A little restraint please
Pascale Brillon
The author is a psychologist specializing in post-traumatic stress attached to the Anxiety Disorders Clinic of Sacré-Coeur de Montréal. The author has a doctorate in psychology and author of books "To come back from trauma" and "How to help victims suffering from PTSD."
Another shooting took place in a medium of instruction. Another massacre that claimed precious lives. In recent days we are overwhelmed pictures of horror. Most importantly, it has published numerous articles discussing the mobile profile, life and the killer's arms. Multiple programs on its modus operandi, the way he has borrowed his way to kill the victims have even been released. But have we only asked about the impact of this media site and information on these vulnerable individuals in our society?
The hype makes killer "interesting." It is in the spotlight. We wonder who he was, there is concern about his fears, his release, his sentence he was granted (now) a huge place. Attempts to understand. They talk about him. With horror, almost with fascination. He may have lived a miserable life but he will be dead in the climax. He may have grown up surrounded by indifference, but all eyes and media world are now turned to what he has done and to his last letters, wills and recriminations.
Place Media we attach to the killer meets our morbid curiosity, our search for meaning and our need to understand the event. By focusing on this fear that we all possess, it sells. But for some people vulnerable sectors of society, some people in need of recognition, this violent death and is mediated not only attractive but vengeful. And the ripple effect of this forum is extraordinary that the media should not be minimized.
And journalistic duty?
But then, what about the freedom of the press? Journalistic duty? (...)
(Published La Presse, Thursday, April 19, 2007). Click on the headline to read full
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