We all have a role to play, but many do not know how to intervene effectively.
Statistics Canada recently reported a 72% increase inhate crimes. For the past two years. Hate threatens the health and well-being of everyone in our communities, not just those directly affected.
Online spaces and the social isolation caused by the pandemic have led to hate movements targeting racial minorities, religious groups, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and more on political platforms, Mainstream media, interpersonal relationships. Online hate spreads quickly, lasts for a long time, and is difficult for law enforcement to get involved due to the lack of regulation.
Online hate can provoke violence.such as the Islamophobic attack against aMuslim family in London, Ontario. Or the misogynistic terrorist attack by van in Toronto — an incident that sows division, prevents people from reaching their full potential, and shatters community security.
We all have a role to play in tackling hate online, but manyknow how toeffectively intervene. not. Here are four things each of us can do to prevent the people around us from being dragged into dangerous online communities.
• Young people question themselves and respect the beliefs and worldviews of others with dignity and compassion.
Trusted adults can help young people use social media and explore sources of different perspectives to develop the confidence to think critically and make informed decisions. I can.
• Encourage digital literacy to help people discern disinformation, echo chambers and algorithms that distort their ability to engage constructively online.
You should ask questions like: Who posted this information and why? What are their sources of information? What perspectives or facts are missing? What approaches did they use to get my attention. There are tools for people to empower young people to identify what hate looks like and fight back online.
• Treat others and yourself with kindness. If possible, connect with people close to you who may be starting to listen to conspiracy theories or hate you online.
Those involved in hateful ideologies and conspiracy theories are often looking for answers to their fears. Instead of trying to “prove them wrong,” ask questions, discuss your fears, and connect on a human level. If the relationship exists, try to keep the connection alive. This ensures that there is someone to come back to if that person wants to make changes.
• Support community-wide counter-arguments against hate. When hate happens, we have to condemn it. Pushing back hate prevents it from seeping into the mainstream and strengthens community cohesion.
Firm resistance to hate is also important to bring solidarity to those affected by hate. United for All is an example of a coalition that brings together more than 150 local organizations to fight hate-based violence, racism and extremism.
Social safety through better support systems for victims of hate and initiatives to combat extremism such as Germany's Exit-Deutschland program and the United States' Prevent A kingdom that strengthens his net—important for dealing with hate.
Hate speech, hate crimes and extremism are defined differently in different communities, making it difficult to address the issue consistently. Identifying and addressing the threat of hate online requires common policies and regulations unencumbered by political ideology.
Trust in public institutions is at an all-time low, and continued mistrust of governments and law enforcement drives disillusioned people. Empowering extremist movements by empowering them to mobilize through systems of power. It is critical that public authorities regain trust with the community and prevent further damage.
All of this requires the cooperation and commitment of governments, institutions and communities. The social structure of our community depends on it.
Each of us has a role to play in confronting hate. When our communities have so much power to build resilience and find common ground, we can't afford to wait for governments to step in. Let's keep each other safe.
Abid Jan is Director of Capacity Building for United Way East Ontario. United Way She heads United for All, a coalition of partners committed to overcoming hate-based violence, racism and extremism.
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