Page - 137 - in Media – Migration – Integration - European and North American Perspectives

Souley Hassane | Mainstream Media vs. Ethnic Minority Media 137 racist comments. After ratings showed that viewer loyalty had remained con- stant, a wave of satisfaction traversed the French black community. The original uproar was easily forgotten, and Roselmarck became a media star with a new dimension. The situation inspired Afrikara to note (Afrikara 2006c): The pilot study was a stroke of genius because, in spite of the many professionals who spoke in its favor, many were those who anticipated, and still do, a turn-about of affairs. Harry certainly has no need for our advice in the managing of his career, nor even of his mission, which at times can certainly be just a little too close for comfort, but we wish in any case to wish him all the best in his endeavors - for that which he is, and for that which others see in him. There is probably no revolution at Bouygues4, but the important thing lies elsewhere. In terms of the impact on the French sense of representation, whether of young blacks who finally witness the widening of their imagined horizon of possibilities, or of Whites brought up on the milk of prejudice and ignorance and shivering at the face of otherness, the discovery of a competent fellow-citizen will awaken a new reference in their hopes and dreams. The establishment of the Conseil representative des associations noires (CRAN - Representative Council of Black Associations) in 2006 indicates a deleterious situation for minorities. CRAN’s mission is to fight discrimination against blacks. Notwithstanding its critics, it remains an effective social framework and helps mobilize persons who are not black, but wish to join in the struggle against racism. One of CRAN’s projects involves devising a ‘barometer’ of diversity. This is to display the level of integration of blacks into French society with reference to employment. In 2006, CRAN undertook a study on the status of blacks in France. This study shows that they represent 3.2% of the population and recognize themselves as a visible minority. Fifty-six percent report having experienced discrimination principally at work or in a public place. Those questioned recalled “disdainful, disrespectful, or demeaning attitudes”, “verbal assaults”, “insults”, “difficulty in the purchase or leasing of housing”, “police identity controls”, “difficulties in relations with public services” and “the refusal of employment” (CRAN 2007, p. 16). “Sixty-one percent of ‘blacks’ report having experienced at least one situation of discrimination in the last 12 months” (ibid. p. 17) In their struggles against discrimination, the persons questioned appealed to the following for help: 4 The owner of TF1 Channel.