By Erika Bajada
In April 2017, a conference titled “Counter-narratives: how to support civil society in delivering effective positive narratives against hate speech online” was hosted by the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The conference focused on the increase of xenophobic and racist attitudes observed on the internet.
The Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government delivered a speech at the conference, wherein the key message was that “All of us have the right to express ourselves but we must all keep in mind that this crucial right of freedom of expression comes with responsibilities.”
Owen Bonnici emphasised that online hate speech can take many forms and be directed at many different people on the basis of their race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs and political beliefs. The concluding remarks centred around the fact that the enactment of laws to combat online hate speech was not enough and that another powerful tool was required: education. It was stressed that though we might be different from one another, we are “united in diversity”.
This year, Malta was no stranger to online hate speech, in particular that directed at attacking individuals on the basis of their political ideologies. Politicians on both sides of the political spectrum seem to be accompanied by an army of keyboard warriors, permanently residing on Facebook and Twitter, ready to pounce on any person who dares express an opinion which does not conform to their beliefs.
Keyboard warriors are quick to remind such persons, amidst remarkable insults, that in this day and age it is simply not permissible to criticise the position taken by the particular politician or political party they fervently support.
Engaging with keyboard warriors on social media is counterproductive, since this will generate even more insults and personal attacks. Keyboard warriors do not waste time devising logical arguments to oppose any opinion which does not suit their fancy, opting to attack the person rather than the idea.
The line between freedom of expression and hate speech is, more often than not, blurred. Keyboard warriors are under the mistaken impression that the internet is a parallel universe to reality, giving one the power to spout abusive words directed at individuals and to incite hatred without suffering the consequences.
Following the recent arraignment in court of Emanuel Navarro, who posted a Facebook comment threatening MEP Roberta Metsola, keyboard warriors were alerted to the fact that it is a criminal offence to use threatening, abusive or insulting words – including in written form – with the intent to stir up violence or hatred against another person, including on the grounds of political opinion.
Lately, the term “unity” has been thrown around by both the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, in an apparent attempt to calm the waters. The political climate does very little to inspire unity. We are conditioned from a young age to blindly follow political leaders and are discouraged to form an opinion with differs from theirs.
Any person attempting to question the motives of the political party they are associated with is instantly labelled as a traitor and shunned. Likewise, condemning the views of a party one does not sympathise with is unheard of, unless one is open to the mud-slinging and personal attacks which ensue. This phenomenon has been amplified with the advent of social media. Uniity cannot be fostered when the actions of keyboard trolls would appear to be encouraged by politicians rather than reprimanded.
The “powerful tool” of education is inexistent. The present environment is just not conducive for unity to thrive.
Using rational judgement when formulating an argument no longer appears to be an option. Keyboard warriors are on call to ensure that this does not materialise.