“Moral courage on the Internet as well”
Love against hate – the digital conference re:publica 2017 is taking a stance against prejudice and violence. A moving speech by blogger Kübra Gümüşay acted as a trigger.
Germany. Hate comments on the net, ‘alternative facts’ and the erosion of democratic values are the burning issues in the election year of 2017. The journalist and blogger Kübra Gümüşay from Hamburg puts it in a nutshell: “Hate on the net isn’t virtual, it’s real.” In the interview she talks about how changes in conversation culture can succeed.
Ms Gümüşay, your speech on “Organized Love” at re:publica 2016 moved many people. It inspired this year’s re:pulica motto: “Love out loud!” Does this inspire you?
Yes, I was really pleased. My speech was generated by frustration. I was annoyed that many people allow themselves the luxury of not bothering about certain developments in society, that they don’t take hate on the net seriously and prefer to see it simply as a reflection of the diversity of opinion in our society. It’s easy for them to click the hate away, whilst other marginalized groups are exposed to it each and every day. Over the past year Brexit and Trump have acted as a wake-up call for many people.
What were the reactions to your appeal?
I received very many positive responses. For instance, a priest quoted from my contribution in his Sunday sermon. That impressed me, and it seemed symbolic, because it spotlighted the contents as a universal theme. Many people have written to me personally telling me about how the speech affected them.
On 9 May you will be speaking about Die Emanzipation der Gutmenschen (the emancipation of the do-gooders) at re:publica. What does it tell us about our society that this word is used as an insult?
It tells us a lot about our times, when people who want to help and do good things are forced to defend themselves, rather than those who refuse their help. But I’ve used the term deliberately – it’s about refusing to adopt the meaning that others associate with the term.
Do you cherish the hope that the younger generation will overcome hate speech, racism, sexism and nationalism?
It’s not so much a question of generations. It’s more about structures and the culture of democratic discussion which we either actively practice, or neglect. What kind of a conversation culture do social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, promote? Gaining attention is a key currency there. That creates a culture in which loud, destructive positions are spread. It can be seen in media reporting as well, with calculated provocations by right-wing populists that regularly pay off. We need to ask ourselves: What will the opinion formers of tomorrow look like? This worries me. Media professionals inspire hope in me when they try to change the structures at the technological and cultural level, and I’m experiencing a politicized youth that is developing a greater awareness for political processes.
Reflecting, developing arguments and constructive criticism – is it also the responsibility of parents and teachers to convey good conversation culture?
It’s important to promote critical thinking in all age groups, because it’s the foundation of an engaged civil society. And it’s equally important to learn how to exercise constructive criticism, and to express agreement. We need to learn how to critically agree. I often get the impression that agreement is seen as an act of subordination. But critical agreement often harbours the potential to develop ideas further together.
How can each individual take a stance on the Internet and in everyday life against hatred and violence?
First: they can demonstrate civic courage and solidarity on the Internet as well, even if it is ‘only’ in a private message that expresses agreement with and support for the person concerned.
Second: they can refuse to give too much space to hate and populist debates. Discuss and analyse them by all means, but under your own terms. For instance, don’t carry on endless serious discussions for days about whether black neighbours can or cannot be good neighbours.
Third: individuals can reflect on their own behaviour, including with people who share similar opinions. We should express support and agreement far more often on the net, instead of just thinking it.
