|Chapter 5| Conclusion
Hate speech does not stop at personal expressions about particular
subjects. It is a behavior that reinforces social suppression based on existing
hatred, causes others to hate a particular subject, or induces the possibility
of such behavior. Hate speech violates the human rights of others, hinders
democratic values, and threatens the common beliefs and values of human
dignity. Social authorities may cause and spread hate to expand their
political power, economic benefits, or group benefits. We have already
witnessed severe damage to the precious values of our society with the
murder of a woman at Gangnam Station, violence towards sexual minorities,
and the spread of fake news about Muslim refugees.
Now is the time to create social responses to hate speech. Society is
the primary body for reaction. The public should stand in solidarity with
those who are subject to hate speech to fight against these evils. To do so,
conditions should be established that help underprivileged groups develop
the power to fight back. The competences of the entire society can create
a systematic and broad structure of solidarity with the power to respond to
the hate phenomenon.
The role of the nation, including the local government, becomes critical
at this point. First, the nation should provide a definition of hate speech,
emphasize the importance of reacting to it, and create social acceptance. To
this end, guidelines should be developed to determine the kind of behavior
that is included in hate speech and enable the public to understand the
value of human rights and social integration that become hindered in
the process. In addition, regulations of hate speech should be reviewed,
60