“More Pride Please!” – (PIP # 74)

By Louise Peloquin

 L’Etoile regularly published pieces on Franco-American identity – being American of French-Canadian descent. On this June 24th, when French-Canadians north and south of the border celebrate Saint Jean-Baptiste’s feast day, here’s a throwback with an editorial excerpt.

L’Etoile – April 4, 1925

MORE PRIDE, PLEASE!

One wants to give oneself the appearance of being American and one believes that, in order to do so, it is necessary to betray one’s own and to deny one’s past. Does one honestly think that such an individual will be taken seriously? One would be greatly mistaken because the real American is the one who honors ancestral heritage, who stands tall, unashamed….

Fortunately, pride is not yet dead among Franco-Americans. Instead, it is somnolent. And yet, it would only take an energizing nudge to raise it up, exalt it and allow it to accomplish great things. (1) 

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1) Translation by Louise Peloquin.