The Kryptonite of Democracy: Why Hate Speech is a Freedom Killer
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While I am genuinely appreciative and consider it a privilege to exercise my right to vote, my interest in politics has waned over the last decade. The primary factor behind this shift is the polarized and hostile environment that has emerged, coupled with the ascent of populists and the prevalence of online and offline hate speech.
The recent victory of Wilders in the Netherlands' current elections appears for me at least to mark a culmination of a troubling trend in the Netherlands, making me contemplate about the trajectory of history and the world at large. History has taught us that civilizations and their prosperity are never eternal, and the concerns deepen as contemporary politics seems embroiled in disputes, potentially losing sight of the overarching challenges such as climate change. This raises worries about navigating a rapidly changing world where the looming dominance of AI further adds to the sense of being adrift.
Nevertheless, we should not sink in negativity while it is also essential not to overlook all the positive things that are going on in the world. We should celebrate the positive influences that persist, particularly in the form of courageous individuals who continue to champion diversity, inclusivity, and mere tolerance among one another.
Just Common Decency
In my conviction, every system in which humans coexist should adhere to fundamental rules of decency, essential for our collective well-being and survival. These principles encompass basic tenets of considerate behavior, such as kindness, compassion, tolerance, humility, and the recognition that we are all creatures of the same universe. These foundational aspects are indispensable for the flourishing of humanity. When these principles are applied across various spheres, including homes, workplaces, public spaces, and the political arena, they can serve as guiding principles for positive interactions and constructive relationships.
Despite being born free, we do not have the privilege of selecting the system into which we are born. The system, along with the institutions in place, defines the freedoms, hardships and realities of our lives. However, no system is static; it is dynamic, undergoes changes over time, and requires careful care and cultivation from the same people living in it.
Democracy and the rule of law, therefore, are not tranquil possessions or one-dimensional utopias that guarantee our safety, prosperity and fundamental freedoms. The system is inherently bounded by common decency and integrity of the people participating in it.
All the more so if one realise that there is a paradox inherent in democracy. In the book 'The Paradox of Democracy' by Zac Gershberg and Sean Illing, the authors argue that despite the increased democratization facilitated by rapid communication technologies in the digital age, the overall trend is towards less liberalism. The online world, they contend, has become a breeding ground for misinformation, conspiracy theories, and hate speech.
The erosion of democracy becomes a genuine concern when leaders (populist or not) exploit the freedoms bestowed upon by the system, using them to curtail the liberties of others. I hold the belief that democracy should not be viewed as a panacea for combating autocratic or populist leaders. Rather, like any system, it demands adherence to fundamental rules by all participants for its proper functioning.
The EU Initiative to include Hate Speech and Hate Crime
Therefore, I would like to draw attention to the European Commission (EC) initiative to expand the list of EU crimes to encompass hate speech and hate crimes. The EC acknowledges that hate crimes not only affect individual victims and their communities, causing them suffering and restricting their fundamental rights and freedoms, but also have broader implications for society as a whole.
Why? For the simple reason that ‘ hate’ basically undermines the very foundations of any society.
Here are some conclusions from the EC on why hate speech is worrying for any society - hate speech is definitely not innocent at all:
Hate speech has a chilling effect on freedom of expression.
Hate speech poisons the political dialogue and impacts on the readiness of citizens to engage in politics and to exercise official functions with public visibility
Hate speech leads to Hate crimes. In a research by the Commission it is proven that there exists a ‘pyramid of hate’ or ‘ a ladder of harm’ which starts from acts of bias (e.g. bullying, ridicule, de-huminisation) and discrimination. This moves up towards bias motivated violence (murder, rape, assault, terrorism, violent terrorism etc), including even genocide.
Hate speech on social media leads to more crimes against minorities in the physical world.
The initiative entails that EU crimes as listed in article 83 TFEU will be extended to hate speech and hate crime. As hate speech has a strong cross-border effect, tackling it at EU level in a joint effort is most crucial. This will enable the Commission to adopt minimum rules on the definition of criminal offences and sanctions for hate speech and hate crime in the future.
By including hate speech as a criminal offence, political institutions demonstrate their commitment to democracy and rule of law. This move not only legitimises their existence but also establishes legal deterrence and accountability, thereby strengthening social cohesion, inclusivity and tolerance.
A world devoid of tolerance is undoubtedly a dark place for us all, where there will be only victims and no winners.
Unfortunately, although the initiative was launched in 2021, since then it has been stuck by the Council (embodied by the ministers from each country).
Given the ongoing political developments, despite the urgent need for heightened momentum to advance this initiative in defense of our freedoms, the regrettable reality is that progress remains stagnant, probably by the exact people who has advantageously used the system of freedom.
Craving for more info, see the links provided below:
Interested in an alternative perspective on how the latest Wilders' victory is reported? Check out Arab news
