25/07/2024 | Writer: Kaos GL
IPS Communication Foundation/bianet prepared a report titled “Hate Speech in Print Media in Turkey”. According to the findings of the report LGBTI+s and refugees L are the most frequently subjected to hate speech in print media.
In the report, 80 issues of 10 newspapers from the Turkish media between 15 November 2023 and 1 March 2024 were analyzed. Hate speech was detected in 21 out of 66 news items. According to the research, LGBTI+ persons were targeted in 5 of the news items containing hate speech. LGBTI+ persons and refugees were the most targeted social groups in the print media. The following statements were included in the report:
“LGBTI+ people and refugees, who are frequently targeted in Turkey’s political discourse, were repeatedly targeted through recurring narratives.”
The report reveals that in the production of hate speech against LGBTI+ people, the frequently repeated perception in Turkey that the existence of LGBTI+ people constitutes a “threat to family and society” is reiterated.
In the report prepared by Yasemin Korkmaz, it was stated that in hate speech against LGBTI+s, they were dehumanized and defined as a “threat” and “deviant.” Another point in the report is that hate speech against LGBTI+ persons is reproduced with the threat to shut down LGBTI+ rights advocacy associations. Additionally, the report emphasized that prejudices against LGBTI+s are fueled in the print media.
In the report, it was stated that the media should bear responsibility for hate speech with the following statements:
“As seen in the examples and methods identified in this study, the media plays a significant role in the spread of discriminatory language. We emphasize that the language used in the media is not independent of social life, and that discriminatory language in the media further increases polarisation in society, thus carrying a great responsibility. We hope this study raises awareness of the media’s role in producing discriminatory discourse and contributes to the spread of a rights-based news language.”
Click to read the full text of the report.
Tags: human rights
