An extraordinary media phenomenon 

          You really need to stop a few seconds to realize to what extent this is an extraordinary media phenomenon. In a society where language issues are being endlessly debated, where the slightest declaration by an eccentric writer who only represents himself — namely Mordecai Richler — brings headlines everywhere the next day, this story was not deemed worth a few minutes of attention in dozens of newsrooms in the province. Even though — and this needs be repeated — this man heads an organization in charge of the important festivities for the so-called Fête nationale in Montreal, an organization which has thus officially received the mandate from the government to bring together all Quebeckers.  
 
          Criticism is frequently being aired, in the rest of the country, about the biases that characterize how nationalism and unity issues are being reported on in the francophone press. Each time, some columnist or editorialist jumps on his high horse to declare that Quebec has no lesson to receive from anybody. But this is nevertheless another striking example of such partiality. How can we explain it? 

          1) Some journalists are simply in agreement with the xenophobic statements made by Bouthillier, or at least are hostile enough towards anglophones to excuse them. 
 
          For example, Le Québécois Libre sent a press release last week to all the main media outlets in Quebec, with our editorial denouncing the SSJBM's position. One striking reaction, that of Pierre April of the Presse canadienne in Quebec City, who left a message on our phone machine asking that we do not send him more of « that kind of literature », with an intonation that clearly meant « that kind of extremist garbage ».  
 
          What does Mr. April really think of this story? For him as well as for other journalists, Bouthillier may still be a respectable spokesman, even if his words went a bit further than his thoughts. It is rather those who denounce him who should be condemned. 

          2) In the little nationalo-statist intellectual circles of Quebec, everybody has friends, family members or colleagues who have invested a lot during the past decades fighting for « l'option », winning conditions or not. One would cause them chagrin by helping to propagate negative stories. An emotional pressure inevitably builds up. 
 
          Better play it safe, not report that kind of bad news while hoping to stay free of remorse as it pertains to your journalistic ethic, and get on with the business of calling Anglo militants « extremists » on every occasion. Since Anglos don't watch our programs, nobody will complain and my sister-in-law who is a PQ member will be very happy.