaker, the education system was secularized, and greater gender equality was achieved (Mahrouse, 91). Nowadays, religion as a whole is perceived negatively, especially Islam, which is seen as a threat to gender equality (Mahrouse, 92). On top of that, being a minority group in Canada makes Québécois people feel as if they can’t afford to be too tolerant toward immigrants, as it might cause them to lose their values (Mahrouse, 91). The Bouchard-Taylor commission was formed to respond to different issues between Québécois people and religious/ethnic minorities. However, they stuck to the traditional definition of racism (violation of rights) instead of considering diffuse and discreet racism (Mahrouse, 94). Thus, they were not truly combating racism or intolerance.
In most Western countries, religion is often perceived as contrary to human rights (Bilge, 303). The sexularist stand claims that secularism offers gender equality and sexual emancipation, which religion restricts. Islam specifically, is seen as oppressive toward women and non-heteronormative sexualities. Sexularism can be linked to Orientalism as it perceives Islam as a threat to freedom (Bilge, 307). Historically, Orientalists have always claimed that Islam limits freedom, especially in relation to women. They used this claim as a way of justifying the colonization of the ‘‘Orient’’. Sexularists are against the idea of ‘‘open secularism’’, as it would jeopardize gender equality, and it would be incompatible with feminist concerns (Bilge, 309). By deeming Islam as inherently misogynistic, Québécois people can claim to fight for human rights, all while limiting Muslim people’s freedom (Bilge, 313).