December 6, 2023 By Liora Norwich, Network for Social Justice
On Tuesday, December 12, the Hingham Unity Council, along with the Hingham Human Rights Commission, the Hingham Police Department, and other human rights groups in Winchester, Weymouth, Wayland, and Hull – will be offering a program entitled “Let’s Talk: Social Media and Rising Extremism.” The hybrid format program will take place in person at Sanborn Auditorium in Hingham Town Hall and also be available simultaneously on zoom. It will feature Dr. Sabine von Mering, Professor of German and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Director of the Center for German and European Studies at Brandeis University.
This program is being held in a period of unprecedented rising extremism. The Anti-Defamation League estimates that 52% of American adults and 51% of American teenagers have experienced harassment on social media. In her talk, Dr. von Mering will delve into the revolutionary impact of social media on the spread of antisemitism, white supremacy, and other forms of hate, including among youth. The discussion will also offer practical strategies for individuals, groups, and institutions to combat these issues.
The partnership between these groups across the Massachusetts suburbs represents a unique and first-of-its-kind inter-community initiative, the kind of cooperation that is so needed at this critical time when so many are feeling unsafe. Social Media and Rising Extremism is open to everyone and free of charge. We extend a special invitation to parents, urging them to attend and gain valuable insights into addressing these challenges. Register here.