Hate speech amidst Sudan’s war: Decoding us vs them paralogism
by Mujtaba Arman
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This article highlights the crucial role of social media platforms in spreading hate speech among Sudanese people during the ongoing war. It delves into the techniques employed to demonize those advocating for an end to the devastating conflict since its inception. The article emphasizes how modern social media platforms exacerbate violence and perpetuate the war. Various media platforms have provided veiled hints and instructions to the warring parties, fueling the conflict. Platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter have amplified fear and distrust among Sudanese people. Scapegoating, distortion of truth, and straw man fallacies are the primary media techniques used to incite violence and prolong the war.
Introduction
The utilization of art and the media during wars is not a novel concept in human history. As a historical example, the Nazi regime in 1933 manipulated artwork to align with its objectives. The government implemented a plan to eradicate cultural institutions under the guise of political claims. Works of renowned artists were burned, and war narratives were disseminated to prepare the populace for conflict. Opponents were heavily featured in Nazi propaganda as enemies of the people. Joseph Goebbels utilized various forms of media, including television, films, newspapers, and sculptures, to reach a wide audience. Hitler was portrayed as a strong and exceptional leader, essential for the country’s rise to power. Goebbels, appointed Reich Minister of Propaganda, cultivated the image of Hitler as “The Hitler Myth.”
Sudan’s Experience
In 1989, Political Islam forces seized power through a coup d’état, establishing an iron-fisted rule characterized by violence and financial corruption. Similarly, the regime exploited the media to establish the ideology of the new ruling class of Islamists. Various media forms were employed to wage war in Sudan. Many media professionals not affiliated with the new regime were laid off. Regrettably, a restrictive code of ‘Islamic’ dress was imposed on those working in Sudan’s ‘National’ Television. An entire television program was dedicated to encouraging youth to participate in the war in South Sudan, framing it as a battle against ‘infidels’ and ‘pagans.’ Undeniably, there exists a causal connection between printed and non-printed words, spoken words, and the violence on the ground. Inflammatory rhetoric and extremist views have eroded the social fabric and sowed hatred between different segments of the Sudanese population.
The Role of Social Media in the Current War
In this ongoing war, remnants of the old regime have been working behind the scenes, pulling the strings to fuel the conflict through various media techniques. These include presenting a distorted version of the war’s root causes through social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and voice messages. Prior to the war’s commencement on April 15th, these elements meticulously prepared the stage for conflict. During a Ramadan Breakfast, one of the speakers from the Islamic Movement or the dissolved National Congress Party, Anas Omer, made a vow to God that no Framework Accord would be signed between the Forces of Freedom and Change and the coup d’état leadership except over their dead bodies. The Forces of Freedom and Change were excessively labelled and demonized as ‘agents of embassies.’
Media Techniques Used to Perpetuate the War
Oversimplification, exaggeration, and simplification are media techniques that have been excessively employed during this war. The conflict in Sudan is inherently political, pitting the oppressed against the oppressors. Consequently, a peaceful, negotiated solution is the most cost-effective option for all Sudanese people. The old regime’s remnants have called for the establishment of the ‘Sea State’ in opposition to the ‘River State,’ an oversimplification of Sudan’s comprehensive national crisis. The straw man fallacy, a media technique used to distort reality, is also prevalent in this war. War supporters have created a false narrative of widespread human rights violations committed by all warring parties. Lastly, scapegoating serves as a distraction to conceal the war’s true causes. The Forces of Freedom and Change have been scapegoated by the old regime as the instigators of the war. In reality, the conflict in Sudan revolves around political power and wealth. The old regime seeks to maintain its economic, political, and power privileges, along with the oppressive state apparatus, while the youth of the December Revolution strive to build a new Sudan founded on the pillars of justice, freedom, and peace.