Quebec Comedians' Racist Remarks

Following a Presidential tradition, the new US President Barack Obama will visit Canada in first foreign trip after inauguration. Great. But Canada owes Mr. Obama and the American people an official apology for the tasteless and racist New Year’s Eve special broadcast by CBC/Radio-Canada, the country’s public radio and television broadcaster.

During segments of the show, Quebec comedians insulted the President-elect, played on black stereotypes and insulted English Canadians and sex-abuse victims. They called Mr. Obama the “n” word. They insinuated that his assassination would be practical since “a black man will be more visible in the White House and be easier to shoot“.

In a recent apology, Ms. Veronique Cloutier, the producer of the show, and head writer, Louis Morissette, dodged responsibility. They insisted that they meant no harm to President-elect Obama. They were “just trying to put on an edgy comedy show.“

Well, the result was comedy that potentially nurtures hate crimes. Last October two men were arrested in Tennessee for allegedly plotting to kill Mr. Obama. Last November, the Miami Herald opined: Every American president is at risk of an assassination attempt. But because of the historic nature of President-elect Barack Obama's victory as the African American in that office, the risk of assassination is greater.”

Ms. Cloutier claims that she and the others behind the show are not racist. They cried during Mr. Obama's acceptance speech last November. Well, Senator John McCain’s supporters cried too during his concession speech. Theirs were tears of joy?

Unfortunately, a serious backlash against the Quebec comedians and the creators of the show is unlikely. Radio Canada has already defended the freedom of the show's creators. The show received high ratings of about four million views. Ms. Cloutier is considered a “sweetheart” in the Quebec entertainment industry.

At the minimum, the comedians insulted the office of the President of the United States. With the election of Barack Obama as the first African American President, this office is set to build global bridges toward a more perfect world tolerant of diversity. Canada must show its seriousness in advancing this noble agenda. How about an apology for the racist Quebec comedy, to begin with ?

Source : Global Diversity Post