TRANSFORMATIONS OF HATE SPEECH IN ARAB POLITICAL DISCOURSE AFTER THE ARAB SPRING: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY FOR THE PERIOD 2011- 2024
RIMAK International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences · 2024
This study examines the transformations that occurred in hate speech within Arab political discourse following the events of the Arab Spring, focusing on the period from 2011 to 2024.It aims to analyze and document changes in the patterns and methods of this discourse, understand the factors influencing its formation and spread, and assess its impacts on the political and social landscape in the Arab world.The study employed a mixed methodology combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, analyzing a wide sample of media materials and political speeches, including 270 media items distributed across four main categories: television news reports, social media posts, talk show episodes, and opinion articles.Additionally, 11 interviews were conducted with experts in media and religious studies to deepen understanding of the various contexts in which hate speech is used.The study's results revealed fundamental shifts in the nature and patterns of hate speech over the studied time period.An upward trend in the use of this discourse was observed from 2011 to 2020, followed by a gradual decrease from 2021 to 2024.The results also showed a clear variation in the use of hate speech across different types of media content, with social media posts recording the highest percentage, followed by opinion articles.The qualitative analysis highlighted a shift in the methods of expressing hatred, from direct and explicit forms in the early stage to more complex and implicit approaches in later stages.The study also uncovered important phenomena such as the politicization of identity, the employment of religious discourse in political contexts, and the use of victim narratives to justify hatred.These findings shed light on the complex and multidimensional nature of hate speech in the contemporary Arab context and highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to address it.The study recommends developing effective policies and mechanisms to combat hate speech while preserving freedom of expression and promoting diversity and pluralism.It also calls for strengthening the role of educational and media institutions in spreading a culture of tolerance and respect for differences.Finally, this study opens new horizons for future