Public Discourse, Activism & Avoiding the Spread of Online Hate

I'm attending the "Discourse & Dynamics - Canadian Women as Public Intellectuals" conference.

I've learned that activism means creating a positive dialouge that includes a language that is friendly and comfortable for the publics you are trying to reach ... versus creating an us against them mentality that includes policing & confronting, and becoming a public lynch mob that crucifies others (whether individuals, businesses, organizations or government) when they disagree and don't conform to the activist groups ideals.

Given some of the extreme activism we've seen in Prince Edward Island, its concerning the amount of animosity and hate that's being generated by these activist groups, where they are fostering / cultivating a toxic atmosphere amongst the publics they are engaging. Rather than being a part of the solution, they're creating a major divide that feeds negativity and abuse.

This is being lead by adults which makes it more concerning because many organizations are working with youth to stop the spread of online violence, hate and misinformation that's created by bias.

How do we expect children and youth to behave appropriately online when all around them, there are grown adults fostering online hate against others?

Two Year Project on Preventing & Eliminating Cyber Violence, Cyber Crimes, Cyber Bullying, Internet Luring & Stalking Against Women & Gilrs In PEI

Andy Lou Somers, Executive Director of EPWIC, and I can finally announce a two year project which will focus on preventing and eliminating cyber violence, cyber crimes, cyber bullying, Internet luring and cyber stalking against young women and girls in Prince Edward Island.

My company, Sweet Spot Marketing Canada, will play a fundamental role in this project. Our scope is much broader than bullying, it includes other online crimes that put women and girls at risk, including stocking, luring, identity theft, human trafficking, sexual harassment, sexual bullying, protection against predators. 

We have done significant work here in PEI in the last 2 years, with presentations in schools at the junior high level, as well as parent and guardian presentations and front line staff of PEI Service Providers working in crises centres, women centres and people with disabilities.

It is incredible, the crimes that are occurring here in PEI, everything from luring through social media and text message for sexual assault, to stocking and harassment, to setting up drug deals and break and enters. We are very pleased to receive support and looking forward to working with many community partners on this Island Wide project. 

We encourage people to follow our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/nguptill to post comments and provide feedback. 

Nancy Beth Guptill, Digital Leader

Digital Leader Sweet Spot Marketing Canada

https://www.facebook.com/nguptill

@nbguptill