Across Europe, there is a growing and pervasive sense of a certain presence: amongst comments, posts and digital conversations, words creep in that hurt, exclude and divide.
When digital language becomes offensive, it is not confined to the virtual environment: it helps to fuel prejudice, reinforce stereotypes and, above all, affect those who are already in vulnerable situations. And whilst digital platforms amplify these dynamics, there is also a growing urgency to build more mindful spaces, capable of welcoming and valuing every voice.
It is against this backdrop that SMASH takes shape, an educational programme that places people’s experiences and the power of participation at its heart. Through its approach, spaces for analysis and discussion on online hate speech have been created: young people and educators have collaborated to create innovative digital content, experimenting with languages and tools capable of stimulating critical thinking and awareness, and promoting a more responsible use of digital media. At the same time, young migrants have been involved in participatory experiences that have fostered the development of skills useful for recognising and countering online hate speech, from an inclusive and multidisciplinary perspective.
During the activities held in Palermo, a number of initiatives encouraged discussion and collaboration among those involved, fostering an inclusive environment in which every participant had the opportunity to share their personal views.
A particularly significant moment was the activity led by Respect Zone, which provided opportunities for active dialogue on the issues of online hate, racism and discrimination. Using concrete examples, we were able to explore in greater depth the ways in which discriminatory behaviour can manifest itself and spread on social media, whilst fostering a better understanding of strategies for preventing and combating it.
During the workshop, among the various approaches adopted, the critical incident methodology developed by Margalit Cohen-Emerique was employed. This method, based on the collection and categorisation of direct observations, allows for the analysis of human behaviour and fosters shared reflection on how cultural diversity is perceived and interpreted.
Participants had the opportunity to share their own experiences and discuss aspects that may seem unusual or distant from their personal experience. This helped to foster self-reflection and enhance both individual and collective awareness.
Activities inspired by theatrical practices were also offered, including the Theatre of the Oppressed and Dilemma Theatre, led by La Xixa, Xamfrà and Teatras Menas. In this context, artistic and theatrical methodologies serve as effective tools for strengthening online resilience, helping to build more supportive and respectful digital environments.
SMASH demonstrates how change stems from direct experience and active participation; rather than merely combating hate, the initiative has fostered the development of new ways of communicating: more mindful, inclusive and capable of creating spaces where everyone can express themselves and be heard.
To take part in upcoming activities, follow us on Instagram and Facebook or contact Giulia Dannibale: giulia.dannibale@danilodolci.org.
SMASH – Journalistic theatre for Social Media Action against Online Hate Speech is financed by Erasmus+ programme, KA2 Partnership for Cooperation: Cooperation Partnership (Youth).
Partners
• Coordinator: Associacio La Xixa Teatre, Spain
• Centro per lo Sviluppo Creativo Danilo Dolci – ETS, Italy
• BĮ Panevėžio teatras „Menas “, Lithuania
• UAB Theoria, Lithuania
• Respect Zone, France
• L’ARC Taller de Música Fundació Privada, Spain
For further information, follow us on Facebook and Instagram or contact giulia.dannibale@danilodolci.org.