UN Tweeted That Hate Speech Can Take Many Different Forms

Hate speech can take many different forms. But no matter what it looks like, hate speech has real consequences. These are some ways through which we can take action:

• Engage – how to deal with hate speech? Hate speech is an issue prevalent in all societies, whether offline or online. It can sometimes be difficult to assess when a comment is meant as hate speech – especially when occurring in the virtual world – or it can simply feel overwhelming trying to deal with obvious hateful content.
• Pause- Restrain from making any hateful comments yourself and/or relaying such content. Whether online or offline, we can all act responsibly and contribute to stop the spread of hate and misinformation.
• Fact-check- In the digital world, it’s common to come across misinformation and harmful content, but it’s generally also easy to verify whether the content you come across is reliable. Make sure you spot false and biased information, including hate speech propaganda, checking the content origin with the help of search engines, fact-checking tools and other reliable sources.
• React- Whenever possible, do not remain silent, even when others are targeted: speak up calmly but firmly against hate speech and call it out to make clear that you do not agree with the content of the statement.
• Challenge- One way to tackle hate speech is to spread your own counter-speech to make sure hate is not the dominant narrative. Feel free to undermine hateful content with positive messages that spread tolerance, equality and truth in defense of those being targeted by hate.
• Support- Taking a public stand for and extending solidarity to people who are targets of hate speech can help fight hate speech and demonstrate that rejecting hate is the responsibility of each one of us.
• Report- Most digital platforms and online communities have rules to ensure users’ discussions remain respectful and will let you easily report messages of hate to administrators or moderators. Make sure you check out social media platforms guidelines and tips that aim to protect users from harassment and hate speech.
• Educate- You can help raise awareness on the issue of hate speech – online or offline – as simply as engaging with your family and friends in conversations about how hateful content can harm societies, advocating for responsible behaviour and sharing public campaigns and educational resources.
• Commit- Consider joining a NGO or another civil society initiative that works towards addressing the issue of hate speech in your community.

Over To You:
Hate speech is also known as abusive or threatening speech that can be misinterpreted in varied forms. In this digital era, restraining yourself from making any hateful speech or comments will contribute to stopping the spread of hate and misinformation.