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A hate site is a website which promotes the hatred of a particular group, whether it be as a result of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual preference and so forth. These sites have a number of common characteristics in which they use to draw user support. These characteristics are:
Conspiracy theories are proliferated on hate sites, often placing the blame on the beleaguered group for various social, economic and political problems. Along with the ignorance of readers, evidence is made up to verify their claims.
Scriptures, religious works, and holy articles are often referred to in order to create the notion that the statements and beliefs of the hate site are sanctioned by a higher power.
Peoples’ social and economic insecurities are exploited by using the targeted group as a scapegoat for their problems.
Hate on the Internet can be seen as evolving from bulletin board systems. Due to the anonymity offered on these systems, users could post their opinions with other “haters�? whilst avoiding the denunciation that would have resulted in real life. However, as other users with opposing views rejected the hate claims, often igniting rigorous debates and causing frustration within the hate users, they began to turn to websites and private forums where there was a less chance of interaction with adversaries (Media Awareness Network, 2005). In 2001, the number of extremist hate sites grew to over 2,500 over the past six years (Cooper in Wired News, 2001).
The issue with hate sites is the fine line between free speech and hate. The oppression of hateful views and remarks is debated as a means of compromising a person’s right to freedom of speech. To complicate the issue further, what may be deemed as lawful in one country may be seen as unlawful in another (Media Awareness Network, 2005). In many countries, allowing racists to voice extreme views by employing their freedom of speech rights is considered as a potential cause of serious harm (Rosenberg, 2004, p. 326).
With some countries, such as America, guaranteeing freedom of speech through its laws and amendments, hate sites will continue to flourish across the Internet. These sites are predicted to begin the utilisation of new communications technologies due to their low cost and effectiveness. Such technology includes use of “internet multicast capabilities, satellite sub carrier broadcasting, high-fidelity MP3 hate-centred music distribution and so on (Franklin in Guardian Unlimited, May 21, 2000).�? However, with the existence of hate sites, also comes the counter-existence of anti-hate sites. Anti-hate sites exist to promote tolerance and to combat the prominence of hate on the Internet.
Harvey, C. (2000). Fear and Loathing on the Internet. Guardian Unlimited. (Accessed on 24 October 2005)
Media Awareness Network (2005). Online Hate. http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/online_hate/ (Accessed on 24 October 2005)
Rosenberg, R. S. (2004). The Social Impact of Computers. 3rd Ed. San Diego: Elsevier Academic Press.
Cooper, J. Wired News. (2001). Who'll Watch the Haters Now?. http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,41263,00.html (Accessed on 24 October 2005)
Jenny Le 09:42, 28 Oct 2005 (EST)
