Matthew Carman
The ethical, social and moral ramifications of hate sites on the internet.
A first google search for hate sites on the internet brings up only articles and links to subjects that only discuss hate related material on the net but another google search on white power returned actual sites that exist on the web. A surreal feeling runs through one’s heart as one realizes the reality of these sites in the world. In theory they seem like only an idea or a topic of discussion but the actuality of there existence makes one pause and reflect on the horrors of racism and the evolution of social conscience that lead to civil rights and continue to do so. In fact almost all liberal social causes do at some point become status quo given enough time. It is just another facit of evolution in essence, the social and ethical evolution of the human species. A feeling of sadness creeps in when the realization of these schools of thought become part of the same air, on the same planet that one lives and breathes. Also a fear of ones own frailty is taken into account in the face of such aggression. I ponder to myself as I research “to them I am a race traitor”. As one walks through the dark side of internet hate sites, one is bombarded by extreme views of racism and propaganda. The site www.zogsnightmare.com actually has a menacing voice that yells at the viewer upon entering “Zoe’s nightmare, this is a white only web site no niggers , spicks , faggots , jews or other mud!” Another site www.whitehonor.com has the phrase “Hail Hitler” following the mouse and trailing behind. White honor’s mission statement points to the idea that the non-violent approach hasn’t worked and eludes to taking up arms, even having a logo of a gun that reads powered by hate. These sites tell stories of its members spreading tales and lies from African American to Pakistanis and visa versa. All in an effort to foster conflict where tensions already exist. Their hope is that these races will hurt each other and further there descent toward one another.
White power merchandise is also available on mousetrap.com with racist music that offers terribly offensive song titles such as “Some niggers never die” , “Looking for a handout” and “White separation”. Along with T-shirts with disturbing images and sayings like “Unhappy Jew year” on top a drawing of Hitler with confetti and a drink in hand. Another shirt has a drawing of a child in the Hail Hitler hand out position that reads “Talk to the hand”. One even depicts a hand giving the finger reading “Hey immigrant Fuck You!”. All geared to ignite the base of these ignorant ,evil minded, hate driven racists. Some of these hate sites are reddened with lies and false claims, videos of Obama cut up and pieced back together to make him look stupid. A desperate attempt to make a eloquent speaker look foolish.
So the question arises should these hate groups have the right to proclaim their views. At first thought I believe these organizations should be protected by the Freedom of speech, or the freedom of expression, which is recognized in international and regional human rights law. But what if the ideals push ideas of violent or aggressive activity upon its intended groups or victims of its hate rhetoric? The answer is yes and no.
These sites do have the right to preach there beliefs and to use any means public to proclaim what they think to be truths. It is important that all have the ability to speak freely in the public forum even if these views do not support all of its members and causes some social unrest. The first reason of this is simple, it gives us all the basic right to speak our minds openly without censorship or oppression. It even stimulates thought to hear views of all kinds of ideas, which in turn can provoke positive action or at the least critical thinking. Also it is important to keep all views of which may be provocative and hate driven in the public eye in order to keep watch of these organizations.
Another point that would have to be given some credence, is the fact that these groups come across as ridiculous to the mainstream. They seem evil and even a bit silly to any rational person. So the question arises of the actual impact a hate group could actually make. Could it be said that subtle hate and acceptable forms of racism, homophobia and prejudice are more dangerous to the world than these outrageous groups? Maybe at first look it may seem foolish, but isn’t true? Its not the KKK that has caused the majority of hate and the propaganda of lies on the public. Real hate is cloaked under religion, money and a moral arrogance that digs its claws into a society.
In conclusion we must protect freedom of speech even if it is disturbing and offensive. Especially if it is at odds with the mainstream. Yet a watchful eye must be kept on the evil doers and counterattack is of utmost importance. Also a provocation of violet acts must be recognized and stopped in order to protect its citizens.
~Viva Love!
“Love never dies a natural death. It dies because we don’t know how to replenish its source. It dies of blindness and errors and betrayals. It dies of illness and wounds; it dies of weariness, of withering, of tarnishing.”
~ Anais Nin
