Combating Race-Related Hate Speech: The Role of Symmetrical Communication in Addressing Racism through Perceptual and Behavioral Outcomes

Abstract

ABSTRACT This project examined the role of the symmetrical communication dimension in mitigating race-related hate speech. Integrating research in race, racism, DEI, symmetrical communication, cultural competency, and hate speech, a survey with 793 respondents in the U.S. supported cultural empathy as an important intercultural competency factor that facilitated symmetrical communication. Further, symmetrical communication was significantly associated with three critical perceptual outcomes in race relations (perceived connection with, perceived warmth of, and dehumanization of racially different others). Perceived warmth and dehumanization then predicted disapproval of race-related hate speech, the focal behavioral outcome in this study. This project contributed to research on race and DEI by testing a communicative approach to combating racism and enhancing DEI at the societal level. It also advanced theory development in symmetrical communication through extending its role to addressing broader social and cultural issues as well as identifying its specific mechanism and nuances in intercultural interactions. Practically, the study provided a theory-driven, empirically tested mechanism to mitigate race-related hate speech, helping public relations practitioners and social movement organizations to better address racism at the societal level.