Mom, how did we lose the game?

An investigation by Cégep de Jonquière answers this question posed by the famous song in 1971 MomWritten by Mark Gilinas and Jill Richer.

Dominique Michel, then Pauline Julien sang this heartbreaking song in turn (according to Sophie Durucher’s words on one of her records last year). Émile Proulx-Claulter addresses the same theme in his song Mombut this time he speaks native languages.

As for the French, whose original song said “We lost the game,” Gélinas and Richer’s diagnosis appears to have been correct, if we rely on a survey of Cégep de Jonquière among art and media technology students. Last September, the foundation announced the disappointing results of that investigation.

While Quebec media will be the future work environment for most young people studying at the popular CEGEP, they consume very little Quebec media.

Nine out of 10 students watch TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook every day. YouTube (86.9%) and Netflix (85.4%) are the two most watched platforms, far ahead of those that primarily offer Quebec content. Half of French-speaking college students watch mostly or always English-language series and films. It is the same for the music and songs that they listen to mostly in English. Only 3.6% listen mainly to songs in French.

English songs are popular

So it is not surprising that it appears like RevolutionAnd the star Academy where live from the universe It features many English music and songs. The written press does not rely on it to promote the use of the French language. Only 3.3% of young people are interested in newspapers!

Podcasts are the only exception. Currently, students tend to listen to them in French because it is easier and there are no pictures to facilitate understanding. They will probably listen to them tomorrow in English.

I’ve always had a hard time believing my grandchildren (ages 20-40) claim not to watch popular Quebec soap operas like run awayAnd the I love you like that where Beautiful annoyances. There is only every day District 31 Or an old series like little life who find grace in each other. When they come to my house, their kids (ages 3-10) spend hours on TikTok and YouTube. They sometimes watch Télé-Québec, but never TVA and Radio-Canada. Unless there is a reversal, which is not to be expected, their interests and tastes will therefore be the interests of Cegep’s students at Jonquière tomorrow.

No appetite for our culture

It is not Bill 96 or the campaigns of the Franks that will change the situation. It is a delusion to think that by closing the doors of English CEGEPs to French speakers, the situation of the French language will improve.

A few years ago, CEGEP students from Jonquière, like all CEGEP students in Quebec, had a general knowledge of media and Quebec culture. This knowledge allowed them to have a common reference base. This is no longer the case, according to the teachers. The investigation shows this beyond a reasonable doubt.

Unfortunately, there is little appetite for Quebec culture left among the youth. A very sad fact. ” Mom, mom, how did we lose the game? »