Conditioned to Hate

Chloe Ruffennach

cr584116@ohio.edu

Photo from http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/article/2018/10/hate-speech-deserves-a-second-look

We hear hate speech in our media and our politics. From our favorite celebrities to our own president, hateful, bigoted language is considered a norm in this country. It seems to be increasing, with a direct correlation between the rise of this hate speech and a rise in politically-motivated violence. In this era of national terrorism, we need to recognize this rhetoric and actively call it out.

Racist remarks have too often been considered a display of nationalism. This is especially obvious in the age of social media where videos of white people shouting at people of color to "go back to their country" can pop up on timelines every single day. The idea that those who are white think they can dictate who can stay in this country and who must leave based upon skin color and accents is a product of centuries of conditioning.

The hate speech we are seeing is not just limited to race. Gender is also the subject of vicious, and often violent hate. Transgender people are murdered, and women are blamed for their own assaults over their gender. The media often creates critical errors in regard to gender as well. Headlines don't need to cite an assaulters' extracurriculars or vilify women who are bold and vocal. Even the idea that presidential candidates like Elizabeth Warren and Hillary Clinton lack "electability" also stems from the hateful and sexist idea that women are not fit to lead.

Hate speech has even been given the opportunity to be more visible and frequent in the era of social media. With the click of a button, mass amounts of people can be subjected to vile thoughts and threats. In fact, sites such as Gab allow these extremist views to fester to the point of violence. One could consider these to be platforms for the hateful rhetoric seen in our country that too often results in violence against minority groups.

We are conditioned as a society to set standards and view those who do not meet them as "others." Since this country was founded, the standard has been white, straight, cis-gendered and male. The idea that those who deviate from this standard are finding a voice and becoming empowered is terrifying to those who have set the status quo since the creation of this country. Their terror makes them lash out, spew hate and push back with violence. This discrimination is encouraged both actively and casually by even our most prominent political figures and revered celebrities.

That's why it's essential to call out this bigotry when you see it. It doesn't make you a bad person to call out your friends for making off-color jokes. In fact, if they're truly your friend they will understand their error, accept the education and be grateful for your advice. We need to be aware of this rhetoric and call it out whenever we see it. Complacency is just as bad as actively contributing to the problem, especially when Americans' lives are at stake.