Martel, Marcel2016-09-202016-09-202016-04-152016-09-20http://hdl.handle.net/10315/32331This dissertation explores the participation of two public intellectuals, Donald Creighton and Michel Brunet, in the public space. It examines their historical writings as well as their participation as intellectuals outside of academia. These two men descended from the ivory tower to become active participants in the political debate of their time in hopes to affect tangible change in the political orientation of their country. Creighton and Brunet were particularly active in national media such as radio and newspapers, most notably the CBC/Radio-Canada. They also participated in parliamentary committees of various sorts in which they attempted to influence the State from within. These historians attempted to mobilize their symbolic capital, a concept developed by the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, in order to obtain a privileged access to public space. They, more so than ordinary citizens, due to their status and title of university professors, were able to position themselves in the political debate. For example, if both agree to denounce Canadian bilingualism, it is not for the same reasons. Indeed, Creighton hopes to defend what he considers being the founding vision that John A. Macdonald had for Canada. In contrast, Brunet believes that bilingualism is a monstrous chimera which does nothing but veil the fact that the country was built by two nations rather than one. This dissertation also explores the ideas and strategies adopted by these historians on the subject of Canadas national future, and how they attempt to convince Canadians on the benefits of their viewpoint. Although Brunet adopts an objectivist analytical approach on contemporary society, Creighton falls back on historical documents to denounce what he considers as the country turning their back on Macdonalds project.frAuthor owns copyright, except where explicitly noted. Please contact the author directly with licensing requests.Public policyElectronic Thesis or Dissertation2016-09-20Histoire intellectuelleDonald CreightonMichel BrunetCanadaQuébecCanada françaisMinoritésEspace publicIntellectuelCapital symboliqueRadioJournauxIdentitéPolitiquePresse