Beginners' guide to analysing hate speech

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Acting when witnessing a case of hate speech is important as this type of speech has numerous negative effects on both its victims and society as a whole.

Nevertheless, the good intentions behind our actions have to be balanced by the way in which we respond to hate speech.

 

From a beginners’ perspective we can say that there are two main recommended ways to respond to hate speech:

  • more speech (either by making available new perspectives on the targets of the hate message or by challenging the hateful expression);
  • censorship (blocking or taking content down).

Checklist before analysing a case of hate speech

Determine whether what you came across is really hate-speech:

  • Is the speech dehumanising? 
  • Does it target someone for being part of a particular group? 
  • Does the speech include communications that foster a climate of prejudice and intolerance?
  • Check out what "facts" are used in the oppressive narrative, for example, historical, cultural, religious or (apparently) scientific
  • And, finally (if you are still unsure), ask for a second opinion

Read the beginner's guide on how to analyse a case of hate-speech  using the six criteria of the Rabat Action Plan in order to familiarise yourself with the terminology and the steps you will need to follow (in the right column).

 Take a moment of reflection to cool off so that you have a clear and unbiased perspective upon the speech you came across.

  Afterwards, use the hate-speech calculator in order to:

  • Analyse the context of the speech
  • Analyse the speaker
  • Analyse the intent of the speaker
  • Analyse the content and form of the speech
  • Determine the reach of the hate speech 
  • Determine the likelihood the speech has to generate violent/discriminatory events

Once you answer all the questions, the calculator will suggest a strategy that you could employ based on the severity of the hate-speech you identified and your experience. 

At this point, you should either take no action, engage in counter discourse, start developing an alternative narrative campaign, take the content down, or seek civil or administrative action against the speaker.