Power and influence

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about power and influence. What distinguishes them, in particular, and their effects on us.

It all started with the magazine’s recent publication News of a list of the 100 most influential Quebecers. It was the monthly team who compiled the list, according to a well-explained methodology. Personalities had to enjoy an influence beyond the limits of their environment, and their ascendancy had to be exercised here, in Quebec. Three criteria were added: the power of the institution to which the person is linked, their leadership and their charisma. Then, much more subjective: his desire to move things forward, to question the status quo, to use his influence to change society. Which suggests that progress must be made in the “right” direction, according to The news…

These exercises are always stimulating and challenging.

We evaluate, compare, add or remove this or that person, shout loudly. Far be it from me to criticize him: this list serves to measure the spirit of the times. The criteria, I repeat, are well presented and generate coherent results.

It is also an aspirational list, like the monthly magazine, which likes to present portraits of actors in society who propel it forward. In this sense, this list values ​​personalities who make things happen particularly (but not only) on the left. It has certainly been criticized that News his portrait is white, old (75% of personalities are over 50), and 66% male.

It is a snapshot of influence in a society that is changing, but also resisting. And it provokes certain questions.

Power is not influence. He looks down at her, a bit contemptuous. It is more rooted, installed in political institutions and in the possession of wealth. It is a system.

This is why politicians on the list are not all equal. Those in positions of authority have real power: to create laws, to give concrete impetus, to decide what will mark our lives for years to come. While opposition politicians wield influence.

And if the politicians in power are ideologically marked, their vision of the world colors their mandate, drawing the firmer contours of a different society, whether we like it or not. Let’s think about the power of Valérie Plante who authorized her to reshape Montreal, for better or for worse, to that of Justin Trudeau who transformed Canada with his postnational ideology. Their power goes far beyond influence: it is structuring.

Power is neither necessarily good nor necessarily bad. Above all, it is indisputable. He advances, drawing the contours of the social order. Its effects are lasting and decisive.

Power can also sometimes be intangible, diffuse. Let’s think about the power of cancellation, the banning campaigns. This power is hidden in rumor, in the media machine, in the spirit of the times. It is a power that crushes individuals, but also transforms mentalities.

There is a lot to say about influence.

In democracy, it is everywhere, acts on everyone, in all spheres. It is deployed through institutions, intellectual, media and moral forums. The influence is fluctuating. An influencer may have been decisive, but gradually see their impact disintegrate.

How do we measure influence? It is extremely complex and multifaceted. And we must agree that it is not only exercised through individuals.

Influence can be a movement or an idea. Let’s think of the “conspiracy theorists”, the “anti-vaxxers”. They were a significant force of influence in Quebec, which marked certain people forever.

Influence is not only exercised constructively. I highlighted the generally positive aspect of the track record of News. Yes, many of us want young feminists to push us towards the best. But how can we silence the influence of phenomena like masculinist movements and other Andrew Tates of this world on young men here? Failing to face this influence causes havoc. Social networks represent another major and not always benevolent influence in our lives. Yes, it happens that the influence is evil and crooked.

We talk about the influence of Quebecers on theirs, but foreign personalities and their strong ideas also influence many of our fellow citizens, even the spirit of the times. Trump exerts a powerful seduction on the social and political thinking of many Quebecers. He uninhibited and freed a certain speech, lies, and distrust in the face of elites.

Our society is in the process of being reconfigured, particularly since the pandemic. This list helps us clarify the picture. But we must also include in the group photo what troubles us, what displeases us, because it also influences us. We must face what haunts us in order to react.

In closing, I would add the “missing influencers” category to the list. I selfishly like to think that Serge Bouchard, through his open-mindedness, his generous knowledge, his curiosity, still influences us…

Consult “The list of the 100 most influential people in Quebec” on the website News

What do you think ? Participate in the dialogue