By Fr. Mariano Naing, SDB

       EAO SOF ZOOM, 8 October 2022 -- The Salesian Communicators of the East Asia Oceania Region were privileged to connect online and engage in a vital topic for reflection and discussion. 24 participants were present for the session. Concerned about the effects hate speech has on the lives of people and especially of the young, Fr Mariano Naing sdb shared his insights on ‘Hate Speech’.

       Hate speech is another phenomenon of threat to the digital universe. The challenge is so extensive that it has gained global attention. Above all, it precedes different types of violence especially against minorities. No continent on earth is free from the impact of hate speech.

       Although online hate speech is a global concern there is no legal definition of it. Moreover, there is confusion between free speech and hate speech and is still widely disputed. In common language, “hate speech” loosely refers to offensive discourse targeting a group, or an individual based on inherent characteristics - such as race, religion, or gender- that may threaten social peace. United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech defines hate speech as “any kind of communication in speech, writing or behaviour, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender or other identity factor.” All internet platforms can become the agents of hate speech. However, since much of the world communicates on Social media, it plays a prominent and convenient role in spreading online hate.

       A study demonstrates that a significant number of adolescents and young adults are targeted by online hate speech. The effect of such hateful utterances can involve severe psychological harm, especially for youths who must master developmental tasks. We can duly state that online hate speech has become another field of “mission to the poor young” for the Salesians.

       Significant efforts are being made to counter hate speech by the governments, religious groups, and other organizations. Nonetheless, Salesian communicators are being challenged to immerse into the digital universe and counter the online hate speech for the young and it can only be accomplished with the young.

---

---