Hate Speech as a Tool of Conflict (A16-EN)

Through this activity, participants recognize what hate speech is and how it fosters intolerance and increased conflict. Either personal or interpersonal.

hate speech, aggression, conflicts, hostility, human rights

• To explore the concept of hate speech
• To identify different stages of conflicts
• To learn how conflicts are rising, developing, accelerating
• To know the methods of intervention better

public officers, administration staff, youth counsellors, teachers, NGOs

1. 1. Brainstorm with the participants what hate speech is and write their answers on the board.

    

   2. Ask the participants on which level, because of hate speech, conflicts may arise. Write some levels of conflict on the board:

   individual level (intra-personal conflicts) between individuals (interpersonal) between family members between groups, within groups, between nations

    

   3. Divide the group into small groups of 4 or 5. Give each group a newspaper's clippings (or any other media clips) and ask them to find a story in it related to a hate speech and/or conflict. Participants will be asked to analyze the texts regarding the content of conflict, as well as on which level it arises.

    

   4. After each group selects and discusses their media posts, each group will specify a representative to report to the others: where they found examples of hate speech, what the possible conflict is about, and on which level this particular conflict arises.

    

   5. Go back to the list of levels of conflict on the board. Were all the levels of conflict covered by the »stories« that were analyzed?

    

   6. Lead a discussion about their findings, on the focus of hate speech.

   How does conflict develop? Remember a conflict you have experienced, what often happens between two people first? (What is a first sign that indicates two people are experiencing some sort of conflict?) The facilitator prompts participants to reflect, about what happens next. The facilitator brainstorms with the group what these stages might be.

    

   7. Review the Stages of Conflict listed below. Compare with the participants’ brainstorming in step 1. Point out similarities. Clarify if necessary.

    

   Stages of Conflict:

   Stage 1 - Discomforts

   Perhaps nothing is yet said. Things don’t feel right. It may be difficult to identify what the problem is. Do you feel uncomfortable about a situation, but not quite sure why?

    

   Stage 2 - Incidents

   Here a short, sharp exchange occurs without any lasting internal reaction. Has something occurred between you and someone else that has left you upset, irritated, or with a result you didn’t want?

    

   Stage 3 - Misunderstandings

   Here motives and facts are often confused or misperceived. Do your thoughts keep returning frequently to the problem?

    

   Stage 4 - Tension

   Here relationships are weighed down by negative attitudes and fixed opinions. Has the way you feel about and regard the other person significantly changed for the worse? Is the relationship a source of constant worry and concern?

    

   Stage 5 - Crisis

   Behaviour is affected, normal functioning becomes difficult, extreme gestures are contemplated or executed. Are you dealing with a major event like a possible rupture in a relationship, leaving job, violence?

    

   Feedback

   In the end, participants should draw conclusions and write them on a poster. In their feedback, they should focus on what they have learned and what they will use in their daily lives.

flipchart, pens

experiential learning, group dynamic activity, discussion board

Preliminary preparation is requested.

Women without borders (2006). Young Women Fit for Politics. Retrieved from www.women.without.borders.org

Integra Institute