Description:
We, the Others explores the xenophobia, ethno-nationalism, and the fear of the "other? that is at the root of the belief that immigration is a polluting force.
Gleaned from the author's personal family history as the second-generation daughter of Greek immigrants, and from her research as a journalist and columnist covering identity politics and social issues in Quebec, it is a poignant look at inter-generational struggles, conflicting loyalties and heartfelt questions of belonging.
Brief description:
Toula Drimonis is a Montreal-based opinion columnist, writer and news producer. A former news director for TC Media, she has reported and written on politics, social justice, and women's issues for national and international publications. She has worked in television, radio, and print in all three of her languages, and has appeared on TV as both panelist and contributor to English and French-language current-affairs and cultural news shows.
Review Quotes:
"From the Aegean Sea to the shores of the St. Lawrence, Toula Drimonis guides the reader through rich layers of history and demographics, and we discover a society much more pluralistic than we even realized. We, the Others traces a world of colours, accents and love. Love for country and for province. Prepare to journey, and to be transformed." Elisabeth Vallet, Director Observatoire de géopolitique, UQAM
"We, the Others is a beautiful love paean to Toula Drimonis's Greek immigrant parents, and to all immigrant parents like hers. Drimonis evokes a respect for ordinary people who work hard every day, build a life for their families, and who are like every Canadian or Quebecer save for the upheaval, fear, and precariousness of escaping conflict or poverty and starting anew. We, the Others makes a strong case in favour of immigration, and tells us how newcomers make us richer in every way. Thanks to immigrants, we discover new ideas, languages, foods, and cultures without going much further than the local dépanneur. As Drimonis notes, every new wave changes us imperceptibly until, over time, the others are now simply us, and we are all the better for it." Michael Fukushima, NFB