Speak White
Quick Summary
"Speak White" is a poem by MichĂšle Lalonde, first recited in 1968 and published in 1974. The poem critiques the Anglo-American economic exploitation and the racist taunt "Speak white," which was often directed at French-speaking Quebecers who did not speak English. It was a significant piece within the context of Quebec's Quiet Revolution, a period of significant social and political upheaval. The poem's themes of cultural identity and linguistic rights resonated within the broader movement for Quebec's independence and self-expression.12
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Canadian literatureThe Quiet RevolutionMichĂšle Lalondeâs ironic âSpeak Whiteâ condemned the Anglo-American economic exploitation embedded in the racist jeer âSpeak white,â often hurled at QuĂ©bĂ©cois who chose not to speak English; the poem was first recited at a 1968 show and again at the Montreal cultural event Nuit de la PoĂ©sie ("NightâŠ
Read MoreMichĂšle Lalondeâs ironic âSpeak Whiteâ condemned the Anglo-American economic exploitation embedded in the racist jeer âSpeak white,â often hurled at QuĂ©bĂ©cois who chose not to speak English; the poem was first recited at a 1968 show and again at the Montreal cultural event Nuit de la PoĂ©sie ("NightâŠ
Read More- Canadian literatureThe cosmopolitan culture of French Canada and Quebec
âŠresponded to MichĂšle Lalondeâs âSpeak Whiteâ with his own poem âSpeak Whatâ (first published in 1989), calling for a more inclusive Quebec society and suggesting that immigrants have replaced the QuĂ©bĂ©cois as the new exploited class. Other immigrant authors who have made their mark include: from Iraq, novelist andâŠ
Read MoreâŠresponded to MichĂšle Lalondeâs âSpeak Whiteâ with his own poem âSpeak Whatâ (first published in 1989), calling for a more inclusive Quebec society and suggesting that immigrants have replaced the QuĂ©bĂ©cois as the new exploited class. Other immigrant authors who have made their mark include: from Iraq, novelist andâŠ
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