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Democracy is the greatest good we have. We agree on that, don’t we? However, if we take a closer look at our society, doubts arise. Especially online, we have to put up with the lowest forms of hatred, hate speech and comments on a daily basis. But do we really have to? Do we just want to put up with it? We at Deutsche Telekom clearly say no to hate and hate speech on the Internet in our society.
The best way to fight dark issues is to put them in the spotlight. Clear and recognizable for everyone. We use our reach and our company’s own channels to do this. With the campaign “Lights on! Against hate on the internet.” and appeal to the power of the community. Light serves as a symbol of solidarity against hatred, racism and anti-Semitism.
“The defense of democratic values and the commitment to a tolerant society are more important today than ever,” says Ulrich Klenke,Head of Brand at Deutsche Telekom. “With our new campaign, we are showing how the power of light can drive out hatred. The light is a symbol that proves each and every one of us can take action against hatred, racism and anti-Semitism – on the Internet and also on the streets and squares, as it is happening everywhere right now.”
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More InformationIn a depressing way, the commercial shows how hatred from social platforms finds its way into everyday life. The shocking insults and slogans that are symbolically projected onto the walls of buildings are shocking – especially because they are real and in no way exaggerated or the exception.
The glimmer of hope only comes through the light that the community brings into the darkness. By symbolically switching on the light, the hate is outshone. Together we want to be better than the agitators on the internet. Only together we can show that we really are more and that sometimes it’s the little things that can make a big difference. The emotional spot is rounded off by music composed especially for the film. The lyrics are sung by Ibadet Ramadani, who grew up in Germany and Kosovo. The singer lends the song an additional socio-political dimension with her haunting lyrics.
“The principle of ‘living responsibility’ is enshrined in our Group strategy. We stand for diversity, equal opportunities and participation. The ‘Lights on!’ campaign reinforces our long-standing commitment ‘Against Hate on the Net’ and sends a clear signal for the defense of democratic values, which are increasingly being challenged these days,” explains explains Melanie Kubin-HardewigHead of Corporate Responsibility at Deutsche Telekom.
For a better net for all of us
“Lights on!” is another step on our way to a better network for everyone in society. The internet is the central place of our work, so it is our duty to take care of it. The fact that we can all connect with others almost without restriction must not lead to hate speech, shitstorms and cyberbullying. The bad thing is: Anyone can fall victim to it – celebrities as well as private individuals. The number of people affected is increasing rapidly.
As Germany’s leading network provider, it is our social responsibility and our self-imposed duty to act: We are therefore fighting for a net without hate – a place where we treat each other with respect. To achieve this goal, we are seeking help and supporting initiatives that take a targeted stance against the digital exclusion of individuals.
HateAid – Human rights also apply online
One of these initiatives is HateAid, which has been strengthening human rights in the digital space for many years. As absolute experts in this field, they advise people affected by digital violence and offer legal support. However, HateAid also addresses other bodies with its work: By educating politicians, the judiciary and businesses about hate online and thus creating concrete solutions for our democracy. The continuous aim is to make the internet a place where freedom of expression applies and participation is made possible. A commitment that cannot be given too much credit.
If you want to find out more about HateAid and their important work, you can do that here. The website explains the different types of hate and discrimination – online and in real life – in detail and offers suggestions for solutions.
Let’s continue to work together to make the digital space safer, fairer and more inclusive for us all. Because we believe in the power of community. Join us!
Deutsche Telekom stands for diversity. Find out more about our values here. .
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