Hate Speech Frontiers: Exploring the Limits of the Ordinary and Legal Concepts

This book explores the ordinary and legal concepts of hate speech, comparing social media platform content policies with national and international laws, and examining controversial grey area examples. It focuses on hybrid attacks, selective attacks, reverse attacks, righteous attacks, indirect attacks, identity attacks, existential denials, identity denials, identity miscategorizations, and identity appropriations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 333 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Hate speech is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has garnered significant attention in recent years, particularly in the context of social media platforms. It refers to speech or expression that expresses hatred, prejudice, or discrimination towards a particular group or individual based on their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. While hate speech can have serious consequences for individuals and society as a whole, it is important to recognize that it is not always illegal.

The ordinary concept of hate speech encompasses a wide range of expressions and behaviors. Hybrid attacks, selective attacks, reverse attacks, righteous attacks, indirect attacks, identity attacks, existential denials, identity denials, identity miscategorizations, and identity appropriations are all examples of ordinary hate speech. Hybrid attacks involve combining different forms of hate speech, such as racial slurs with religious insults, while selective attacks target specific individuals or groups based on their perceived characteristics. Reverse attacks involve denying the existence or legitimacy of a particular group or individual. Righteous attacks are motivated by religious or moral beliefs and are often directed towards those who are perceived as deviant or immoral. Indirect attacks involve using coded language or metaphors to convey hatred or prejudice. Identity attacks target individuals or groups based on their perceived identity, such as their race, religion, or gender. Existential denials involve denying the existence or legitimacy of a particular group or individual's identity. Identity denials involve rejecting or denying the identity of a particular group or individual. Identity miscategorizations involve categorizing individuals or groups in ways that are harmful or offensive. Identity appropriations involve claiming or adopting the identity of a particular group or individual for personal gain or advantage.

The legal concept of hate speech is also important to consider. It involves distinguishing between hate speech and hate crime, and examining the precarious position of denialism laws in national and international law. Denialism laws are designed to prevent the spread of hate speech and hate crimes, but they can also be used to suppress legitimate political speech or expression.

To navigate the new frontiers of the concepts of hate speech, it is important to employ a range of analytical approaches. Conceptual analysis involves examining the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of hate speech, while doctrinal analysis involves examining the legal and policy frameworks that govern hate speech. Linguistic analysis involves examining the language used to express hate speech, while critical analysis involves examining the social and cultural contexts in which hate speech occurs. Diachronic analysis involves examining the historical and cultural evolution of hate speech.

In conclusion, hate speech is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires careful consideration and analysis. While hate speech can have serious consequences for individuals and society as a whole, it is important to recognize that it is not always illegal. By employing a range of analytical approaches, we can better understand the nature of hate speech and develop effective strategies to address it.

ISBN-13: 9781009357135