Quote:
Originally Posted by lio45
To answer the thread's question, I'm not much of a homer, but I do have to "root" for the two places on this planet where most of my assets are physically located in the form of stuff whose value greatly depends on how desirable the city is.
I happen to like my hometown (ideal mix of readily available urbanity and accessible nature/lakes/mountains, among other things I like) but I wouldn't be particularly attached to it, if it weren't for the fact I'm actually quite tied to it.
At this point, moving would be a chore, unless I decide to quit real estate, in which case I could move anywhere, I guess.
As for Quebec/Canada, I won't hesitate to criticize when warranted, but will also defend against unfair accusations from people who don't know what they're talking about. (Which is think is the correct balance.)
|
I don't "root" for Gatineau except to want it to be the best it can be as my human and physical assets are all here. I am fully aware of its shortcomings and which ones can and should be overcome and which ones likely never will be.
I do defend the city and region sporadically as it is often dissed by Ottawans and also people in other regions of Quebec. (Though the latter has become less common in recent years.)
"Gatineau pride" isn't really a thing anyway, probably less so than most cities. The population here is very much comprised of people who came from other places and don't have deep roots here.
I used to think Ottawa when I lived there was very transient and had lots of people with loyalties elsewhere or who were just in transit, but it turns out it was nothing compared to Gatineau. Since I lived across the river Ottawa has also grown quite a bit and as such seems to have taken on a much stronger civic identity due to perhaps now having a larger mass of people with roots in the city.
I have to say I don't root for Ottawa much, even though I do like the city. Note I am not rooting for them to fail either.
With some exceptions among certain people I don't find there is that much of a cross-river identity or overarching sentiment that we're in something together on either side. It's not really a question of animosity - Ottawans in general are pretty nice to Gatinois and don't treat us as interlopers when we're over there. Even when we're using some of their services!
But in my opinion it doesn't go as far as a feeling that we're all one city, as is often alleged. YMMV depending on who you talk to of course. Though I think my view is the way most Ottawans and Gatinois see things. Ottawans typically don't really think about us much, and when it's pointed out we exist, it's like "oh yeah... you guys too!". Whereas many Gatinois tend to be fussier about their distinctiveness, and emphasize that we're a city in Quebec that's next to Ottawa.
Prev
Linear Mode
