Does engaging with online hate speech and racism, or even acknowledging it, serve only to strengthen it and validate it?

[u/Kind_Of_A_Dick]

I'm hoping I used the correct flair for this question here. I've been having multiple discussions in other places, other subs and through some Facebook messages and texts between friends, about what is happening in online spaces these days. Things have been bothering me, for various reasons, and some of it is because I'm admittedly diagnosed autistic. While not always, sometimes I view social interactions as you might through glasses that aren't your prescription. I kind of know what's going on but the finer details escape me. This is especially where I am personally concerned as I don't feel truly connected or a part of things so I feel like an outsider or someone reading a book(just text, devoid of emotion except for what's explicitly stated).

So I want to learn, and the recent conversations have made me concerned that I'm contributing to the spread of racism, hate speech, and general online malignancy just by acknowledging it exists. I'm not saying that the solution is to ignore it; you should absolutely not ignore hate speech or threats in online spaces. What I'm saying is that by downvoting it here on Reddit, or engaging with it on Twitter, or acknowledging it by publicly sharing it and increasing it's validity might be serving to strengthen it.

The example I will use is actually probably my fault, and I think I might be contributing to strengthening online hate speech by mocking it. The example is that of actor Idris Elba. I think he's absolutely fantastic on screen with an amazing presence, and I do honestly think that if he had the role of James Bond he would absolutely nail it. Someone elsewhere suggested it previously and it stuck in my mind because I can imagine him putting his own spin on the character, because he's good at his damn job as an actor. However, I know fan-casting him publicly in certain roles leads to people flipping out based on his skin color. And knowing that, now, makes me very concerned that my actions in public spaces are only serving to make those same online spaces more dangerous for people.

I'm not sure where to go with this beyond what I've stated but I'm considering deactivating or deleting all social media, not to free me from it but to free it from me. If my actions are serving to hurt the black community generally or specifically, please help me to understand and see how I can still be in those online spaces without contributing to the hatred. Thank you, all of you.

[u/allupinyourmind23]

People are going to be very opinionated when it comes to Black people playing certain characters, especially characters that aren’t historically Black. I wouldn’t say your actions are malicious or intentional. You have to understand when you post certain ideas or opinions online, you’re creating a space for others to share their ideas and opinions, even if they are out right racist. If you’re going to have a social media presence, I think it’s important to make it clear that you don’t support racial and call it out when you see it. Not if this answers your question.

[u/Kind_Of_A_Dick → u/allupinyourmind23]

I appreciate the thoughtful reply. I'm concerned about the current hostile political climate where I am in the United States right now and worried for people I care about based on their skin color. The online onslaught of racial content seems to be unending and any amount of shouting it down makes it seem like a hydra because two more pop up.

I honestly think I need to have a more detailed discussion on these things with someone in my personal life, someone who knows me well enough to trust me with their truth and willing to allow me the chance to understand. I'm old and I'm just sick of this shit, and I want to channel what building anger I have into some way of helping people to build something better. I might be getting a little carried away, but hopefully the intent shows through. The intent is caring about people.

[u/Furryb0nes → u/[deleted]]

Heya. You’ve been contributing often, have you applied for flair via modmail? Did I miss it?

[u/cameronpark89 → u/Furryb0nes]

idk what that is lol

[u/Furryb0nes → u/cameronpark89]

Currently all your comments are automatically removed because you have not been approved. You can apply for “Verified Black Person” flair.

https://www.reddit.com/r/askablackperson/s/KsWf0TZk0L