"End the Czech" Protest Stirs the Conversation

Q104 End "Czech Contest"

This blog post will attempt to summarize the campaign against the q104 contest in what has been a whirl of three weeks. I believe that this protest is another way to structure an argument against the deplorable conditions that exist in Canada today when it comes to sexism, media mis-education and a culture that is informed by 'slut shaming', sexualising and normalizing behavior. (ie. making contests that present women in a way that is disrespectful, then saying its normal).

     In Halifax, there is a radio station called Q104FM. It's current contest is called “The Male is in the Czech” and it describes that the winner will receive a date overseas in the Czech Republic to meet “mail-order brides". Since hearing about this contest, users on facebook have responded by forming a group called "Shame Q104" or "End 'Czech ' contest".  It has become popular and news media sites have blogged, reported and commented on the contest and the response.  

     The contest claims to be using a reputable dating service, while this appears not to be proven or disproven with the information available. 

     Citizens of Halifax and beyond are concerned that this contest is sexist in nature and encourages the normalization of sex trafficking as a concept. The show hosts for this contest claim that they are, in fact, against taking people under their will, or any kind of illegal activity. This does not account for the subconscious media message that this kind of contest entails. It is my understanding that this is a violation of the CBSC's policies on representations of women. 

It does not take into account the policy on: 

 (5) Non Sexist Language, that "attribute particular roles and characteristics on the basis of their gender, without taking them into consideration as individuals." (cbsc website)

The term that q104 uses which is 'Mail-order brides' is a pejorative term, and sets the precendent for contestants and expectations about what the contest is really about. This is among the other long list of complaints about the manner in which Q104's website- the text, banner as well as the headline.

There is subtle characterisation where people, specifically women from the Czech republic, are presented as a cohesive group, rather than a diverse multi-culture of peoples. They are presented as a package, and as sexualized women that the contest winners will win a 'date' with through images of someone wearing a bikini, posing in a submissive posture.

A protest is set for Thursday March 8th after the International Womens Day rally which starts at 12pm at Grand Parade in downtown Halifax. The 'End the Czech' Rally will walk up Robie St., approximately 5km to Q104's station location on 3770 Kempt road. The protest should arrive around 1:45pm. 

EVENT page

https://www.facebook.com/events/164949273623570/

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