The harmful impact on society at large

Hate speech and hate crime have significant societal implications. They threaten democratic values, social stability, and peace, exacerbating social divisions, eroding social cohesion, and provoking retaliation that leads to violence and counter-violence. This creates an atmosphere of conflict, fear, polarization, and radicalization (United Nations, 2019; Council of Europe, 2019).

Society upholds a public good of inclusiveness, reflecting our commitment to living and working together despite differences in ethnicity, race, appearance, and religion. Every group must recognize that society is not exclusive to any one group but inclusive of all. Individuals should feel assured that they can go about their lives without facing hostility, violence, discrimination, or exclusion. This assurance, when effectively conveyed, becomes an almost invisible yet reliable aspect of daily life, akin to clean air or safe drinking water. This sense of security is a public good that everyone contributes to and sustains almost instinctively (Waldron, 2012).

Hate speech and hate crimes undermine this public good, making it much more challenging to maintain. They do so not only through intimidation, discrimination, and violence but also by rekindling painful memories of past societal injustices. This creates an environmental threat to societal peace, acting like a slow-acting poison that gradually erodes the willingness of even well-meaning individuals to contribute to social harmony (Waldron, 2012).

Crimes motivated by hatred send messages of rejection and devaluation to entire groups and communities, instilling fear and the risk of future attacks. Community members who share the characteristics that made victims targets of hate also feel vulnerable, fearful, and powerless (United Nations, 2019; Council of Europe, 2019).

Citations

  • United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, May 2019
  • European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (Council of Europe)
  • Waldron, J. (2012). The Harm in Hate Speech. Harvard University Press. https://doi.org/10.4159/harvard.9780674065086