The Speech of Hate in the Election Campaigns

Observation of the Parties and Coalitions’ Online Platforms During the Parliamentary Elections on July 11, 2021

Abstract

The democratization of the public communications language extends to the election campaigns as well. The desire to find convincing messages that set the political organization apart from its opponents has made us witness a violation of the good tone of political speech. In order to trace the language used during the July 11 parliamentary election campaigns, a review of the online publications of parties and coalitions (websites and Facebook profiles) was conducted. The research shows hostile rhetoric from almost all parties, using different methods of hate speech, incl. doublespeak, veiled hostility, presenting opponents as a public threat, etc.

Its disturbing non-accidental use speaks of an increase in tolerance to hate speech, even in political speech, and this can have dangerous consequences such as fragmentation of society, polarization on important issues and inability to unite around common goals and actions. Recognition of hate speech is part of media literacy and is a tool of protecting against its impact, and making decisions based on correct political messages and specific programs, rather than manipulation.