Confronting ethnic-based hate speech in the Western Balkans: Insights from the Youth Squad podcast
In the latest episode of the "Youth Squad" podcast, host Marija disscuss with Anja, a media monitor from the Media Diversity Institute (MDI) Western Balkans, abouth crucial issue of ethnic-based hate speech in a region with a rich history and ongoing social tensions. The Western Balkans, still healing from past conflicts, struggling with fostering social harmony and equity in a diverse landscape.
Understanding hate speech
Hate speech isn't just a collection of harsh words—it's any expression that provokes violence, hate or discrimination against individuals or groups based on characteristics like race, religion, nationality or sexual orientation. In the Western Balkans, where historical conflicts have left deep scars, hate speech is particularly harmful beacuase threatens to destabilize the fragile social cohesion and equity that communities are striving to build.
The role of media in shaping public discourse
Media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions and discourse. It can either reinforce harmful stereotypes or promote responsible journalism and diversity. Anja emphasizes the power of ethical journalism in combating hate speech, stressing that the media has a responsibility to educate the public about the destructive impact of such rhetoric. But is the media living up to this responsibility, or is it still deepening divides?
The efforts of the Media Diversity Institute
MDI focuses on monitoring media narratives, promoting responsible reporting and providing alternative perspectives that uphold human rights and equality. Anja shares that MDI conducts training sessions for journalists and media workers, enhancing their understanding of diversity and the ethical implications of their work. By participating in these training sessions, journalists and media professionals learn to identify and avoid harmful stereotypes, report more accurately and fairly and contribute to a media landscape that respects and celebrates diversity.
One standout initiative is the Reporting Diversity Network, a collaborative effort involving six organizations across the Western Balkans. This network focuses on monitoring and reporting hate speech and discriminatory discourse, strengthening solidarity among journalists and NGOs dedicated to countering hate speech. Anja highlights the power of regional cooperation—could this be the key to a more united and peaceful future?
Challenges and the influence of historical conflicts
Hate speech is a universal issue across the Western Balkans, heavily influenced by the legacy of past conflicts. Ethnic identity is a strong and often disruptive factor, sometimes used by media narratives to intensify tensions. The podcast discusses how, despite the urgent need for reconciliation, the media can continue to spread conflict stories, deepening societal gaps. Anja points out that although the media isn't only factor to blame, it plays a critical role in shaping public discourse.
Looking forward: A long-term commitment
Anja highlight the need for cooperation among various stakeholders, including NGOs, civil society organizations, media professionals,and institutions. This effort, collective effort, is essential for creating an effective system to counter hate speech and ensure that established bodies fulfill their roles in promoting diversity and inclusion.
Despite the challenges, there is hope for a future where positive narratives can emerge. This requires sustained effort and collaboration among all parties involved. Through collaboration and a commitment to ethical reporting, there is potential to foster a more inclusive society in the region. By understanding the complexities of hate speech and the importance of responsible media practices, we can work together to create a more inclusive and equitable media landscape in the Western Balkans.
Curious to learn more about how media shapes public discourse and the fight against hate speech in the Western Balkans? Tune into the full episode of "Youth Squad" , on the YouTube, Spotify, or Deezer to hear the insightful conversation with Anja.