Blog

In our second meeting with the new Hate Trackers group, we focused on a fundamental issue: the assumptions we make about other people.

We began by discussing how first impressions, based on physical appearance or other characteristics, can lead to false conclusions. We analyzed how these spontaneous judgments affect communication, create misunderstandings and often reinforce discrimination, but also how they are basic human functions for better information sharing.

Following this discussion, we moved on to the topic of stereotypes and prejudices. We explored how social influences and lack of personal experience lead to the formation of negative generalisations about groups of people. We focused on the effects that stereotypes and prejudices have on society, from reinforcing hate speech to perpetuating inequalities.

Through exercises and discussion, we tried to identify our own prejudices, emphasising the importance of empathy and critical thinking. 

We agreed that combating these phenomena begins with our personal responsibility to be more conscious of our judgments and to reinforce narratives that promote diversity and inclusion.

The meeting was a step towards understanding the root causes of hate speech and developing practical tools to combat it.

It is enough to understand that it is our choice how we use the stereotypes and prejudices we have grown up with.

Hate Trackers - Into Action is co-funded by the European Union.