Democracy and hatred based conflicts: the quest for a peaceful coexistence with the use of community-based mediation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5433/2178-8189.2017v21n3p225Keywords:
Democracia, Discurso do ódio, Mediação Comunitária, Tolerância.Abstract
This study analyzes democracy and the many conflicts that arise from hatred, and questions whether community mediation is a viable solution for a peaceful coexistence. Using literature review, this paper examines democracy as a principle and as a political structure – with the perspective of freedom of expression and the view of Souma Berlin (1981). Furthermore, positive liberty is seen here not only as a necessary requirement of citizenship, but as a liberty of the Social State, as it is a guarantor of fundamental rights and an instigator for the encouragement of active citizenship. Even though hate speech is also a freedom of expression, it has negative effects on democracy even if public space is seen as an environment for tolerance and knowledge based on truth. Therefore, mediation can be a useful instrument for conflict resolution, as it can empower citizens and provide the necessary moral and legal awareness for communities. In this way, individuals pertaining to different regions or communities can resolve their own conflicts with this instrument; thusly, governing and helping themselves, as the State promotes and fosters positive speech and active citizenship.