{"id":864,"date":"2016-04-10T17:58:01","date_gmt":"2016-04-10T21:58:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/?p=864"},"modified":"2016-05-15T19:07:43","modified_gmt":"2016-05-15T23:07:43","slug":"bill-c-51-a-construction-of-fear-by-conservatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2016\/04\/10\/bill-c-51-a-construction-of-fear-by-conservatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Bill C-51: A Construction of Fear by Conservatives"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Bill C-51: A Construction of Fear by Conservatives<br \/>\nWritten for &#8220;Risk Communication&#8221; course in 2015<br \/>\n(Conservative Party were in power at time)<\/p>\n<p>Individuals navigate their lives through a world saturated by constant streams of news, often provided with narrow perspectives. Recently, Canadians have been surrounded with information of possible terrorist threats put forth by their government through official statements, political ads, and petitions sent to them online and through mail. As a result of the lack of information provided with these larger concepts, Canadians become fearful of the possible risk of an attack on their own nation. It is clear that the Conservative Party is constructing this state of fear within the nation in order to condition Canadians to align themselves with agreeing with the passing of Bill C-51. As such, this paper will discuss three strategies the Conservatives are employing to gain the trust of Canadians. The first aspect deals with the persuasive language used in speeches and advertisements, as well as the interchangeable use of the words \u201cISIS\u201d and \u201cIslam,\u201d making the link that there is a risk regarding this religion. Next, it is difficult for civilians to find unbiased information regarding Bill C-51, and often any information provided by the government is incomplete leaving much to individual interpretation. Finally, Conservatives tie the use of language and lack of information with powerful imagery in their advertisements which is problematic for it creates certain connotations sparking specific intended outlooks. In order for this paper to provide a fair account of the legislation of Bill C-51, the viewpoints of the Conservatives, Liberals and NDP will be consulted to ensure the three main parties are represented. Nevertheless, it is ultimately clear that the Conservatives are utilizing persuasive language, incomplete information, and imagery to sway Canadians with the implementation of Bill C-51.<\/p>\n<p>Foremost, it is important to acknowledge that this paper does not condone the actions of terrorist groups, but rather it is how the current Government of Canada is handling the situation. Mark Konty, Blythe Duell and Jeff Joireman explain how governments use times of war to pass legislation that serve more interests than public safety alone. In most cases, \u201cthe threat is overstated\u201d so that civilians feel that there is an immediate and impending risk on their nation (Konty 95). Using this fear, governments are able to gain the trust of the civilians in passing certain legislation. This has been observed both before and after 9\/11, as outlined by Noam Chomsky who writes that the creation of fear will pass the legislation but in turn only supports a business-dominated consensus, not public safety (Chomsky 7). It is clear that with Bill C-51, Conservatives are hoping to achieve more than the \u201cpublic safety\u201d it states it is addressing. Bill C-51 will introduce preventive detention which could indicate aggressive interrogation, \u201ca new information-sharing regime\u201d which changes how information is internally shared between governmental bodies, speech rights will also be affected \u2013 such as the use of \u201cterrorism\u201d in one\u2019s personal conversation could place them under inspection \u2013 as well as the ability to censor the internet (Forcese 2015). In sum, Bill C-51 offers more power to law enforcement which could alter the landscape of protests in Canada.<\/p>\n<p>The construction of fear is most notable through persuasive language employed by the Conservatives. Persuasive language scares individuals because it does not provide a complete picture when words such as \u201cISIS,\u201d \u201cIslam\u201d and \u201cniqab\u201d are casually said in speeches. It is clear that the words are overused and are generally said interchangeably which is the main problem. This is first seen on the Conservatives website in a post written by Steven Blaney. The blogpost titled \u201cProtecting Canadians from Terrorist Threats\u201d is superimposed on an image of what appears to be terrorists holding AK47s into the air. Blaney\u2019s article features many carefully chosen words creating the illusion that Canadians are under immediate suspected attack. For example, Blaney opens up his post with the phrase \u201cthe world is a dangerous place, and Canada is not immune to the global threat of terrorism\u201d (Blaney 2015). This sets a certain tone for the remainder of the article, convincing the reader that Canada is under immediate danger and that everyone should be aware of this \u201cpotential risk.\u201d It is what George Gerbner explains as the \u201cmean world syndrome\u201d (Dyson 2011). If talk of potential terrorist attacks are repeated endlessly, civilians will be convinced it is a great concern. Blaney continues to write: \u201cJihadist extremists are targeting Canada because of what we stand for. We are known around the world as a beacon of peace, democracy, and individual freedom. That stands in stark contrast to the totalitarian regime they seek to impose across the globe. We will never sacrifice those rights and freedoms that define us in our quest to improve public safety\u201d (Blaney 2015). It is not accidental Blaney uses \u201ctargeting,\u201d \u201cbeacon,\u201d \u201cstark contrast,\u201d or \u201cimpose\u201d in his write up. These words carry the connotation that terrorist groups are a risk to Canada because they do not agree with how Canada is run; it is something they wish to destroy. Blaney offers the solution of agreeing with the implementation of Bill C-51 and how this will only strengthen Canada\u2019s chances against a terrorist attack.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Canadians begin to see the link of ISIS with Islam through the case of Zunera Ishaq and the controversy surrounding her decision to wear her niqab \u2013 a veil which covers the person\u2019s face \u2013 during the swearing in portion of her Canadian citizenship. Although Steven Blaney discusses the importance of keeping individual freedom and rights, Prime Minster Stephen Harper claimed wearing the niqab is not how things are done in Canada. In fact, on the Conservative Party\u2019s website they released a photo of PM Harper with a portion of his speech embedded with the photo. The portion of the speech they published states: \u201cIt is offensive that someone would hide their identity at the very moment where they are committing to join the Canadian family\u201d (Way 2015).<strong> \u00a0<\/strong>Further, a petition to agree with the Conservatives is linked on the photo where it is written that the niqab is a symbol of oppression, that women are free in Canada therefore should feel liberation in taking the veil off. This displays the Conservatives eurocentrism and lack of understanding in other cultures. In a piece written by Zunera Ishaq she explains how Stephen Harper made assumptions of Ishaq\u2019s living conditions, and did not actually sit down with her to discuss her choice in wearing a niqab. She argues:<\/p>\n<p>I have taken my niqab off for security and identity reasons in every case where that\u2019s been required of me, such as when I have taken a driver\u2019s license photo or gone through airport security. I will take my niqab off again before the oath ceremony without protest so I can be properly identified. I will not take my niqab off at that same ceremony for the sole reason that someone else doesn\u2019t like it, even if that person happens to be Stephen Harper. (Ishaq 2015)<\/p>\n<p>For a government who claims they embrace religious diversity and will not sacrifice religious freedoms when implementing new terrorism legislation, it is interesting that the wearing of the niqab has become a main focus for the Conservatives. Zunera Ishaq appears willing to abide by certain regulations where they will need to identify her, such as a driver\u2019s license or airport security, and is not acting out of her right. So why then does PM Stephen Harper find Ishaq\u2019s choice in wearing a veil \u201coffensive\u201d to the nation? Arguably, this is a strategic disposition to create what Barry Glassner refers to as \u201cmisdirection.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Barry Glassner discusses how \u201cto make an object seem to vanish, a magician directs the audience\u2019s attention away from where he hides it\u2026the stories also [direct] journalists\u2019 and editors\u2019 attention away from issues that they found irksome, unpopular, or too ideologically fraught to cover\u201d (Glassner 308). Accordingly, the case of Zunera Ishaq is a story to misdirect audiences away from the real risk at hand, Bill C-51. For writers and editors, it is easier to tell a human interest story that deals with the personal struggle of one citizen, rather than read and communicate what the effects of Bill C-51 will have on the nation. As a result, newspapers are caught up with what the Prime Minister is saying about this single incidence, and not what is being hidden from civilians regarding a new legislation that will have profound effects on security measures in Canada.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, the coverage of Zunera Ishaq does help Conservative gain support from Canadian citizens in agreeing with the signing of Bill C-51 because of its connection with Islam. Referencing back to how the petition states \u201cwomen are full and equal members of society,\u201d this generalizes the religion of Islam implying that all women who wear head coverings are oppressed (Way 2015). As a result of the phrase \u201cTerrorism Legislation\u201d and \u201cBill C-51\u201d being thrown around in media and government, Canadians may assume that the passing of this bill will help liberate the oppressed women in the Middle East. In fact, given that Facebook is a major source where civilians obtain their information, the Conservative\u2019s website has postings regarding the ISIS matter with links to a petition entitled \u201cTaking the Threat of Terrorism Seriously\u201d (refer to Figure 1). The petition states: \u201cCanadians need strong action to protect against the threat of terrorism \u2013 add your name if you agree\u201d (Threat 2015). The language used here to communicate a potential risk places the person in a tough binary. It is a common feeling for individuals to agree that their nation should be protected from terrorism, therefore they will most likely sign the petition. As a result of the phrasing, it appears that if the individual does not sign the petition they are implying they do not agree with safety. However, in signing the petition this cunningly helps Conservatives accumulate evidence to show Parliament that Canadians support the measures put forth by Bill C-51.<\/p>\n<p>In an article written by Haroon Siddiqui, he noticed how the country focuses on the panic and risk of Canadian Muslims being lured to the Isalmic State, and how the total estimate of the disappeared is at 145, of which 40 are reported to be with the Islamic State. Siddiqui raises the observation that this is roughly the same amount of Canadians who disappeared to Israel in the attack on Gaza last year (Siddiqui 2015). This demonstrates how because ISIS has roots in Islam, this is seen as a fundamental risk to the Western world as they are regarded as a complete opposite to Western world living. Canadians who joined Israel are not as big of a concern for the government because their roots are in Judaism which is seen in closer relation to Christianity than that of Islam. Therefore, the media focuses on the disappearances of Muslims and not that of Jewish people, since there is a lack of trust towards the Muslim community; they are the risk.<\/p>\n<p>The second aspect where the Conservatives are communicating the risk of a potential terrorist attack in Canada is by presenting partial information, leaving much to interpretation. In an article written by Gabe Mythen and Sandra Walklate, they discuss how a culture of fear is constructed through framing today\u2019s events in political discourse as \u201cnew terrorism.\u201d In order for the public to make rational decisions, they suggest that \u201cthe very quality of democracy depends upon public access to a free and undistorted range of information. Without unbiased information it is difficult for people to make informed choices about cultural, political, and economic issues\u201d (Mythen 138). Unfortunately, it is apparent that the Conservatives have not been framing ISIS or Bill C-51 in unbiased terms, and have strictly discussed the matter in simple, incomplete phrasings. By surveying the government website there is not a page that details exactly what the implementation of Bill C-51 will have on Canada. The individual has to actively search out for information regarding the bill, and can ultimately find little facts by searching \u201cAnti-Terrorism Legislation.\u201d It is clear the Conservatives are not objective in their write-up of the new terrorism legislation as it predominately written by Conservatives, and not from other political party representatives. For instance, Steven Blaney is a Conservative and is also the Minister of Public Safety, thus his perspective will align with the interests of the current government.<\/p>\n<p>Maintaining with the example of the petition for \u201cTake the Threat of Terrorism Seriously,\u201d although the government mentions the expansion and extension of Canada\u2019s military mission in the short blurb provided, it does not state what this will entail. The only available information states that they will \u201cfight Islamic jihadism and provide humanitarian support to help alleviate the suffering ISIL is inflicting on peaceful ethnic minorities\u201d (Threat 2015). There are no links on the petition that explains how the government plans to go about extending or expanding Canada\u2019s military action. Instead of typing \u201cBill C-51,\u201d the individual must type \u201cAnti-Terrorism Legislation\u201d to find the page on the Government of Canada\u2019s website. Even then, the information is sparse and incomplete. The legislation appears simple and is laid out in three sectors: \u201c(1) Stopping the promotion of terrorism, (2) preventing terrorists from recruiting others, [and] (3) disrupting terrorist plots and preventing planned attacks\u201d (Anti-Terrorism 2015). Under the sector \u201cstopping the promotion of terrorism\u201d they explain that this will be achieved by providing law enforcement with an \u201cadditional tool\u2026to counter radicalization\u201d (Anti-Terrorism 2015). What is concerning is that they leave out what this additional tool that will be given to law enforcement exactly is.<\/p>\n<p>With the lack of information this may have a negative impact on Canadians creating anger or general lack of interest. As Baruch Fischhoff explains: \u201cCommunications may even have negative value if their contents are so poorly selected and presented that recipients resent being denied better information or do not realize how much they are missing (Fischhoff 522). This can be seen in humorous blog postings, such as Susan Wright\u2019s \u201cHow to Stay Under the Radar When Bill C-51 Becomes Law,\u201d which makes fun of the situation rather than drive readers to take action. The blog depicts four ways Canadians can remain safe by getting off the grid, avoiding rallies, demonstrations, protests, or sit-ins, cutting ties off with activist groups, and watching for threat disruptions (Wright 2015). Wright assumes that the bill will be passed because Conservatives operate in a majority, but does not offer reasons as to why the public should fight back, she forgets Canadians live in a democratic society.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside the use of persuasive language and lack of information, imagery is attached to these words to move Canadians into believing certain concepts. Continuing with the example of Zunera Ishaq, the petition that was connected to the banning of the niqab during ceremonies used a subtle picture that speaks volumes (refer to Figure 2). The picture appears to be a woman of minority descent who is holding up her right hand (to symbolize the taking of the oath) while wearing Western looking clothes. The most critical part of this photo, either intentional or not, is that her skin is showing to the audience. Analyzing this small detail, it speaks volumes because it is telling the viewer that she has \u201caccepted\u201d Western ideals, and is no longer oppressed in covering her skin. Unless the viewer understands Islam, they will not understand that it is a woman\u2019s decision in how modest she desires to be. This picture is in contrast to Zunera Ishaq because she chooses to wear a full niqab, and not what the person in this photo is clearly wearing. The image then communicates to the viewer that there is a risk with the niqab as the public will be unsure of exactly who is under the veil, keeping in mind that the government is attempting to make connections to ISIS and Islam. The thought of a terrorist hiding under a niqab comes to mind, pushing civilians to support the government in passing Bill C-51 and perhaps eventually the banishment of niqabs in public for the good of the people.<\/p>\n<p>Next, for those who do seek out more information regarding Bill C-51, they will face a series of three photos that sum up the three aspects (refer to Figure 3). By \u201cnoticing the use of colours, symbols, supers\u2026actions, and clothing [it can] conv[ey] certain themes and messages and identi[fy] the audience to whom this ad is directed\u201d (Burns 2002). \u00a0All three images are designed to express a certain emotion and interpretation. The first image shows a police car in front of Parliament which will resonate with Canadians by recalling the \u201cterrorist attack\u201d on Parliament Hill. The second image shows a silhouette in front of a computer which communicates the risk of terrorists using computers to convince Canadians in joining ISIS, therefore it is only right for the government to censor the internet. Finally, the third image shows people within an airport, conveying the risk of terrorists in Canada\u2019s airport systems, thus they should agree with the no-fly lists. Therefore, the risk of a potential terrorist attack is carefully communicated through the three images creating a sense of urgency to pass Bill C-51. Since the attack on Parliament Hill, this can be used as a driving force that something needs to be done to improve terrorist legislation, and as most Canadians have a presence online they will wish for this space to be safe as well.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the risk of Liberals being elected has also been communicated surrounding the Anti-Terrorism Legislation, and how Justin Trudeau will not be a good fit in handling a terrorist attack in Canada. Alex Marland and Tom Flanagan have discussed this Conservative strategy as \u201cde-branding\u201d the Liberal image. Due to the advertising laws within Canada pertaining to political parties, it is acceptable for parties to employ attack ads, therefore as Marland and Flanagan express \u201c the Conservative party [is] free to pursue a truth-based de-branding strategy while co-opting national symbols into their corporate visual identity\u201d (Marland 966). \u00a0This is noticeable through the overload of attack ads that infiltrate social media, through ads on internet pages, as well as through television, radios, and mail. The imagery painted by the Conservatives is that by electing Justin Trudeau, the nation will risk further attacks by terrorist groups because Trudeau does not \u201cunderstand\u201d how to fully handle the situation as he is too immature for the job. This can be seen in a Facebook post by the Conservative government (refer to Figure 4). The question is posed to the viewer of \u201cWho is taking the ISIL threat seriously\u201d with a quote from PM Stephen Harper favourably on one side, while Justin Trudeau\u2019s comment is given a small portion on the other side of the frame. Stephen Harper is quoted \u201cISIL has made it clear that it targets, by name, Canada and Canadians\u2026ISIL must be resisted and resisted by force\u201d whereas Justin Trudeau is quoted \u201cInvolvement in direct combat in this war does not serve Canada\u2019s interests\u201d (Conservative 2015). The reader of this ad will then see PM Stephen Harper as the better choice since his quote supports action in the matter, while Trudeau \u2013 certainly out of context \u2013 appears to be a weaker choice in that he thinks getting involved with ISIL is out of Canada\u2019s interests.<\/p>\n<p>Considering this analysis of Bill C-51, it is essential to address the perspectives of the Liberal Party, as well as New Democratic Party, to gain an understanding of what others think of the proposed legislation. While the Conservatives have been stressing the negativity of Liberals in the seriousness of ISIS and ISIL, it is just the opposite. In a statement released by Justin Trudeau in February, the politician made it clear that Liberals were behind the Conservatives in support of the bill, rather they are more concerned with improving Bill C-51 so that the rights of Canadians are not affected. Justin Trudeau expressed how: \u201cMatters of national security should be beyond partisanship. We will take a constructive approach to improving this bill. Liberals welcome the measures that build on powers of preventative arrest, make better use of no-fly lists, and allow for more coordinated information sharing by government departments and agencies\u201d (Trudeau 2015). This has not been communicated by Conservatives in their advertisements, therefore Canadians are not offered a complete picture.<\/p>\n<p>Alternatively, Tom Mulcair of NDP is fully against the implementation of Bill C-51 and will oppose the bill each step of the way. Mulcair explained that \u201c[NDPs] are always a little bit surprised to hear Liberals across the country say they\u2019re opposed to the bill, but plan to vote for it\u2026[NDPs] have strong convictions\u2026and you have to have the courage of those convictions\u201d (O\u2019Malley 2015). Mulcair sees the hypocrisy within the Liberal party for disagreeing with the bill, and yet continuing to support the passing as long as improvements are made to the piece of legislation. Perhaps this is because Liberals feel the Conservatives have persuaded Canadians into thinking Liberals are not taking the topic of terrorism seriously. So by agreeing to the passing of the bill as long as some changes are made, they feel they will win both sides of the argument; that as Liberals they understand there are concerns with the bill that need to be addressed, but also know that terrorism is a serious matter.<\/p>\n<p>Although his article was written in 2009, the same conclusions Justin Massie suggests continue to be relevant in today\u2019s political atmosphere. Massie explains that the \u201cCanadian government should clearly identify the threats the country is facing, rationally develop and build the appropriate military capabilities to address them, and use the armed forces instrumentally when such threats become immediate\u201d (Massie 631). There is nothing rational with Bill C-51, and does not offer a complete picture of the foreseen situation. With the information that is in current circulation around the risk of a potential terrorist attack in Canada, there are no concrete figures available to act as backup to the Conservatives points. The reasons behind Bill C-51 are a mere speculation, and this speculation serves as a foundation to the proposed legislation. If the Anti-Terrorism Act passes in Parliament, it will drastically alter Canadians\u2019 rights which has not been effectively communicated by the Canadian Government.<\/p>\n<p>In conclusion, it is clear that with the use of persuasive language, partial information, and powerful imagery, the Conservatives are conditioning society to believe there is a threat at hand so that Canadians agree with the implementation of Bill C-51. Since Canadians trusts their government more so than their neighbouring countries, when a potential risk is communicated it is assumed that there is an impending crisis that should be looked at. However, by surveying the language used in these messages it is clear that there are alter motives for Bill C-51 to be passed, such as a change in censorship and rights. Furthermore, because there is a lack of information being provided by the government, there is more room for interpretation on Canadians, which usually leads to the belief in worst case scenarios. Finally, certain types of images are being shown on television, online, and in print to convince Canadians there is a great risk of a terrorist attack. Nevertheless, it is clear that the Conservatives are also using misdirection in their strategy, as shown through the case of Zunera Ishaq and her niqab, which has become associated with the Anti-Terrorism Legislation. On the surface it appears as if both cases do relate because of the lack of information and language being used surrounding the two. Since Stephen Harper has brought up the idea of Ishaq \u201chiding her identity\u201d while \u201cjoining the Canadian family\u201d it assumes that she is linked with a terrorist organization, as why else would she want to hide her identity from fellow Canadians? To reiterate, it is not an issue that the Canadian Government is updating anti-terrorism legislation to protect Canadians. The issue is how Conservatives have handled the legislation, and are serving more interests than public good alone. It is time for Canadians to become aware of the real risk at hand, and confront their government about it.<\/p>\n<p>Appendixes<\/p>\n<div class=\"tiled-gallery type-rectangular tiled-gallery-unresized\" data-original-width=\"662\" data-carousel-extra='{&quot;blog_id&quot;:1,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/vchiasson.com\\\/index.php\\\/2016\\\/04\\\/10\\\/bill-c-51-a-construction-of-fear-by-conservatives\\\/&quot;,&quot;likes_blog_id&quot;:90870268}' itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageGallery\" > <div class=\"gallery-row\" style=\"width: 662px; height: 170px;\" data-original-width=\"662\" data-original-height=\"170\" > <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 330px; height: 170px;\" data-original-width=\"330\" data-original-height=\"170\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2016\/04\/10\/bill-c-51-a-construction-of-fear-by-conservatives\/isis\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"326\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"166\"> <img data-attachment-id=\"866\" data-orig-file=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/isis.png\" data-orig-size=\"1339,683\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"isis\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/isis-300x153.png\" data-large-file=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/isis-800x408.png\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/isis.png?w=326&#038;h=166\" width=\"326\" height=\"166\" data-original-width=\"326\" data-original-height=\"166\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"isis\" alt=\"Figure 1\" style=\"width: 326px; height: 166px;\" \/> <\/a> <div class=\"tiled-gallery-caption\" itemprop=\"caption description\"> Figure 1 <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 332px; height: 170px;\" data-original-width=\"332\" data-original-height=\"170\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2016\/04\/10\/bill-c-51-a-construction-of-fear-by-conservatives\/niqab_essay\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"328\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"166\"> <img data-attachment-id=\"867\" data-orig-file=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/niqab_essay.png\" data-orig-size=\"1363,691\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"niqab_essay\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/niqab_essay-300x152.png\" data-large-file=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/niqab_essay-800x406.png\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/niqab_essay.png?w=328&#038;h=166\" width=\"328\" height=\"166\" data-original-width=\"328\" data-original-height=\"166\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"niqab_essay\" alt=\"Figure 2\" style=\"width: 328px; height: 166px;\" \/> <\/a> <div class=\"tiled-gallery-caption\" itemprop=\"caption description\"> Figure 2 <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <\/div> <!-- close row --> <div class=\"gallery-row\" style=\"width: 662px; height: 156px;\" data-original-width=\"662\" data-original-height=\"156\" > <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 444px; height: 156px;\" data-original-width=\"444\" data-original-height=\"156\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2016\/04\/10\/bill-c-51-a-construction-of-fear-by-conservatives\/anti-terrorism_act\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"440\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"152\"> <img data-attachment-id=\"865\" data-orig-file=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Anti-Terrorism_Act.png\" data-orig-size=\"1333,461\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Anti-Terrorism_Act\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Anti-Terrorism_Act-300x104.png\" data-large-file=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Anti-Terrorism_Act-800x277.png\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Anti-Terrorism_Act.png?w=440&#038;h=152\" width=\"440\" height=\"152\" data-original-width=\"440\" data-original-height=\"152\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"Anti-Terrorism_Act\" alt=\"Figure 3\" style=\"width: 440px; height: 152px;\" \/> <\/a> <div class=\"tiled-gallery-caption\" itemprop=\"caption description\"> Figure 3 <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 218px; height: 156px;\" data-original-width=\"218\" data-original-height=\"156\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-small\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2016\/04\/10\/bill-c-51-a-construction-of-fear-by-conservatives\/pm-niqab-quote-2-english\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"214\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"152\"> <img data-attachment-id=\"868\" data-orig-file=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/PM-Niqab-Quote-2-English.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1200,856\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"PM-Niqab-Quote-2-English\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/PM-Niqab-Quote-2-English-300x214.jpg\" data-large-file=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/PM-Niqab-Quote-2-English-800x571.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/PM-Niqab-Quote-2-English.jpg?w=214&#038;h=152\" width=\"214\" height=\"152\" data-original-width=\"214\" data-original-height=\"152\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"PM-Niqab-Quote-2-English\" alt=\"Figure 4\" style=\"width: 214px; height: 152px;\" \/> <\/a> <div class=\"tiled-gallery-caption\" itemprop=\"caption description\"> Figure 4 <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <\/div> <!-- close row --> <\/div>\n<p>Works Cited<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnti-Terrorism Act, 2015.\u201d <em>Government of Canada.<\/em> N.p, 27 Mar. 2015. Web. 07 Apr. 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Blaney, Steven. \u201cProtecting Canadians from Terrorist Threats.\u201d <em>Conservative Party<\/em>. Conservative Party of Canada, 30 January 2015. Web. 01 Mar. 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Burns, Mary and Danny Martinez. \u201cVisual Imagery and the Art of Persuasion: A Political Campaign Project Teaches Students how to Read and Analyze Persuasive Imagery.\u201d <em>Learning &amp; Leading with Technology<\/em> 29.6 (2002): 32. Print.<\/p>\n<p>Conservative Party of Canada \u2013 Parti conservateur du Canada. \u201cPrime Minster Harper can be trusted.\u201d <em>Facebook<\/em>. Facebook, 25 Mar. 2015. Web. 07 Apr. 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Dyson, Rose A. \u201cThe Mean World Syndrome Diminishes Human Security.\u201d <em>Journal of Human Security<\/em> 7.1. (2011): 1. Web. 08 Apr. 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Fischhoff, Baruch. \u201cCommunicating about the Risks of Terrorism (or Anything Else).\u201d <em>American Psychologist<\/em> 66.6 (2011): 520-531. Print.<\/p>\n<p>Forcese, Craig and Kent Roach. \u201cBill C-51: The Good, the Bad\u2026and the Truly Ugly.\u201d <em>The Walrus. <\/em>The Walrus Foundation. 13 Feb. 2015. Web. 07 Apr. 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Glassner, Barry. \u201cThe Construction of Fear.\u201d <em>Qualitative Sociology<\/em> 22.4 (1999): 301-309. Print.<\/p>\n<p>Greenberg, Jeff, Linda Simon, Tom Pyszcynski, Sheldon Solomon and Dan Chatel. \u201cTerror Management and Tolerance: Does Mortality Salience Always Intensify Negative Reactions to Others who Threaten One\u2019s Worldview?\u201d <em>Journal of Personality and Social Psychology<\/em> 63.2 (1992): 212-220. Print.<\/p>\n<p>Ishaq, Zunera. \u201cWhy I Intend to Wear a Niqab at my Citizenship Ceremony.\u201d <em>Toronto Star Commentary.<\/em> Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd., 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 06 Apr. 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Konty, Mark, Blythe Duell and Jeff Joireman. \u201cScared Selfish: A Culture of Fear\u2019s Values in the Age of Terrorism.\u201d <em>The American Sociologist <\/em>35.2 (2004): 93-109. Print.<\/p>\n<p>Marland, Alex and Tom Flanagan. \u201cBrand New Party: Political Branding and the Conservative Party of Canada.\u201d <em>Canadian Journal of Political Science <\/em>46.4 (2013): 951-972. Print.<\/p>\n<p>Massie, Justin. \u201cMaking Sense of Canada\u2019s \u2018Irrational\u2019 International Security Policy: A Tale of Three Strategic Cultures.\u201d <em>International Journal. <\/em>(2009): 625-645. Print.<\/p>\n<p>Mythen, Gabe, and Sandra Walklate. \u201cCommunicating the Terrorist Risk: Harnessing a Culture of Fear?\u201d <em>Crime Media Culture<\/em> 2.2. (2006): 123-142. Print.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot the Way we do Things Here.\u201d <em>Conservative Party of Canada<\/em>. N.p. 2015. Web. 07 Apr. 2015.<\/p>\n<p>O\u2019Malley, Kady. \u201cBill C-51: Ex-judges Join Tom Mulcair in Fight Against \u2018Dangerous\u2019 Draft Law.\u201d <em>CBCNews Politics. <\/em>CBC\/Radio-Canada. 19 Mar. 2015. Web. 08 Apr. 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Siddiqui, Haroon. \u201cHow to Minimize Islamic State Lure for Canadian Youth: Siddiqui.\u201d <em>Toronto Star Commentary<\/em>. Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd., 28 Feb 2015. Web. 01 March 2015.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTaking the Threat of Terrorism Seriously.\u201d <em>Conservative Party of Canada.<\/em> N.p. 2015. Web. 07 Apr. 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Trudeau, Justin. \u201cRemarks by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on Bill C-51.\u201d <em>Liberal<\/em>. Liberal Party of Canada. 04 Feb. 2015. Web. 08 Apr. 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Wright, Susan. \u201cHow to Stay Under the Radar When Bill C-51 Becomes Law.\u201d <em>Rabble.ca Blogs.<\/em> The Authors. 22 Mar. 2015. Web. 08 Apr. 2015.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled\"><div class=\"robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-icon sd-sharing\"><h3 class=\"sd-title\">Share this:<\/h3><div class=\"sd-content\"><ul><li class=\"share-facebook\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"sharing-facebook-864\" class=\"share-facebook sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2016\/04\/10\/bill-c-51-a-construction-of-fear-by-conservatives\/?share=facebook\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Facebook\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-twitter\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"sharing-twitter-864\" class=\"share-twitter sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2016\/04\/10\/bill-c-51-a-construction-of-fear-by-conservatives\/?share=twitter\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Twitter\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-tumblr\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"\" class=\"share-tumblr sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2016\/04\/10\/bill-c-51-a-construction-of-fear-by-conservatives\/?share=tumblr\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Tumblr\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-end\"><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bill C-51: A Construction of Fear by Conservatives Written for &#8220;Risk Communication&#8221; course in 2015 (Conservative Party were in power at time) Individuals navigate their lives through a world saturated by constant streams of news, often provided with narrow perspectives. Recently, Canadians have been surrounded with information of possible terrorist threats put forth by their&hellip;<a href=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2016\/04\/10\/bill-c-51-a-construction-of-fear-by-conservatives\/\" class=\"button\">Read more <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Bill C-51: A Construction of Fear by Conservatives<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled\"><div class=\"robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-icon sd-sharing\"><h3 class=\"sd-title\">Share this:<\/h3><div class=\"sd-content\"><ul><li class=\"share-facebook\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"sharing-facebook-864\" class=\"share-facebook sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2016\/04\/10\/bill-c-51-a-construction-of-fear-by-conservatives\/?share=facebook\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Facebook\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-twitter\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"sharing-twitter-864\" class=\"share-twitter sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2016\/04\/10\/bill-c-51-a-construction-of-fear-by-conservatives\/?share=twitter\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Twitter\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-tumblr\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"\" class=\"share-tumblr sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2016\/04\/10\/bill-c-51-a-construction-of-fear-by-conservatives\/?share=tumblr\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Tumblr\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-end\"><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"Another essay that was submitted for marks. \"Bill C-51: A Construction of Fear by Conservatives\"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[94],"tags":[101,85],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p69hvu-dW","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":357,"url":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2015\/06\/30\/mumford-sons-june-15th\/","url_meta":{"origin":864,"position":0},"title":"Mumford & Sons June 15th","date":"June 30, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"I can't believe it's been two weeks since I saw Mumford & Sons at Niagara-on-the-Lake. And what a concert it was! Leading up to the event, we thought it was going to be pouring rain. So like any good concert-goer knowing the weather, we made sure to prepare ourselves with\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Music&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/20150615_174040-e1435522602108.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":351,"url":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2015\/06\/28\/howard-c-cutler-the-art-of-happiness\/","url_meta":{"origin":864,"position":1},"title":"Howard C. Cutler \"The Art of Happiness\"","date":"June 28, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"The full title of this book is \"The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living\" written by Howard C. Cutler based on conversations with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Like others, at first glance it appears as if HH the Dalai Lama would be the one who wrote this, this\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Reading&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"20150618_152555","src":"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/20150618_152555-800x450.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":500,"url":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2015\/09\/20\/beasts-of-no-nation\/","url_meta":{"origin":864,"position":2},"title":"Beasts of No Nation","date":"September 20, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Saw my first TIFF film ever, and what an experience. We saw the second showing of Beasts of No Nation, which is a Netflix original film starring Idris Elba and introducing Abraham Attah (he deserves all the awards). Beasts of No Nation is an adaptation of Uzodinma Iweala's book published\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Movies&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/omgamazingpics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Beasts-of-No-Nation-poster.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":68,"url":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2015\/05\/04\/summer-reading-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":864,"position":3},"title":"Sarah Dessen \"Lock & Key\"","date":"May 4, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Picked this book up because a) needed something that was mindless b) it was on sale for $5.99. Nevertheless, it was an excellent read, and provided just what I needed. As this is my third Sarah Dessen book I have noticed a recurring theme throughout her writing. Strong relation to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Reading&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/a66c7b.medialib.glogster.com\/media\/15\/1564e9effef1de4d85d16ec9116689ee831979c89ee0e4526e1399beaf97d2d7\/lock-and-key-jpg.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":539,"url":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2015\/10\/03\/mr-robot-eps1-43xpl0its-wmv\/","url_meta":{"origin":864,"position":4},"title":"Mr. Robot: eps1.43xpl0its.wmv","date":"October 3, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"This episode was stressful. Elliot & fsociety find themselves at Steel Mountain. Elliot smooth talks himself inside Steel Mountain for a \"tour\" and uses the opportunity to achieve what they set out to do. The focus of this episode is to exploit the thing that sets people apart from each\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Television&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/vchiasson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/normal_mr105_0801.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1356,"url":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/2017\/04\/15\/sady-doyle-trainwreck\/","url_meta":{"origin":864,"position":5},"title":"Sady Doyle \"Trainwreck\"","date":"April 15, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"The full title of this book is \"\"Trainwreck: The Women We Love to Hate, Mock, and Fear... and Why\"\" http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BSXfb6xlWbs\/ \u00a0 This was an excellent read! Insightful, witty, and easy to read, Sady Doyle does an amazing job illustrating how women do so little to be critiqued immensely. I was\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Reading&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/864"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=864"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/864\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":949,"href":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/864\/revisions\/949"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/vchiasson.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}