Breathe
By Claudia Pérez Atamoros
IN MEXICO 20% OF POLITICAL ACTIVITY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE
IN NETWORKS CORRESPONDS TO HATE SPEECH...
On the occasion of the worldwide commemoration of the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism when it Leads to Terrorism (February 12), it is worth bringing to the present some facts that are indicative of why it is important to raise awareness about extremism, violence and terrorism which are the Cain, Hydra and Naruka of our time.
Undoubtedly, "violent extremism is a direct affront to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. It undermines international peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. No country or region is immune to its effects."
None! and even less so today when globalization and social networks allow and promote radicalism. We are seeing it in the Gaza area and from the presidency of the United States of America. The clear and direct threat from the man who dreams of the 70's. Or the predictions and polls for the German elections.
And no, I do not confuse gymnastics with magnesia because the ultra-right is an extremist, violent and terrorist before whom the world cannot navigate waving a little flag of peace. And of course, in the face of populism, one must also raise one's voice. One has a human duty to condemn and point out any extremism.
The ultra-right has gained ground. Incredible as it may seem, the story sounds like a fairy tale rather than an irrefutable truth. But this rise is neither new nor an isolated phenomenon; in Europe and other parts of the world, extreme right-wing parties have increased their influence, promoting nationalist and sometimes xenophobic agendas, taking advantage of the erosion of the social fabric, shortages, inequalities... And, of course, of the exacerbated selfishness of the richest men in the world who, as in the case of Elon Musk, believe they own the planet and defend a single truth, their own.
A survey conducted in 2023 by the European Institute of Public Opinion (EIOP) revealed that, in countries such as France, Italy and Germany, between 25% and 35% of young people (aged 18-35) showed some degree of sympathy for extreme nationalist policies. They have already forgotten the Berlin Wall.
In the United States of America, a study by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) noted that while the far right has traditionally been associated with older age groups, the rise of social media has facilitated youth radicalization. It estimates that between 20% and 30% of online activity associated with extremist speech is driven by 18-29 year olds. He argues that digitalization and propaganda on different platforms have allowed radical messages to spread rapidly, contributing to a significant segment of youth being attracted to these ideologies.
Stories of real or perceived injustices and the promise of better times are attractive elements in contexts where human rights are violated and aspirations are frustrated, especially those of young people.
In Mexico, it has been estimated that close to 20% of digital political activity among young people is related to content that directly or indirectly promotes values of ultra-nationalism and exclusionary discourse, according to data published by El País México. The best breeding ground are socioeconomic crises, uncertainty about the future, social differences and polarization.
The Latin American Public Project in its 2022 report indicates that between 12% and 18% of young Mexicans (approximate range between 18 and 30 years of age) show certain sympathies or affinities with nationalist and ultra-right-wing discourses.
And if that were not enough, last year, the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, detected that 12 extreme right-wing organizations (at least) are active in Mexico. According to its report "Hate groups and extreme right-wing extremists, Mexico", Abogados Cristianos, Congreso Iberoamericano por la Vida y la Familia/Evangélico Digital, Frente Nacional Anti-AMLO, Frente Nacional Por La Familia, Frente Nacionalista de México, México Republicano, Patria Unida Por Un México Valiente, ProLife Army, Raíces Radicales, Red Familia, Unión Nacional de Padres de Familia, and Unión, Nación, Revolución and El Yunque have clear ultra-right-wing agendas in which indigenous people, Afro-Mexicans, migrants, women and people belonging to the LGBTQ+ community are the most affected by their intolerant speeches.
In the UK a report from Cambridge University (2021) revealed that around 15% of young people with nationalist tendencies have declared themselves sympathetic to far-right positions and evidenced an approximate 40% increase in affinity for radical discourses among young people, compared to data collected 6 years earlier, in 2015.
