'The Male Is In The Czech': setting the record straight
Q104 has recently become the subject of a great deal of public debate and criticism regarding our “Male Is in the Czech” contest. In the contest, a Q104 listener will be awarded a trip to Prague, Czech Republic, and be offered the free services of Flying Hearts Dating Service, a Czech-based company that specializes in arranging dates between consenting adult Czech women and consenting adult males.
Unfortunately, in the furor to complain about the contest, facts have been misconstrued and twisted, and harsh, unfounded allegations have been levied against Q104. People have used social media channels to accuse Q104 of prostitution and human trafficking. We take extreme exception to these allegations and wish to set the record straight.
Those over-reacting and accusing Q104 of such heinous activities should be ashamed of themselves. The issues of prostitution and human trafficking deserve greater respect than to be compared to the silly antics of an attention-getting rock radio station that is simply setting up a few dates for a listener.
Here are some vital facts to consider before flying off the proverbial handle:
· Flying Hearts Dating Service is a legitimate company that offers a specialized dating service, not unlike the countless services that exist here in North America. Their services are essentially no different than those offered by Match.com, Lavalife.com, and many others. They have legal representation in North America and a tremendous track record of positive reviews. They have been operating a legitimate business for many years that has no relationship to vile activities like human trafficking.
· If the winner of this contest chooses to use the services of Flying Hearts Dating Service, under no circumstance are they being guaranteed any sexual services of any kind. They are simply going on a date with a Czech woman as arranged through a professional dating service. End of story. If the two consenting adults find that a wonderful relationship results, we are all the more happy.
A series of arranged dates with consenting adult Czech women should not be compared to human trafficking or prostitution. By doing so, we trivialize very serious issues. Both Canada and the Czech Republic have strong laws in place against human trafficking. In both nations all forms of human trafficking are highly illegal and penalties are stiff. But the very real human trafficking problem is in no way related to legitimate on-line dating and matchmaking services.
Q104 recognizes that the nature of this contest is not suited to everyone’s tastes. Some find it outright offensive, and we respect their opinion and encourage them not to listen to Q104. We are proud to live in a society where the values of others are respected even when we don’t agree. There are numerous other radio stations in Halifax from which to choose, and we encourage those who are deeply offended to take their pick.
And for all of those in 'Q Nation' who enjoy the humour in the on-air weirdness we broadcast every day, thank you for your support!
_____________________________________
As an addendum, we have received a couple of documents from La Strada, an international NGO committed to fighting human trafficking. They are two comprehensive studies from the Czech gov't on the topic, and neither one contains any mention of international dating services, "mail-order brides", or the Flying Hearts service in particular. I've been assured by La Strada that there is no connection.
http://www.q104.ca/docs/
http://www.q104.ca/docs/
-jc
perhaps they would have used lavalife or another internet dating service that operates in n. america, if the contest were happening here but it is happening in eastern europe, and it is only natural that a different internet dating agency is used.
and where would the fun be in going abroad, instead of down south (ahem, which might happen to this lucky guy) for the purpose of having fun with other women if you took your partner with you. i think the contest rules state this is for single men anyway. again, just think of all the march breaks and what goes on then.
and i know it would seem fair that the same contest was made for women only however, that is a more dangerous territory, and it might be better to stay away from that. a different contest, some other time will be open to everyone. right now, let''s have these men enjoy the idea that one of them will be the lucky one to win the trip and get a chance to go out on a date with 5 different women.
i''ll take a stab at it-a male is having it on with his "date".
it is the masthead of jc''s blog on the q''s page.
jc you say shame on people for over reacting to the inherent humour.
i say shame on you all who cooked up this anti-woman bit of maliciousness.
a ribald joke across a bar-room table is risque and private.
when a corporation broadcasts such,it is saying something about itself.
yes,i can tune out,but i believe you are offering the option to "hit the road" rather gratuitously and doubt your bosses would be appreciative of your driving away listeners at every turn.
i''ve been a rock fan for 44 years,and still don''t find it necessary nor pleasurable to demean women.
i wish more men would come forward in support of this contest because i think it is so great and refreshing to see something geared toward men only, for a change.
and if this was happening in a different country, i guess that would make it better in the eyes of some. q104, keep rocking, and good luck with the contest!
there''s lots to pick apart here but i''ll just leave at this one, for now:
"â· if the winner of this contest chooses to use the services of flying hearts dating service, under no circumstance are they being guaranteed any sexual services of any kind."
no matter how the actual terms of the contest play out for the winner, the marketing, imagery and even the name of the contest certainly does imply otherwise. choosing to go with a company in a part of the world notorious for the assorted vile acts you mentioned only serves to reinforce these expectations.
i don''t agree with it.
q rocks!
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