Dear Sir,

Having recently moved to Bermuda, I will avoid wading into the country’s political debates, as I have neither the knowledge nor expertise to do so. However, coming from Quebec, I feel qualified to offer a cautionary message.

In the debate over Quebec’s separation, there was always an undercurrent of identity politics, although it was largely suppressed — even by the separatists. In the past 15 years, however, identity nationalism has come to dominate the political and social landscape. This shift has poisoned society, led to the arbitrary suspension of rights and freedoms, and pitted citizen against citizen. A notable example is the phrase “because that’s how we live here,” used by the Premier to justify suspending the Charter of Rights and Freedoms without reasonable cause. This has been documented in a book of the same title.

Since moving to Bermuda, I have been struck by the civility of its people. Unlike much of North America, there is not a spot on the island where I don’t feel welcomed, respected and safe. It’s natural for people to seek group identification, but the risk arises when this desire reaches a pathological level, leading to dehumanisation, discrimination and oppression. Pride is wanting to be oneself; excessive pride is thinking your identity is superior; and arrogance is imposing your group’s interests on others. The darker moments in history, including some in Bermuda’s own past, have been caused by this affliction.

Bermuda is not there — yet. But the temptation for politicians to exploit differences and turn them into divisiveness is strong. I cannot warn Bermudians enough about the dangers of opening this Pandora’s box. Bermuda, like any society, can surely be improved and perfected, but this is best achieved through inclusivity and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of all, not through divisive identity politics.

PIERRE LE FEVRE

Pembroke