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In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in France, I've seen a lot of meta-discussion in francophone Quebec media about the difference between how francophone and anglophone media outlets in Canada have covered this tragedy. Now, there was no real difference between how major media have interpreted the events: all saw it as a attack against freedom of speech. But there was a notable difference in the coverage. As early as yesterday, all francophone daily newspapers in Quebec joined together to publish, including in their print editions, the Charlie Hebdo cartoon about Muhammad bemoaning being loved by idiots, as a homage to the deceased satirists.
Now, we may discuss whether these cartoons should be seen. We may discuss whether we see a cultural difference between anglophones and francophones there, and it would indeed be an interesting discussion. I'm currently listening to Radio-Canada's radio morning show C'est pas trop tôt -- being outside the country I listen to it later in the day, and it also keeps me abreast of the news at home -- and they point out that English-language media worldwide have explained to their audience what Charlie Hebdo is, as if it were a uniquely French concept which is hard to comprehend by English speakers. But for now what I'm mostly interested in is, do we find in Canadian English-language media this meta-discussion about how differently anglophone and francophone media have covered the tragedy? I'm asking the question mostly because I'm interested into how the so-called Two Solitudes are even aware of each other. What I can say is that in this case, the francophone side did notice the difference.
In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in France, I've seen a lot of meta-discussion in francophone Quebec media about the difference between how francophone and anglophone media outlets in Canada have covered this tragedy. Now, there was no real difference between how major media have interpreted the events: all saw it as a attack against freedom of speech. But there was a notable difference in the coverage. As early as yesterday, all francophone daily newspapers in Quebec joined together to publish, including in their print editions, the Charlie Hebdo cartoon about Muhammad bemoaning being loved by idiots, as a homage to the deceased satirists.
Now, we may discuss whether these cartoons should be seen. We may discuss whether we see a cultural difference between anglophones and francophones there, and it would indeed be an interesting discussion. I'm currently listening to Radio-Canada's radio morning show C'est pas trop tôt -- being outside the country I listen to it later in the day, and it also keeps me abreast of the news at home -- and they point out that English-language media worldwide have explained to their audience what Charlie Hebdo is, as if it were a uniquely French concept which is hard to comprehend by English speakers. But for now what I'm mostly interested in is, do we find in Canadian English-language media this meta-discussion about how differently anglophone and francophone media have covered the tragedy? I'm asking the question mostly because I'm interested into how the so-called Two Solitudes are even aware of each other. What I can say is that in this case, the francophone side did notice the difference.
Isn't much of the media in English speaking Canada owned by a small group of people? There isn't too many folks deciding editorial policy.
In my mind it is dishonest to show the milder cartoons like the one above and not at least describe the more offensive ones. Many of this magazine's cartoons couldn't be shown in English Canada because of their extreme vulgarity. Perhaps Quebec is culturally less sensitive to such things.
It is hard for me to compare the two because I'm not bilingual. I also like most grab my news from the web. At most I might get about 30% Canadian content.
English language media is probably explaining to English speakers what Charlie Hebdo is, since if you don't speak French you most likely would never of heard of it. I don't think the concept is too foreign to English Speakers since online satirical sites such as The Beaverton and The Onion are hugely popular...albeit I don't believe either has a print edition and I'm not sure they are into satirical cartoons as much.
Charlie Hebdo printed circulation is only 45,000, not much for a country of 66 million. Are there any stats for online clicks for them? I'm wondering if it's fair to associate it so much with French and Quebecois culture? Is it perhaps the difference in the "French language media " culture, rather than the population as a whole?
Did the major newspapers in France, Le Monde etc print the cartoons?
I don't have the answers, but I'm wondering what I would do if I were an editor of a newspaper. Part of me would love to shove back in the faces of the people who did this, but part of me would worry about inciting more violence. Tough choice.
do we find in Canadian English-language media this meta-discussion about how differently anglophone and francophone media have covered the tragedy?
I was watching live the French coverage today. On the other hand, I was watching live Clinton's deposition on CNN (probably it was a blimp in the French media) and World Trade Center bombing on NBC (I think?). On either side, the most profound coverage was in that culture where the event had happened. When terrorists strike on the anglo side, one doesn't lack coverage at all, rather the opposite.
There is another, more subtle facet here. In France, this incident is regarded an assault on secularism, separation of religion and state, and science-based atheism. In North America, there is a tendency (although more in the US, obviously) to regard it as a struggle between Islam and Judeo-Christian values. Secularism is not Judeo-Christian. The Christian Right is rubbing its hands with glee at watching two of its enemies duke it out. Their false sympathy is not wanted, not in France, nor anywhere else.
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