I just signed a complaint directed to the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) whose job it is to regulate what is aired in Canada. The complaint has to do with Radio-Canada’s New Year’s Eve show, Bye-Bye 2008. Here is an example of what we are complaining about. The video is in French, but has English subtitles. Warning, extremely racist content.
A joke is a joke. But when what I see on television makes me uncomfortable, nay, sickens me I have to say something about it. When what I see on television or hear on the radio rips at the values I hold dear, I have to say something about it.
I’m sickened, I’m hurt by the blatant racism that permeated the show. I’m embarrassed for my province. Really.
The petition is in French. Basically it says that the petition is a complaint against the CRTC to represent the displeasure (to put it mildly) of the population regarding the show Bye Bye 2008. They accuse Radio-Canada of blatant, degrading racism and they mention the writers of the show by name. They are accusing Radio-Canada of going against the norms of quality for television shows and they would like all copies of the show destroyed. The petition also asks for Radio-Canada to create media representations, basically television shows, documentaries, etc… that focus on the positive contributions of the Black community to Quebec society. It reminds us of racist shows in the past and questions the values of our state run French television station.
The petition is available to be signed here –> Petition to complain about Radio-Canada’s Bye Bye 2008.
If you would like a better translation of the petition, let me know. This was really a rough, quick sketch of what is said.