WE CAN! Taking Action against Hate Speech through Counter and Alternative Narratives

Summary:

Online hate speech became a major form of human rights abuse, with serious consequences, both online and offline. Prejudicial views on social groups combined with fake reports which feed phobias and fears, seem attractive as narratives. Their widespread presence online accredits their claims for legitimacy. But these are rarely the truth and never the whole truth. When they are used to oppress people, as in hate speech, the fundamentals of a pluralistic and democratic society are undermined, and the lives and dignity of people are at risk. Counter narratives are thus needed to discredit and deconstruct the narratives on which hate speech is based.

This manual presents communication and educational approaches and tools for youth and other human rights activists to develop their own counter and alternative narratives to hate speech.