Experts state that hate speech emerges as a significant social problem today, noting that this concept reflects the power relations and problems of society, bringing existing issues to light and signaling violent incidents. Experts also add that any form of hate speech should not be underestimated, and social media plays a major role in the spread of hate speech.
Bengi Çakmak, Research Assistant in the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Üsküdar Üniversitesi, evaluated the issue of hate speech.
Hate speech acts as a warning system for the protection of social order
Sociologist Bengi Çakmak stated that the concept of hate speech does not have a single definition, adding, “We can summarize what it expresses from two interrelated perspectives; Firstly, the concept of hate speech is considered in relation to the limits of freedom of expression. A boundary needs to be drawn based on human rights to prevent freedom of expression from becoming ambiguous and flexible to the point of leading to hatred and violence. Hate speech functionally contributes to the establishment of this boundary. Secondly, we can consider hate speech as a factor or a warning system that plays a role in the protection of social order.”
Hate speech in language serves as a warning for criminal incidents
Çakmak also noted that hate speech, as a phenomenon manifesting in language, reveals existing problems by reflecting power relations and issues in society, and serves as a warning for potentially escalating violence and criminal incidents. She added, “Parallel to these two meanings carried by hate speech, we can categorize content such as verbal, written, and visual expressions that encompass all types of discriminatory expressions and the linguistic reflections of human rights violations that may arise from them, as hate speech.”
What are the social dynamics that generate hate speech?
Starting from this point, Bengi Çakmak stated that the tense relationship established with the other, the different, or the foreign can be counted among the primary social dynamics that generate hate speech. She said, “In other words, although human rights are universally defined, the norms that form social orders can vary between societies and cultures. From this perspective, the social dynamics that determine what and who is not normal can differ according to time and place. However, in every case, the main factor establishing hate speech is the transformation of those considered outside the norm into objects of anger and hatred. We can say that the reason for this anger and hatred is the prejudice and anxiety that what is not normal will shake the social order.”
The role of social media…
Sociologist Çakmak also stated that social media plays a significant role in the spread of hate speech, saying, “Social media facilitates the spread of not only hate speech but also all types of discourse, information, and images. By providing a large-scale, fast, and participatory environment for communication, unlike anything seen in the past, social media has become one of the most prominent leaps of our era. In an environment where every individual can participate, share, and create impact according to their own will, it is inevitable for hate speech to easily find a place and spread rapidly. The fact that individuals are more indifferent in an environment dominated by anonymity, instant communication, and transience, as opposed to face-to-face communication, is also one of the reasons that exacerbate the problem.”
Hate speech also carries a warning nature
Bengi Çakmak also stated that hate speech carries a warning nature, explaining, “It holds a mirror to existing and perhaps growing problems in society and gives signals of violent incidents that could lead to violations of the right to life. It is important to know that the boundaries between hate speech and freedom of expression are very sensitive and to be able to discuss these boundaries. However, it is extremely dangerous for hate speech to be considered valid under the guise of freedom of expression or to be accepted as normal based on social norms.”
Any form of hate speech should not be underestimated
Bengi Çakmak also noted that while there are differences between discriminatory jokes, insults, threats, and ultimately acts of violence, it is crucial to focus on the common element of hatred in all of them and not to underestimate any form of hate speech. She said, “Of course, at this point, we do not reduce violence solely to individuals being physically attacked; any obstacle that may arise in front of people living comfortably and happily, with the normalization and spread of hatred, should be considered a social problem. It is important to base the fight against hate speech on the universality of human rights.”
Standing against hate speech and discrimination is defending everyone's right to exist
Çakmak concluded by stating that to create awareness against hate speech, it is necessary to discuss what discrimination is and integrate it into education. She said, “The fundamental condition for this is to encourage questioning and critical thinking. At this point, it is important not only for there to be a formal education process but also for individuals to educate themselves by critically reviewing their own judgments and values. What constitutes social groups, individuals, and behaviors that are not sufficiently accepted at an individual or societal level, considered a minority or the other, found abnormal, and not morally well-regarded can vary. Becoming aware of hate speech and defending human rights against discrimination does not mean that individuals must fully embrace everyone and everything. Standing against hate speech and discrimination means defending everyone’s right to exist. Awareness regarding this matter is a priority in the fight against hate speech and violence.”