Description
The project aims at directing the civic energy against the signs of hate speech in public space – and in particular in the form of publicly displayed graffiti. The main tool is a social campaign, aiming at making people aware of the importance of the problem and informing them about the real prevention possibilities. The campaign is based on a website through which users will be able to submit the instances of hate speech they notice in public space. However, it is key that the project creates an attitude of the lack of acceptance of the very existence of the problem. This concerns in particular the representatives of security personnel and local governments – in the case of which we are assuming the subsequent implementation of legal and practical methods of preventing hate speech in public space. The project is targeted at local communities.
Summary of project results
"Hateful anti-Semitic, racist, and xenophobic slogans became part and parcel of so many Polish towns that hardly anyone pays attention any more. They often appear at locations tying in with the cultural and social life of specific minorities (Jewish cemeteries, kebab bars, LGBT organisation offices). The lack of knowledge about correct reactions remains the fundamental reason for a failure to react. The project purpose was to engage civic energy against hate speech symptoms in public space, and to develop a reaction culture, key components involving offensive slogan notification to relevant authorities and self-decided slogan removal. Problem awareness has been raised, information about options of efficient prevention disseminated via the HateStop campaign and website (1,700 notifications of hate speech in public space, 500 painted over). A billboard campaign was organised - 20 large-scale advertising materials and 3 clips produced, the latter played on means of public transportation in Warsaw, Cracow and Opole. A website and 3 mobile device applications were developed. Seven hundred and seventy persons attended 62 local campaigns to paint hate speech slogans over. Seven artists contributed to the creation of 8 murals. The city guard, police, and prosecution services were notified of 1,346 public space slogans. A nationwide network of individuals and organisations reacting to hate speech in public space was formed (100 new volunteers, 28 local co-ordinators). Representatives of city institutions, the city guard and police officers were trained (18 meetings). Several publications were produced: a practical manual of painting hate speech slogans over, a textbook on fighting online hate speech, and a collection of class scripts for teachers. The campaign reached 2,295,000 recipients. Seven hundred and seventy persons attended 62 local campaigns to paint hate speech slogans over. The experience of the partner (Saatchi & Saatchi advertising agency) made the project hugely popular."
Summary of bilateral results