Public Prejudicial Discourse as a Global Socio-Ethnic Phenomenon: Using Digital Media to Limit Detrimental Language Flows

Abstract

Studies continuously seek answers to how harmful speech delivered by any group or individual to three or more people affects their wellbeing. Specifically, deliverers target specific individuals or groups with their speech often unjustifiably or incorrectly based solely on the individual’s association with a group. Various avenues have been used to disseminate prejudicial data, creating different reactions. Whether verbal antagonism—casual racial slurs or disparaging race-sensitive comments or non-verbal expressions—explicit and implicit images published to denigrate an individual or group, prejudicial narratives have massive socio-economic and cultural consequences. Nevertheless, prejudice is a negative attitude and feeling toward an individual based solely on their membership in a particular social group (Allport, 1954); it is common against an unfamiliar cultural group and behaviors associated with prejudice such as discrimination, racism, sexism, homophobia, and ageism are now rife in communities worldwide and digital media networks. This paper analyzes some behavioral theories and uses the matrix of self-awareness and its ability to unlock our understanding of communication between groups and enhance group cultures. Referencing the use of prejudicial language in America and the United Nations Human Rights Commission’s efforts to track prejudicial discourse, it suggests steps to limit anti-other behaviors.