Hate speech radicalization
Define
A process by which an individual or a group comes to adopt increasingly radical views in opposition to a political, social, or religious status quo, using forms of expression which disseminate, incite, promote or justify racism, xenophobia, antisemitism or other forms of intolerance based on hate, including intolerance which is expressed in the form of aggressive nationalism and ethnocentricity, discrimination and hostility to minorities, migrants and people with a migrant background. (Hate speech definition according to the Council of Europe)
Identify
Signs of radicalization:
- isolating themselves from family and friends.
- talking as if from a scripted speech.
- unwillingness or inability to discuss their views.
- a sudden disrespectful attitude towards others.
- increased levels of anger.
- increased secretiveness, especially around internet use.
What makes a person vulnerable to radicalisation?
- Anyone can be radicalized, but factors such as being easily influenced and impressionable make children and young people particularly vulnerable.
- Children who are at risk of radicalisation may have low self-esteem or be victims of bullying or discrimination.
- They may feel isolated and lonely or wanting to belong.
How does radicalization happen?
- Loss of social connection can open an individual to new ideas and a new identity that may include political radicalization.
- Isolated from friends, family, or other basic needs, individuals may begin to associate with unlike parties, to include political, religious, or cultural radicals.
- social media and the internet have become increasingly useful facilitators of the promotion, incitement, intimidation, and radicalization of a much wider and previously unreachable audience.
- Online technologies, including social media, are able to develop rich content for the mass market, and still recruit individuals with privacy protections.
Act
Tackling hate speech is crucial to deepen progress across the United Nations agenda by helping to prevent armed conflict, atrocity crimes and terrorism, end violence against women and other serious violations of human rights, and promote peaceful, inclusive and just societies. We can stop radicalization by:
- blocking online content and access and balancing safety and freedom of expression
- filtering and removing content
- empowering online communities to counter the narratives of violent extremism and terrorism
- promoting positive and alternative messages
- building digital resilience and media literacy
- Hold platforms accountable for hate speech
- Raise awareness of the problem
- Support people who are targets of hate speech
- Boost positive messages of tolerance
- Notify organizations fighting hate about the worst instances you see
- Legislative Measures: The Challenge of Creating Smart Regulation
Activity 1: Lovers, moderates, radicals
Recommended from 15/16
Participants are divided into 2-3 teams – lovers / moderates / radicals, depending on the number of people. “Lovers” will have a peaceful attitude towards the chosen theme, based more on subjectivism. Moderates will have a pragmatic attitude. Radicals will have an attitude of rejection based more and more on subjectivism. The instructions are given to each separate group.
The prepared material ( videos, social media posts, “fabricated” posts, etc. – from a past event or related to a current situation in real life) is viewed / read to all participants.
Each one reflects individually on the material taking into account the indications received. (team specific) for 5 minutes.
Afterwards, there is a group reflection and an attempt to harmonize an opinion in each group. (about 10 minutes)
Next step is a debate between the 2-3 teams. Everyone has the right to a presentation of their own vision, then the discussion can be left “free” to see how each team / individual manages to “impose”. (3 minutes / team for presentation, plus 10-20 minutes for discussions).
