COVID-19 and Feminism- Part 4
July 11, 2020
Marie Colvin: The Life of a War Correspondent
July 25, 2020
Day after day, we are bombarded by news stories about people suffering from online hate and vitriol. In 2016, an 18-year old Texas girl shot herself in the chest after enduring harassing messages online. And who can forget Amanda Todd, the 15-year-old girl who sparked nationwide outrage in 2012 after it was revealed in the YouTube video she left behind how she was cyberbullied for many years?
It’s already 2020, but it seems like hate speech and bullying is still alive and kicking in the online sphere. In this article, we’ll discuss hate speech and cyberbullying, how you can spot them in the flesh, and what we can do to help alleviate the problem.
What is hate speech and cyberbullying?
By definition, cyberbullying refers to the act of harming, intimidating, or attempting to coerce someone online. While traditional bullying consists of both physical and verbal abuse, cyberbullying consists of purely verbal abuse due to its medium. Cyberbullying has become so rampant in recent years that 23 out of 50 states in the US now have specific laws targeting cyberbullying.
In many ways, online hate speech can be considered a form of cyberbullying. But although the latter is quite easy to define, defining hate speech is a bit more complex, mainly because the term ‘hate speech’ could mean differently depending on who is asked. To some, the term encompasses all kinds of online attacks. To others, it refers only to very specific things.
Can free speech be considered hate speech?
As a general term, the act of criticizing or attacking someone on the basis of their race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, religion, sexuality, or gender is typically considered hate speech.
However, there is a lot of controversy regarding hate speech and its relation to the First Amendment, which covers freedom of speech. Many people believe that the lines between exercising the right to speak one’s mind and committing hate speech are becoming increasingly blurry.
The thing is, it’s not always easy to know when a line has been crossed, especially since the boundaries are completely imaginary. After all, even from an individualistic perspective, we all have our own level of tolerance. Some people get offended by crude language. Others, not so much. Some are entertained by dark jokes. Others are offended by them.
Dominic O’Sullivan, an associate professor of political science at Charles Sturt University points out the distinction based on the United Nations’ definition. “There are differences between what is wrong and what is intolerably wrong,” O’Sullivan says. “There are some views that a free society can’t tolerate.”
Most importantly, hate speech is not free speech because your rights end where another person’s rights begin. When you commit hate speech, you are also infringing on other people’s rights to feel safe.
What makes hate speech dangerous?
If we go by the most accepted definition, hate speech is dangerous because it can influence people to discriminate against others based on a protected characteristic; essentially, characteristics that are considered unchangeable.
Things like ethnicity and race can’t be changed – they’re simply a part of who we are as people. There is nothing but pure malice behind attacking someone for something that they have no control over. Attempts to threaten or incite violence towards a person with protected characteristics can be dehumanizing, which is exactly what attackers want to happen.
Simply put, when you view someone as less than human, it becomes easier to victimize them. In fact, there is evidence that suggests that hate speech can predict violence. For example, even before the Holocaust, the Nazi party was already publishing antisemitic cartoons calling Jews rats or vermin. This made it easier for individual Nazi soldiers to see Jews as lesser beings, leading to the Holocaust.
How to spot hate speech and cyberbullying online
Since hate speech and cyberbullying are so rampant today, it’s important to know how to spot them when you encounter them online.
There are many instances wherein hate speech and cyberbullying are so obvious that it’s impossible to claim otherwise. For example, a person posting something harmful, dehumanizing, or humiliating about another person is obviously covered under hate speech and cyberbullying. So are threats, slanderous posts, and leaked sensitive media.
The most dangerous kinds of hate speech and cyberbullying, however, are the ones that are subtle enough to not get noticed. The ones that can happen right under anyone’s noses. The ones considered mild enough to not alarm anyone, but still cause dread and unease in the target.
Unfortunately, determining this is not always clear-cut. According to Richard Allan, Facebook’s VP EMEA for Public Policy, it’s important to consider other factors when deciding whether or not something is hate speech or cyberbullying.
- Context. This is, perhaps, the most important consideration to take. Language is vague and when you’re simply viewing everything from a screen, it’s very easy to misunderstand things. For instance, it’s not at all unusual to see friends calling each other nicknames that may seem bad or demeaning. To an outside party, this may seem like cyberbullying. But by putting their words in context, you can avoid jumping to worst-case scenarios.
- Intent. Knowing the intent behind a post is also important when determining if something is hate speech or cyberbullying. There are many people who enjoy dark jokes and self-deprecating humor, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Sometimes, things can also get lost in translation, or become out-of-place due to different cultures. Remember, just because something may seem offensive or hurtful at face value doesn’t mean that it intends to offend or to hurt anyone.
What can we do to help?
Right now, there are very few things that can be done to prevent hate speech and cyberbullying. Anyone with an electronic device and an internet connection can gain unmitigated access to social media platforms and other websites, which means that anyone can commit these acts anytime.
Then again, this doesn’t mean that there’s nothing you can do to help combat this issue. If you think someone you know is a victim of hate speech and cyberbullying, the first thing you should do is to provide support to them. Let them know that you’re there for them and that you will stand by them no matter what. Victims of hate speech and cyberbullying can often feel alienated from their peers, which is why providing support matters greatly.
In addition to this, you can reach out to organizations that aim to help and support victims, such as Cybersmile. You can also check out local organizations within your state or city. These organizations typically also do steps towards prevention, so by helping them, you’re also helping to prevent these things from happening again.
Hate speech and cyberbullying are things that shouldn’t be happening anymore in 2020. With your voice, you can make a change!
79 Comments
deneme bonusu veren siteler yeni [url=https://denemebonusuverensiteler25.com/#]deneme bonusu veren siteler[/url] yat?r?ms?z deneme bonusu veren siteler
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article! It’s the little changes that produce the biggest changes. Many thanks for sharing!
Nice blog here! Also your site loads up fast! What web host are you using?
Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
That is a great tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Brief but very precise information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read post.
https://casinositeleri25.com/# deneme bonusu veren casino siteleri
I’m extremely pleased to uncover this web site. I wanted to thank you for your time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely savored every part of it and I have you saved to fav to check out new stuff on your website.
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written much better! Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I will send this article to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a great read. Thank you for sharing!
Широкий выбор фурнитуры для плинтуса, подберите под свой интерьер вариант.
Надежные элементы для плинтуса, гарантия долгого срока службы.
Удобство монтажа фурнитуры для плинтуса, сэкономьте время и силы.
Модные элементы для украшения плинтуса, подчеркните стиль своего интерьера.
Фурнитура для плинтуса из экологически чистых материалов, экологичный выбор для вашего дома.
Популярные цветовые решения для фурнитуры плинтуса, создайте гармонию в доме.
Уникальные элементы для стильного плинтуса, выразите свою индивидуальность через дизайн.
Советы по выбору фурнитуры для плинтуса, для долгосрочного использования.
Стильные детали для украшения плинтуса, выдержите общий стиль в каждой детали.
Фурнитура для плинтуса в классическом стиле, подчеркните изысканный вкус в дизайне.
крепления плинтуса [url=https://furnituradlyaplintusamsk.ru/]крепления плинтуса[/url] .
There is definately a great deal to learn about this issue. I like all of the points you have made.
en cok kazand?ran slot oyunlar?: en cok kazand?ran slot oyunlar? – slot oyunlar?
our website https://glassartistsfellowship.com/2024/06/13/rtv-harmoni-slot-petualangan-seru-di-dunia-permainan/
Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone
during lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you present here
and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how quick
your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G ..
Anyhow, wonderful site!
Get More Info https://granbyma.net/2024/06/13/bocoran-slot-rtp-rahasia-menang-besar-di-mesin-slot-online/
Excellent write-up. I definitely love this website. Continue the good work!
https://sweetbonanza25.com/# sweet bonanza giris
this page https://glassartistsfellowship.com/2024/06/13/rahasia-slot-tergacor-strategi-dan-tips-menang-di-mesin-slot-terbaik/
other https://www.vuoksenkalastuspuisto.com/2024/06/13/petualangan-di-ubud-menemukan-keajaiban-ubud4d-slot-di-tengah-alam-bali/
sites https://onlinecasinohomes.com/casinos/mengungkap-keajaiban-aroma-4d-slot-petualangan-di-dunia-permainan-digital/
Having read this I believed it was extremely informative. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this content together. I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile.
https://slotsiteleri25.com/# slot siteleri
deneme bonusu veren siteler yeni: yeni deneme bonusu veren siteler – yeni deneme bonusu veren siteler
Introducing to you the most prestigious online entertainment address today. Visit now to experience now!
you can look here https://todoprogramas.com/2024/06/13/ratu88-slot-petualangan-seru-di-dunia-permainan-online/
slot oyunlar? puf noktalar? [url=https://slotsiteleri25.com/#]slot siteleri[/url] az parayla cok kazandiran slot oyunlar?
Admiring the dedication you put into your site and in depth information you present.
It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same
outdated rehashed information. Great read!
I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
see page https://onlinecasinohomes.com/casinos/keajaiban-slot-server-macau-menang-besar-di-dunia-perjudian-online/
view it now https://www.vuoksenkalastuspuisto.com/2024/06/13/gembel-slot-kehidupan-di-balik-mesin-judi-perjuangan-dan-keberuntungan/
discover this info here https://granbyma.net/2024/06/13/keberuntungan-di-77lucky-slot-petualangan-menang-besar-di-dunia-kasino-online/
Full Article https://granbyma.net/2024/06/13/raja-eropa-slot-petualangan-mewah-di-dunia-permainan-kasino-online/
Hey there! I just want to offer you a huge thumbs up for the great information you have here on this post. I am coming back to your site for more soon.
https://slotsiteleri25.com/# slot casino siteleri
learn this here now https://todoprogramas.com/2024/06/13/keajaiban-mesin-koin-slot-petualangan-di-dunia-perjudian-elektronik-dengan-mesinkoin-slot/
Continue https://www.vuoksenkalastuspuisto.com/2024/06/13/kisah-crazy-rich-slot-88-petualangan-mewah-di-dunia-perjudian-online/
original site https://todoprogramas.com/2024/06/13/legenda-dewa-judi-slot-kisah-keberuntungan-dan-keahlian-di-dunia-perjudian/
yeni deneme bonusu veren siteler: denemebonusuverensiteler25 – deneme bonusu veren siteler
fantastic post, very informative. I’m wondering why the opposite experts of this sector do not notice this.
You must continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!
have a peek here https://glassartistsfellowship.com/2024/06/13/petualangan-seru-di-idnplay-slot-menangkan-jackpot-besar/
http://sweetbonanza25.com/# sweet bonanza yorumlar
dark web site dark web link deep web drug links
Быстрая покупка диплома старого образца: возможные риски
explanation https://www.vuoksenkalastuspuisto.com/2024/06/13/keberuntungan-di-angka69-slot-menang-besar-atau-pulang-dengan-tangan-kosong/
yat?r?ms?z deneme bonusu veren siteler [url=http://denemebonusuverensiteler25.com/#]deneme bonusu veren siteler[/url] deneme bonusu veren siteler yeni
юридический диплом купить
Good article. I will be experiencing a few of these issues as well..
from this source https://www.vuoksenkalastuspuisto.com/2024/06/13/anggota-baru-panduan-lengkap-untuk-memulai-petualangan-baru-anda-dengan-slot-new-member/
my website https://granbyma.net/2024/06/13/rumus-permainan-slot-pragmatic-strategi-dan-tips-untuk-meningkatkan-peluang-menang/
see this here https://onlinecasinohomes.com/casinos/download-aplikasi-slot-online-unduh-aplikasi-slot-online-untuk-pengalaman-seru-dan-kesempatan-menang-besar/
Hello! I just want to give you a huge thumbs up for the excellent information you’ve got here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.
sweet bonanza giris: sweet bonanza slot – sweet bonanza demo oyna
my blog https://todoprogramas.com/2024/06/13/keberuntungan-di-jagoan88-slot-rahasia-menang-besar-di-dunia-perjudian-online/
learn this here now https://glassartistsfellowship.com/2024/06/13/keberuntungan-di-davo88-slot-menang-besar-atau-pulang-kosong/
Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to produce a top notch article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.
I was more than happy to discover this great site. I want to to thank you for ones time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and I have you saved as a favorite to see new stuff on your blog.
go to this site https://glassartistsfellowship.com/2024/06/13/petualangan-di-angkasa-slot-menjelajahi-dunia-baru-di-luar-bumi/
YOURURL.com https://www.vuoksenkalastuspuisto.com/2024/06/13/petualangan-spaceman-slot-di-mesin-slot-menjelajahi-luar-angkasa-dan-keberuntungan-di-kasino/
sweet bonanza slot: sweet bonanza oyna – sweet bonanza
Spot on with this write-up, I seriously feel this web site needs a lot more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the info!
see this https://www.vuoksenkalastuspuisto.com/2024/06/13/stars-77-slot-petualangan-seru-di-dunia-mesin-slot/
Introducing to you the most prestigious online entertainment address today. Visit now to experience now!
I quite like reading an article that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment.
blog https://www.vuoksenkalastuspuisto.com/2024/06/13/keberuntungan-di-hoki777-slot-menang-besar-atau-pulang-dengan-tangan-kosong/
https://casinositeleri25.com/# casino bahis siteleri
you can find out more https://todoprogramas.com/2024/06/13/petualangan-seru-di-cipinang-4d-slot-menangkan-hadiah-besar/
This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me. Appreciate it!
that site https://granbyma.net/2024/06/13/keberuntungan-di-vegas88-slot-menangkan-jackpot-besar/
Casino Siteleri [url=https://casinositeleri25.com/#]Casino Siteleri[/url] Casino Siteleri
have a peek here https://onlinecasinohomes.com/casinos/petualangan-seru-di-asia-gaming-slot-menangkan-jackpot-besar/
try this https://todoprogramas.com/2024/06/13/john-bet77-slot-petualangan-seru-di-dunia-mesin-slot-online/
try these out https://glassartistsfellowship.com/2024/06/13/rahasia-menang-di-totobeta-slot-strategi-dan-tips-terbaik/
look at here https://www.vuoksenkalastuspuisto.com/2024/06/13/keberuntungan-dalam-bso88-slot-petualangan-di-dunia-judi-online/
use this link https://granbyma.net/2024/06/13/rumus-permainan-slot-pragmatic-strategi-dan-tips-untuk-meningkatkan-peluang-menang/
right here https://granbyma.net/2024/06/13/petualangan-seru-di-4dku-slot-menang-besar-atau-pulang-dengan-tangan-kosong/
navigate here https://granbyma.net/2024/06/13/main-cuan-slot-rahasia-mendapatkan-keuntungan-besar-di-dunia-judi-online/
other https://www.vuoksenkalastuspuisto.com/2024/06/13/asiabet88-slot-panduan-lengkap-bermain-dan-menang-di-mesin-slot-online/
weblink https://todoprogramas.com/2024/06/13/keberuntungan-di-slot-888-bet-menang-besar-atau-pulang-dengan-tangan-kosong/
Ihr zuverlassiger Partner fur Technik-Schnappchen: Exklusive Angebote und Produkte aus Insolvenzverkaufen. [url=https://kaufweise.de/]Kaufweise.de[/url]
casino bahis siteleri: Casino Siteleri – Deneme Bonusu Veren Siteler
Full Report https://granbyma.net/2024/06/13/bocoran-admin-riki-slot-hari-ini-terbaru-tips-dan-trik-menang-besar/
Excellent site you’ve got here.. It’s difficult to find quality writing like yours nowadays. I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!