Destructive Messages

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This volume agrues that hate speech is not dangerous only when it poses an immediate threat of harm. It is also dangerous when it is systematically developed over time, becoming pa rt of a culturally acceptable dialogue which can foster the persecution of minorities. Tsesis traces a casual link between racist and biased rhetoric and injustices like genocide and slavery. He uses historical examples to illuminate the central role of racist speech played in encouraging attitudes that led to human rights violations against Geman Jews, Native Americans and African Americans, and discusses the dangers posed by hate speech spread on the Internet today. He also offers an examination of the psychology of scapegoating. Finally he offers concrete suggestions concerning how to reform contemporary law in order to protect the rights of all citizens. Show more