Freedom of Expression v. Social Responsibility: Holocaust Denial in Canada

Abstract

On the occasion of Ernst Zündel’s release from jail, this article revisits media coverage of Holocaust denial, arguing that the media should introduce standards of responsibility into coverage of such hatred. Section (II) defines Holocaust denial and hate speech. Section (III) outlines the concept of moral and social responsibility. (IV) explains who is Ernst Zündel and his claim to fame. (V) analyses the ways by which Zündel had exploited the media; (VI) concentrates atttention on one episode in which the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation staged a media event, bringing to its studio Zündel and a Holocaust survivor. (VII) discusses whether we should ban Holocaust denial tracts; how should the media cover manipulators like Zündel, and is it justified to objectively balance between a Holocaust survivor and a Holocaust denier?

Keywords: Zündel, responsibility, hate speech, Holocaust denial, Auschwitz, Citron, CBC

JEL Classification: Z00