In a world where violence and sorrow often prevail, how do we create an environment where hate cannot flourish? This was a central question for discussion at a leadership summit titled “What You Do Matters,” a conference hosted by the Holocaust Museum on the weekend of June 28th, 2011. The summit presented new ways of thinking about hate speech, propaganda and civic engagement.

What is propaganda? The conference introduced the concept of propaganda by providing firsthand accounts of genocide and hate speech in a series of lectures and discussions over the course of the weekend. Carl Wilkins, the only American survivor to remain in Rwanda during the genocide in the early 1990’s, spoke about trust and facilitating peace in times of turmoil. Robert Behr, Holocaust survivor, talked about his experience living in Germany during Hitler’s rule. Bill Adair, Politifact.com editor and the Washington Bureau Chief for the St. Petersburg Times, gave a lecture on the importance of holding people accountable to their words. Amy Lazarus, Executive Director of the Sustained Dialogue Campus Network, joined in the conversation by providing students with the right tools to be able to encourage communication and promote dialogue around the language of hate.

A common theme throughout the conference was the topic of positive reinforcement and using propaganda as a tool to focus on those individuals willing and ready to ignite change. Is it possible to rid the world of apathy and encourage a more active citizenry? Speakers at the conference emphasized the importance of taking initiative and simply starting somewhere. Personal education and resourcefulness is necessary for a leader to successfully execute their mission to start a movement or unite a community. Hate speech dissipates with knowledge and dialogue; and as agents of propaganda, individuals have the potential to effect change. Samantha Jacobson, student at Wesleyan University, learned how to harness her skills to spark change, “I discovered the power of dialogue as a mechanism for diverting the energy surrounding contentious issues away from biased or partisan beliefs and into a safe and productive space for compromise and progress.”

How does verbal communication influence the way that people interpret information? Over time people have learned that language greatly influences propaganda and the way that message is received by an audience. Certain connotations associated with words present topics in stereotypical ways or with a slant or bias. People evaluate language based on previous knowledge or experience and the evocation of language greatly effects audience receptivity.

The summit also presented new ways of thinking about propaganda as a tool to sell ideas and the ways in which information is presented to individuals as consumers. Is it possible to filter the information that we receive? Samantha shared her experience saying, “This summit inspired me to take on the role of a cautious consumer of the information that is readily available throughout the world around me. I now understand the power of my voice and how impacting just one person could be a step towards changing the world. I have learned that silence does not equate to righteous.” If people set aside their own bias and prejudice they will be more open to ideas and willing to facilitate communication and dialogue.

The exhibit at the Holocaust Museum, State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda, detailed the ways in which individuals have been vulnerable to ideas presented in advertisements plastered on automobiles, buildings, cereal boxes and posters. Tim Kaiser, Director of Education for the Holocaust Museum, explained how propaganda is dependent upon the technique, means of communication, audience receptivity, and the environment and context in which it is presented. Still, as individuals, what we chose to read, who we interact with and the ways in which we filter information are all dependent upon our personal preferences and whether we want to see the world in a broad or limited scope.

The summit challenged 50 young leaders to assess their personal leadership styles and think about new ways and new ideas to spread the message of peace to their local communities.

Still questions remain…
How do we create a world where hate cannot flourish?

Why does hate perpetuate? How can we break the cycle?

What steps can be taken in communities to dissipate hate and create conversation surrounding this prevalent issue?