In a Q & A for the Editor's Choice of Rhea's Newsletter, Jihane Sliti discusses her and Prof. Dr. Iman Lechkar's recent publication “No punishment is enough for monsters”: vindictiveness as an important political emotion in dealing with Belgian (potential) returnee men.
In the light of the recent US presidential election outcome, but also of the results of our own elections, it’s clear that "scapegoating" and "othering" narratives appeal to many voters. You point out that emotions like vindictiveness are an important factor for the sway these discourses have.
What could, according to you, provide an effective counterweight to these divisive narratives?
Scapegoating and othering often tap into negative emotions like fear and vindictiveness, which tend to resonate more during times of uncertainty or perceived societal threats. To counter these divisive narratives, we should focus on building more positive emotional connections through empathy, solidarity, and hope. Sharing stories that highlight shared values and showcase success stories of inclusion can help shift the conversation and move away from an ‘us vs. them’ mentality.
It is also important to reframe policy debates through the lens of restorative justice, which focuses on healing and understanding rather than punishment. Finally, creating spaces for dialogue between diverse groups is essential for breaking down stereotypes and adding nuance to complex issues.
By listening to and understanding each other’s experiences, we can start to dismantle harmful narratives.
When media outlets lean into harmful narratives, I believe accountability becomes not only possible but also necessary - Jihane Sliti
In the article, news-media play an important role in shaping public opinion on (potential) returnees, by providing a platform for and incorporating vindictive rhetoric practices.
Can and should we hold these media accountable because they are reproducing narratives that violate, amongst others, democratic principles and human rights?
Media do indeed play an important role in shaping public opinion, and with that comes a great responsibility for the stories they choose to tell. When media outlets lean into narratives that perpetuate harmful stereotypes or undermine core democratic principles and human rights, I believe accountability becomes not only possible but also necessary. That said, this accountability must be carefully balanced with the protection of press freedom, which is a cornerstone of any democratic society. It’s not about censorship, but about fostering a media environment that prioritizes informing the public over fueling emotional responses.
Promoting ethical journalism standards, like accurate and nuanced reporting and avoiding dehumanizing language, can already make a big difference. As mentioned, it's also about giving space to diverse voices and shifting towards restorative instead of sensational framing. Civil society and academia also play a key role here, as we can voice critical public discourses and encourage attention to core values such as justice and inclusivity.
Reference: Lechkar, I., & Sliti, J. (2024). “No punishment is enough for monsters”: vindictiveness as an important political emotion in dealing with Belgian (potential) returnee men. Critical Studies on Terrorism, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/17539153.2024.2416762