Scenario #4
Deconstruction of Hate Speech
Aims / objectives
The aim is to deconstruct hate speech in order to take the wind out of the sails of extremist forces, to strengthen the ability to act against discrimination, prejudice, etc. and to develop positive counterspeech. This is done through the analysis of common stereotypes, hate messages, insults and swear words that are deconstructed.
Description of the method
The trainer asks the participants to brainstorm the most common swear words and insults they know or have heard themselves. These are categorised (possible categories: animals, appearance, sexuality, religion, intelligence, social origin, ethnic origin, faeces, etc.). The words are then deconstructed: What do they actually mean exactly? Why are they offensive, in which context and to whom? Why are they used as insults by various people?
Participants can then reflect and discuss how they might respond to various swear words, for example, by asking questions or by not taking the swear word as an insult. If, for example, the word “pig” is used, a response can be given: “A pig is useful, intelligent and clean. So what is there to be insulting about one?”
This forms the basis for possible responses, counterspeech or alternative speech. First and foremost, however, the aim is to reflect on the emotionally striking insults in a cognitive way and thereby reduce their impact.
Overview
| Name of the method | Deconstruction of hate speech |
| Target group | Especially young people from 12 to 18 |
| Duration | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Spatial requirements | No special requirements, room for group work useful |
| Competences | Critical reflection, critical thinking, tolerance of ambiguity, respect, empathy |
| Objectives | Deconstruction of hate speech and discussion of counter or alternative speech; strengthening resilience |
| Method description | Individual or (better) group exercise; collection of hate speech, swear words, categorisation and deconstruction; discussion of possible counter or alternative speech |
| Social work context | Method is suitable for social work context because it is close to the life experiences of young people; they can talk openly about own experiences and use their language with a critical reflection |
| Preparation | Facilitator should have a collection of swear words and categories, prejudices and possible reactions |
| Risks | Swear words can hurt even if they are analysed, so there needs to be a good level of mutual trust and safe space |
| Concept / application | Method was presented by Reinhard Leonhardsberger in a national workshop during the project |
| References | variants of the method can be found in Bookmarks (https://rm.coe.int/168065dac7) - saying it worse, pp. 112-117 or in Compasito, words that wound (http://www.eycb.coe.int/compasito/chapter_4/4_40.asp) |
See other scenarios
Working with stories 1: The Lonely Duckling
Working with stories 2: Punch or Political puppet theatre
Free associations and prejudice barometer
Extremism barometer (What is extreme?)
The District of Legends
Conspiracy video with youth “Le complot nouillles” (The Noodle conspiracy)
Text message to victims of hate speech
Argumentation training and countering hate speech – role play
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