From now on, students in Quebec had better mind their Ps and Qs, or specifically be mindful of “tu” and “vous,” when they are speaking to teachers and other staff members.
The provincial government has made it obligatory for all students to use terms of respect when addressing teachers. Teachers are to be called Mr. or Mrs. and “vous” is to be used when referring to staff members, not the informal “tu.”
Quebec Education Minister Sonia Lebel has said that “the rule aims to establish a framework in matters of civility which will promote respect for all in the education system.”
The langue de Molière can be complex. Its gendered nouns and complicated verb conjugations have forced many an anglophone student to contemplate mastering Latin rather attempting to learn the country’s other official language.
Employing the French equivalent of “you” can be dicey.
Obviously, for friends, “tu” is the go-to term. “Toie” is another option, as in, “Hey, toie! Pass me the puck!”
When addressing strangers or older folks, “Vous” is the automatic choice, most of the time.
However, there are incidents where bad first impressions can be made with a poor choice of words.
This is a true scenario. Employee meets supervisor for the first time. “Je suis ravi de vous rencontrer,” employee says. Supervisor recoils: “Vous? We’re the same age!” Désolé. There goes the promotion.
Anyway, the Quebec government’s edict to try to force people to be respectful is another sign of our times, an example of the pushback against the steady rise in incivility.
Governments, school boards, businesses and organizations everywhere have all adopted principles and guidelines with the goal of ensuring that everyone follows the Golden Rule.
Some nervous Nellies have been warning that incivility is so extreme and so pervasive that it threatens not only economic output, but menaces our democracy. Whew!
Think about it. Workplaces can easily become toxic if harassment or bad behaviour goes unchecked. One bully quickly erodes workplace morale. An unhappy office is not a productive office. Studies have shown that employers lose billions due to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism.
Words matter, especially in a world where it seems everyone is so easily offended. There is only one basic way to say “you” in English, but on occasion, we could toss in a “y’all” or “ya.” However, tone is important.
“What are you doing here?” How would you interpret that? Is that a simple query, an expression of surprise and delight, or is that to be taken as a slight?
Fear of criticism stifles public discourse. Self-censorship is a form of self preservation when any public comment can be met with vile and violent responses. For evidence, check out “social” media.
The meek will not inherit the Earth because they will be too busy ducking for cover.
On the other hand, kindness is not weakness. Contrary to popular belief, nice people can make history.
Which brings us to this year’s municipal and school board elections in Ontario, and a growing movement to ensure that the upcoming campaigns are clean.
One of the groups lobbying for more civility is HER, Halton Elected Representatives, “a network addressing toxicity and harassment for women.”
Its Elect Respect resolution refers to issues that are prevalent everywhere.
Its many “whereas” sections note that democracy is healthy when everyone is able to participate fully and safely and contribute to the well-being of their community; we are witnessing the dissolution of democratic discourse and respectful debate across all levels of government; Ontario’s municipally elected officials are dealing with increasingly hostile, unsafe work environments facing threats and harassment; social media platforms have exacerbated disrespectful dialogue, negative commentary, and toxic engagement which disincentivizes individuals, especially women and candidates from diverse backgrounds from running for office.
The motion asks municipal councils to adopt the Elect Respect pledge to essentially reject and call out harassment, abuse, and personal attacks, focus debate on ideas and policies, not personal attacks.
As they prepare to solicit support from the electorate, all candidates ought to take their own pledges before entering the fray.
And remember a basic rule of realpolitik that is always de rigueur : When you throw dirt, all you do is lose ground.
L’article Watch your tongue:
Incivility is bad for our
bottom lines and democracy est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
