EUGENE LEBLANC: A VIEW OF THE 1980’S
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Kathy, Canada, Based on an Interview with Eugene Leblanc
Eugene Leblanc, an Acadian who runs an activity center for the mentally ill comments about the 1980’s: “I think that today people are more open to the fact that those who are underdogs, those who are oppressed have a legitimate voice. I remember in those days (the 80’s) for example you would want to do something and everybody was against you. I think that today the institutions and formal settings of psychiatry and mental health are more open to those that they serve.” He continues, “In the 80’s there was no same sex marriage, there was no tolerance for those who smoked pot, and today it’s acceptable … . (Also) the Acadians were coming along finding their place in society and political life and we eventually had an Acadian who was a lieutenant general – Romeo Leblanc. It all started by writing their stories, by writing poems, and eventually those stories turned into political activism And I suppose you could say that the 1980’s was a transition from just talking about it to really being in charge of powerful institutions and government.”
Eugene reflects that, “the late 1980’s had Moncton as chosen site as a change in the mental health system. I don’t think it really worked, but there was money to bring (mental health) consumers across the country for whatever purpose. Lot’s of money in those days.” When I asked Eugene if it was easier to get a job in the 1980’s he commented, “If you were a (mental health) consumer I don’t think it was easier.” His favourite country musicians of that time were Merle Haggard and Charlie Pride. Eugene’s first car was bought in the 80’s and it was a 1978 Oldsmobile. He says, “The doors weighted two tons, they were very heavy”. Regarding his employment Eugene remembers, “In 1987 I was employed at le Groupe Support Emotionelle. There were some students who were there and they were leaving and said, “Well, you look like the most functional member of this group so would you be interested? And I said ‘yes’.
I had that job and the one at the University of Moncton. Two jobs in the same week.”
Eugene has since gone on to win a human rights award for work with his support group and magazine, “Our Voice/Notre Voix”.
Kathy, Canada, Based on an Interview with Eugene Leblanc
Eugene Leblanc, an Acadian who runs an activity center for the mentally ill comments about the 1980’s: “I think that today people are more open to the fact that those who are underdogs, those who are oppressed have a legitimate voice. I remember in those days (the 80’s) for example you would want to do something and everybody was against you. I think that today the institutions and formal settings of psychiatry and mental health are more open to those that they serve.” He continues, “In the 80’s there was no same sex marriage, there was no tolerance for those who smoked pot, and today it’s acceptable … . (Also) the Acadians were coming along finding their place in society and political life and we eventually had an Acadian who was a lieutenant general – Romeo Leblanc. It all started by writing their stories, by writing poems, and eventually those stories turned into political activism And I suppose you could say that the 1980’s was a transition from just talking about it to really being in charge of powerful institutions and government.”
Eugene reflects that, “the late 1980’s had Moncton as chosen site as a change in the mental health system. I don’t think it really worked, but there was money to bring (mental health) consumers across the country for whatever purpose. Lot’s of money in those days.” When I asked Eugene if it was easier to get a job in the 1980’s he commented, “If you were a (mental health) consumer I don’t think it was easier.” His favourite country musicians of that time were Merle Haggard and Charlie Pride. Eugene’s first car was bought in the 80’s and it was a 1978 Oldsmobile. He says, “The doors weighted two tons, they were very heavy”. Regarding his employment Eugene remembers, “In 1987 I was employed at le Groupe Support Emotionelle. There were some students who were there and they were leaving and said, “Well, you look like the most functional member of this group so would you be interested? And I said ‘yes’.
I had that job and the one at the University of Moncton. Two jobs in the same week.”
Eugene has since gone on to win a human rights award for work with his support group and magazine, “Our Voice/Notre Voix”.
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