'SARKOZY AND DOMINIQUE STRAUSS-KAHN'

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Libération, France

Sex, Power and French Journalistic Principles

 

"If consenting adults enjoy a sexuality that is liberated, liberating, liberal, libertarian or libertine, that's no concern of journalists, who are neither teachers nor models of virtue themselves, any more than the editorial staff is the vice squad."

 

By Nicholas Demorand

                                       

 

Translated By Elise Nussbaum

 

May 18, 2011

 

France - l'Humanite - Original Article (French)

Nicolas Sarkozy: With his greatest political threat apparently out of the way, the unpopular French president looks poised to win in 2012. Without Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the French Socialist Party is in disarray.

AFP NEWS VIDEO: Many in France are shocked by the media coverage of a man that was until recently seen as a possible candidate for president, May 18, 00:01:18RealVideo

Published books, televised testimonials, a relationship with an IMF economist covered by the global press - not to mention the column written by humorist Stéphane Guillon that made the whole of France laugh! Who can possibly claim not to know about Dominique Strauss-Kahn's reputation? Yet the debate rages, and once again, journalists are on the defensive. It’s the same old song: we knew and said nothing. The journalistic code of silence reigned. The sleazy rumors and smutty bits of gossip were all discussed over dinner by the famous of the politico-media world, which nevertheless declined to publish any of it. Swimming against the tide of our times and contrary to the injunctions heard here and there, Libération will continue as a first principle to respect the privacy of male and female politicians. In the eyes of some, perhaps this is a hypocritical democratic principle, but it's fundamental. Frustrating but essential, in certain cases it is imperfect but necessary. Paradoxically, to discard it would lead us to favor the short term - very short term - triumph of “buzz” and “trash” in the name of quality information.     

Posted by WORLDMEETS.US

 

Second principle: the legal and the illegal. If consenting adults enjoy a sexuality that is liberated, liberating, liberal, libertarian or libertine, that's no concern of journalists, who are neither teachers nor models of virtue themselves, any more than the editorial staff is the vice squad. The press’ vocation is not to be “embedded” in swingers clubs or hotels to find out who is sleeping with whom. On the other hand, alleged sexual crimes and misdemeanors require journalistic investigation that unfortunately is too rare in France. That's probably because it's so complicated. Only the victim can press charges, and it's difficult to gather evidence in this type of case. Without these elements, rumor remains rumor and investigations become impasses. It's not for lack of trying, but for lack of being able to substantiate the story.

 

Third principle: the intrusion of private into political life, i.e.: the exercise of power to stifle a sexual affair or stage a fictitious family life to dupe the voters. In all such cases, it is imperative that we investigate. Therefore, there is a coherent ethical code in France, even if it contains gray areas. What do we do with the aggressive come-ons and sexist humor that some journalists have been subject to in their dealings with politicians? We must publicize them and draw the curtain when necessary. At what point does sexuality become a subject for politics? We must always ask ourselves this question, and never, ever, hesitate to fire them right back at the parties concerned.

 

SEE ALSO ON THIS:
Der Western, Germany: DSK and Schwarzenegger: Reprehensible 'Breaches of Contract'
Les Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace, France: Strauss-Kahn: He's 'Nothing But a Man'
The Australian, Australia: French 'Code of Silence' Protected Strauss-Kahn
Financial Times, U.K.: VIDEO: After Strauss-Kahn, Will IMF Look East?
Der Spiegel, Germany: French 'Aghast' at Arrest of IMF Chief Strauss-Kahn
Der Spiegel, Germany: Fall of Strauss-Kahn, the Global Economy's Top Steward
Le Monde, France: Infidelity: An American Social and Political Obsession
Nachrichten, Switzerland: Spitzer's Fall: A Tale That 'Never Gets Old'
Folha, Brazil: Spitzer's Fall and America's Archaic Laws About Sex …
Der Spiegel, Germany: Fall of Strauss-Kahn, the Global Economy's Top Steward

The Daily Sun, Nigeria: Explaining Tiger Woods' 'Lust for White Women'  

Rue 89, France: Tiger Woods' Fall from Grace: Only in America

De Volkskrant, The Netherlands: Tiger Woods: Fallen Star for a Public Age

The Times, U.K.: Tiger Woods 'Blackened' By All-White Trophy Cupboard

The Telegraph, U.K.: Tiger's Birdies Make Golf So 'Rock'n'Roll'

Le Journal de Montreal, Canada: Bonds Tiger Sought to Save Weren't of Marriage

 

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[Posted by WORLDMEETS.US May 18, 5:19pm]

 







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