Why it's difficult to identify and how to handle it when you do
What's the issue?
One of the most negative aspects of modern political communication is the prevalence of hateful language. Whether intentional or unintentional, the use of slurs, stereotypes, foul language, etc. can trigger a volatile response in many people who can feel personally attacked by language they consider harmful.
However, almost nobody is on the exact same page about what exactly constitutes hate speech. So despite the near universally negative connotation the term holds, we see it far too often in modern political discussions - and the results can be explosive.
How do we avoid using hate speech, and what do we do when we come across it?
How can I address this issue?
Avoid Using Hateful Rhetoric
The most surefire way to reduce the amount of hate speech in the communication sphere is to never engage in it yourself. It is difficult, however, to know exactly what to avoid as there is no universal definition for hate speech. In general, be careful about what you choose to say and how you say it:
Never say anything for the sake of being hurtful to a particular person or group of people (in fact, this is a good strategy for all aspects of life).
Avoid using nicknames, stereotypes, or any other generalizations about a specific ethnic or racial group, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
If you MUST make a general claim about a specific group of people, do research beforehand to make sure that you are not using any historically or socially-loaded terms or assumptions that could be considered harmful.
If you are accused of engaging in hate speech, even if doing so was not your intention: apologize for offending, admit that it was not your intention, and express your intent to avoid doing so in the future.
What To Do When You're Confronted With It
If you are involved in a conversation that devolves into hateful rhetoric, there is sure to be an emotional response on at least one end. It can be challenging to continue a discussion in a productive manner when you are offended or upset by the language that you see, especially if it is directed towards you. Above all it is key to stay calm, avoid retaliating, and do not assume harmful intentions:
While your negative emotions are certainly valid, acting on them may not be very productive - so don't lash out by using hateful speech of your own.
Practice empathy, and remember that often someone's intention is not to be hateful. You may have a severe reaction to certain language because it is unacceptable to you, but someone else's experience/background may have not provided them the same perspective.
Use it as an opportunity to inform rather than demonize. Letting someone know that a word they used is hurtful to a certain racial group is far more effective than calling them a racist, for example.
If it is clear that whoever you're talking to is intentionally being harmful and will not stop even after you've attempted to right the conversation, that may be the right time to exit the discussion.
Why is this a good skill/strategy to learn?
Shows goodwill toward your conversational partner(s) by showing respect and/or not assuming negative intentions
Establishes pathos/understanding
Informs others of harmful behavior - they will at least be aware of it moving forward
Research
Boromisza-Habashi, David. Speaking Hatefully [electronic Resource] : Culture, Communication, and Political Action in Hungary / David Boromisza-Habashi. University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press. Print.
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