How Antisemitic Hashtags Spread in Gaming and Sports Communities

What is it about?

The study examined how online hate speech, specifically the antisemitic hashtag '#JewGoal', infiltrates public discourse within the FIFA gaming community and broader online football discussions. The methodology involved analyzing 1364 public tweets on the platform 'X' (formerly Twitter) to understand how the hashtag perpetuates antisemitic stereotypes through historical tropes and cultural symbols. The research highlighted how the hashtag, framed as humour and sports commentary, facilitated the spread of antisemitic rhetoric by embedding these stereotypes into everyday football discourse. The study utilized Lacanian concepts to reveal that the hashtag's use extended beyond mere humour, exposing an excessive enjoyment tied to its repetitive and absurd use. The findings indicated that the hashtag served a dual function, offering inclusion in online communities while perpetuating harm, and creating a space where antisemitism was not only tolerated but celebrated as part of the community's identity. The research underscored the normalization of antisemitic language in sports fandom, demonstrating how shared cultural references and comedic tones obscure the underlying violence and prejudice.

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Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study is important as it sheds light on how antisemitic language infiltrates and becomes normalized within online sports discourse, specifically through the use of hashtags. By examining the spread of the antisemitic hashtag '#JewGoal' from the FIFA gaming community to broader football discussions, the research highlights the dual role of online platforms in both fostering communities and enabling the circulation of harmful stereotypes. The study underscores the significance of understanding how humor and cultural references serve as vehicles for spreading hate speech, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and intervention strategies to combat online antisemitism in sports fandom. Key Takeaways: 1. Normalization of Antisemitic Language: The study finds that the hashtag '#JewGoal' embeds antisemitic stereotypes within everyday football discourse by reframing them as humor, thereby normalizing hate speech within the community. 2. Dual Function of Hashtags: The research illustrates how the hashtag functions as a marker of insider status, reinforcing community bonds while simultaneously perpetuating antisemitic rhetoric, highlighting the complex dynamics of online hate speech. 3. Underlying Prejudice Concealed by Humor: The study concludes that the comedic tone associated with the hashtag obscures the underlying violence and prejudice, allowing antisemitic language to circulate more freely among wider audiences.