"Where am I from?" Cartoon by Susan Dubrofsky

As members of the editorial board, we agreed instantly on our choice for this issue’s theme, but were at a loss for words to define it. Or rather, we had a surfeit of words: cultural transformations, exile, migration, Diaspora, transhumance, persecution, refuge, displacement, multiculturalism, homeland, us and them, mainstream and marginal. The list is endless.  The subject defies definition because it refuses to be straight jacketed, very much in line with Montreal Serai’s free spirit. However, the thread that strings these words together is clearly humanity’s right to spread itself throughout the planet and its duty to share it equitably with fellow human beings. So let us say our theme is multi-culti-solidarity. Solidarity with all life on the planet was the subject of our last issue on the environment.

Manuel Lau’s paintings joyfully remind us of our kindredness with the animal kingdom. Susan Dubrofsky scouted his work for us. Cheryl Neill’s songs invoke our humanity. Susan Dubrofsky’s homage to her late friend describes the loss felt by all of us who had the privilege to know her or her work.  Rana Bose’s musings are an invitation to wander with him around the world. Samia Costandi shares her nostalgia for the home she left behind and the one she might never have. Jaspreet Singh makes us realize that even corpses yearn to return home.  Ayaan Hirsi Ali makes it clear that the elimination of genital infibulation is an urgent and non-negotiable human right. Maya Khankhoje’s review of her book is an attempt to condense her thoughts.  Malcolm Guy’s and Eylem Kaftan’s film documents the plight of Algerian refugees in Canada. Irène Johnson’s French review of the film and Maria Worton’s  English translation are an example of Canadian bilingualism.  Dean Serravale gets inside the head of a young Arab who might be tempted to become a martyr. Rolf de Heer and the people of Ramingining share the Australian Aboriginal dreamworld with us. Maya Khankhoje exhorts readers to view this film.  Maria Worton chats with Malcolm Guy about his work as an activist film-maker. Susan Dubrofsky’s interview with the Tango Sweatshop artists explains why tango is so hot in Montreal…and elsewhere. 

The countries, nationalities or ethnic origins of the writers and artists involved in this Fall Issue of Montreal Serai are linked to Algeria, Australia, Canada, China, Belgium, India, Ireland, Lebanon, Mexico, Netherlands, Palestine, Peru, Quebec, Russia, Sudan, UK, USA,  and many more… . What does this motley crew have in common? Its human culture, enriched by more human culture from the past and from elsewhere, heading towards the future. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry saw humanity’s heading very clearly from the lofty position of his cockpit:    “We are all of us, pilgrims who struggle along different paths towards the same destination.”

Latcho dromo. Have a safe journey.

Here is a song that we thought applicable to this issue:

Hindi Song Title: Mera Joota Hai Japani (My shoes are Japanese)
Hindi Movie/Album Name: SHREE 420 
Singer(s): MUKESH 

Mera Joota Hai Japani Yeh Patloon Englishtani
Sar Pe Laal Topi Roosi Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani

(My shoes are Japanese, the pantaloons are English
On my head is a red Russian hat, but in my heart I am Indian)

Mera Joota...

Nikal Pade Hai Khulli Sadak Par Apna Seena Taane
Manzil Kahan, Kahan Rukna Hai,Uparwala Jaane

(I'm out on the open road, as longs as my lungs can support,
Where's home, where to stop,  the one upstairs knows)

Badte Jaayen Hum Sailani, Jaise Ek Dariya Toofani
Sar Pe Laal Topi Roosi Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani
Mera Joota...