Hate breeds hate
Last autumn, when I was browsing the internet for an article I had previously read and wanted to use for a speech, I came across a torrent of news, comments and discussions that were full of prejudice, hate and bitterness. The headlines spoke volumes: “Teachers: hate speech shows up in language class assignments”; “Immigrant turned away from entrance exams”; “Racist shouts led to major sanctions for football club; Dog poo in pram”. I had to stop, and didn’t find the article I was looking for. I just couldn’t go on reading these stories. I didn’t want to know this side of Finland.
Wikipedia defines hate speech as any communication that disparages a person or a group on the basis of some characteristic such as race, colour, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, or other characteristic. This is clear enough for most of us to understand what hate speech means. But not all of us, unfortunately.
Those who criticise the entire concept of hate speech often invoke the freedom of speech. We must question the connection here. We must never equate freedom of speech with insults, not today or ever. For me, freedom of speech means the opportunity to make a difference in matters that are important to me.
All social evils should and must be discussed. But what a shame that we so often fail to stick to the subject at hand. Instead, prejudices are often generalised without us noticing it, and this way they strengthen negative ideas. Many prejudices could be removed by supplying accurate information. Often, if you start asking the reasons for someone’s prejudiced views, you get bad-mouthing and ridicule instead of objective arguments. But don’t get sidetracked.
People often disagree, which is good. Without open, democratic discussion there won’t be any advances in society. But the discussion has to be based on respect for other people’s dignity. Too many immigrants and others outside the mainstream have to experience fear in Finland. Even children get called names and bullied and pushed in public, in broad daylight. What is this? This is not the Finland I want to live in.
Hate speech breeds more hate speech. Maligning, insulting and abusing other people becomes more common, and soon this spreads to target others. That’s why this issue concerns not just minorities but all of us. Do we want such offensive language to become more general? And what about those who translate words into deeds? The kind of speech that whips up emotions in the talker or the listener is very unwise, as history shows us. Why can’t we just discuss issues and problems without judging entire groups of people on the basis of their religion, language or skin colour?
