Fringe nativists getting too much attention
Nativist movements across Canada appear to be experiencing a resurgence with the rise in influence of their American counterparts. In an election year for Quebec, vigilance is warranted. The political class, including the media, would be wise to avoid indulging fringe activists.
The ideas promoted by modern nativist groups are hardly new, making the relevance of most of their marches or social media content questionable. Throughout 2017 there was substantial media coverage of these radicals. In excess, this can serve to tacitly legitimize and even promote hateful views.
These nativists who have co-opted the cause of free speech to justify prejudice against Muslims, Jews or other minority groups would argue they are entitled to express their opinions. Perhaps (except for hate speech), but they have no specific right to have their views conveyed through the mainstream media.
The transnational phenomenon of this reinvigorated, mostly internetbased nativism merits study, discussion and debate. On occasion, it may be productive to expose Canadians to the reality of racist subcultures, especially if the threat of violence exists. The result of these journalistic endeavours, however, should be that some valuable knowledge is gained.
There is a morbid curiosity about white nationalist groups in particular. Spotlighting racist propaganda ad nauseam, even alongside denunciations, leaves the impression this ideology has, for some, a sort of kitsch value that borders on entertainment (less so for survivors of Nazi genocide and their descendants or those who’ve experienced racist harassment).
Established parameters of acceptable media discourse should be respected. Industry codes of conduct discourage broadcasting “abusive or unduly discriminatory material” and encourage media gatekeepers to keep public interest in mind when presenting such views.
With nothing constructive to add to national conversations, the group sporting the ridiculous name of La Meute (Wolf Pack) and catering to anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment in particular, has scored a victory in winning so much exposure by news media. The relationship has even bordered on symbiotic. Sensational or even misleading reports about issues relating to cultural accommodation have inspired the group’s campaigns and protests, leading to yet more coverage and a vicious circle of exposure that is serving to expand the movement.
Though somewhat in vogue, nativist ideologues have never had trouble finding audiences in all western nations. They were among the earliest adopters of social media.
Even if the group is increasingly popular offline, there is little justifying the media attention La Meute has received. It’s difficult to imagine anything the group’s members do with their Saturday afternoons is a matter of public interest.
Even the most offensive opinions needn’t be legislated away from public view, but it’s safe to say the media should show more restraint in paying attention to unhinged views. There aren’t any cogent policies on immigration or cultural integration coming from these extreme nationalistic circles; only racism.
In an election year for Quebec, there may be temptation among some politicians to subtly cater to groups like La Meute or similar constituencies that have unhealthy fixations on ethnic minorities. Both media gatekeepers and consumers can help declaw these predators by simply not taking the (click)bait, refusing to be shocked, fascinated or titillated by their rabid (and, to be fair, sometimes hilarious) rantings. Dan Delmar is a political commentator and managing partner, public relations with TNKR Media. Twitter.com/DanDelmar