What is Hate Speech?

By Linda Fisher Thornton

According to the United Nations, “there is no universal definition of hate speech under international human rights law. The concept is still under discussion, especially in relation to freedom of opinion and expression, non-discrimination and equality.” (What is Hate Speech, UN.org)

Here is a working definition as a starting point:

“HATE SPEECH – “Any kind of communication in speech, writing or behaviour, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language about a person or a group based on who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender or other identity factors. This is often rooted in prejudice, and generates intolerance and hatred and, in certain contexts, can be demeaning and divisive” and even lead to offline harm or violence.”

UNDP, RISE ABOVE: Countering misinformation and disinformation in the crisis setting

What we have observed, and the UN confirms, is that hate speech can precede hate crimes (Hate Speech and Real Harm, UN.org), and social media can accelerate the timeline and quickly escalate situations.

We are in a global situation where social media provides a platform for good AND “provides a global megaphone for hate.”

ANTÓNIO GUTERRES, United Nations Secretary-General, 2021

Where is the line between free speech and hate speech?

Many people have tried to answer this question using rule books and court cases, and there is a tendency for some people to believe that all speech is free speech. However, here are some reasons why that thinking does not hold up from an ethical standpoint:

• Hate speech harms those who are targeted, making them feel unwelcome and unsafe
• Social media can quickly amplify and broaden the scope of that harm
• Hate speech often precedes hate crimes
• Hate crimes are against the law

Learn more in this video about the cycle of hate speech and how to stop it (warning: not appropriate for young children. contains references to genocide and photos of atrocities).

Ethical leaders make it clear that hate speech is not acceptable in their workplaces, homes or communities. Whether or not hate speech is considered “legal,” it will always be unethical. When we think about all of the possible negative impacts of hate speech “down the line,” it is abundantly clear that it is not moving us toward building a society that works for all.