“Author Caitlin Ring Carlson, an expert in communication and mass media, defines hate speech as any expression—spoken words, images, or symbols—that seeks to malign people for their immutable characteristics. Hate speech is not synonymous with offensive speech—saying that you do not like someone does not constitute hate speech—or hate crimes, which are criminal acts motivated by prejudice. Hate speech traumatizes victims and degrades societies that condone it. Carlson investigates legal approaches taken by the EU, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Africa, and the United States, with a detailed discussion of how the U.S. addresses, and in most cases, allows, hate speech. She explores recent hate speech controversies, and suggests ways that governments, colleges, media organizations, and other organizations can limit the spread of hate speech.” – MIT Press
Caitlin Ring Carlson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Seattle University. Her primary research interests are in media law and policy as they pertain to new media, freedom of expression, and social justice. Most of her work focuses on the subject of hate speech. Her book, Hate Speech, was published by MIT Press in 2021. Her work on the regulation of hate speech, by governments and social media organizations has been published in leading academic journals such as the Journal of Media Law and Ethics, First Monday, and the Journal of Mass Media Ethics. Carlson’s research about Facebook’s hate speech removal process using human content moderators and artificial intelligence has been featured in mainstream media publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Wired, and Venture Beat. Professor Carlson teaches courses in Communication Law, Social Media, and Media Studies. She has a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
The event will be hosted in person. Admission is free and open to the public.
Please note: In consideration of the health and safety of our event guests and museum staff, HMH will require all event guests to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (including a booster shot) by presenting a vaccination card/photo or a negative test within the last 72 hours of event. Face masks are required for all guests ages 2 and up. Complimentary masks are available at the Security desk.
