Hatred is a powerful emotion that can cause serious damage to the person who feels it as well as to whoever or whatever the hate is focused on. It’s often deep-rooted and difficult to heal.
Hate can be spread from one person to another, through attitudes and behaviors from one person to another. It can be used (and is) used to incite discrimination, hostility, and violence.
Propaganda can be used (and is) to instill hatred and fear against groups of people.
Politicians can use (and do) incendiary language to mobilize supporters and delegitimization opponents.
Hate Speech:
Hate speech can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and insecurity.
Hate speech can be an early warning of violence, including atrocity crimes.
Hate speech can make society ore vulnerable to political violence and terrorism.
Hate always has an emotional impact. Hate can’t manifest as angry outbursts, anxiety, depression, as well as PTSD.
There are ways to combat hate and discontent.
- Monitor and analyze hate speech
- Fact check hateful content (do your own research)
- Promote respect for human rights and tolerance.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that” -Martin Luther King Jr
From Pity to Praise 