Rather than using the standard statements, I have set up an app where you can feed in text with hateful statements and get a non-violent response back. The app uses non-violent communication theory to generate responses.
You can find the app here
Fear OFF-switches:
- It is ok to feel this way, but it’s impossible to think
clearly when you’re flooded with fear or anxiety. Take a deep breath or
two, before continuing your discussion on this topic.
- You’re allowed to feel anxious, even if you don’t know the reason why, in
reaction to [this subject]. The first thing to do is take time out so
you can physically calm down. Look out a window, notice the color and
texture in the world around you, and take those sensations in. Then
consider your thoughts on [the subject] again.
- You sound worried. You’re not alone. Why not distract yourself from the worry for 15 minutes by walking around the block, making a cup of tea or having a bath. Then re-asses your statements.
- I noticed that you generalized [the subject] into [this]. Your fear is not silly, but is it possible to re-frame this generalization into [something more accurate]
- You put a lot of emphasis on [this minor detail]. It’s okay
to feel this way, but is [this detail] really that important or could
you imagine that other parts of the discussion may have more
significance.
- Are you ok ? Is it possible that you are assuming the worst and that this is unlikely to happen
- It’s okay to feel scared. We all do. Is it possible for you to re-frame [given negative argument] into [a positive spin on argument].
- What’s wrong? It sometimes helps to
challenge fearful thoughts. Ask yourself if you have ever heard of this
happening to someone. Ask yourself what you would say to a friend who
had a similar fear.
- Is there anything I can do to help you right now?
Disgust OFF-switches:
- Are you aware that you have triggered feelings of disgust by
writing/reading about [this topic/behavior]. Such feelings can elicit
unwanted behaviors. Maybe you should try to take a step back and decide
whether a knee jerk reaction is the right response.
- It is interesting to notice that other members of [your community]
seem not to be disgusted by [this topic/behavior]. Why are you ? Could
that change ?
- When you convince yourself you’re entitled to feel disgusted, you
also tell yourself that you’re a victim. Being a victim feels
disgusting. It is a self-destructive habit you must recognize and break.
- I notice you are disgusted by [this world view], but I know wonderful people with the same view.
- You feel that his behavior is degrading, but the same behavior has helped me and others, many times.
- Rather than spending time imagining what other people are doing and
thinking, become more mindful of your own wants, needs, and feelings.
- I think you confuse this [object/behavior/personal trait] with this
other benign [object/behavior/personal trait]. Even though they are
similar they may not both be disgusting.
- I understand that you are disgusted by this [person, object], but
many good friends speak highly of [object/person]. Maybe [object/person]
is not so bad after all.
- I see that you think this [person/behavior/object] is disgusting,
but I have experienced [person/behavior/object] in this [other setting]
and it was a wonderful experience.
- You have triggered feelings of disgust. I suggest to you and
everyone interacting with you, that you follow up by doing the opposite
of what you are feeling right now. It’s easy to find faults in others
which enhances feelings of disgust. That makes things worse, not better.
This is the FDH project
Sciphu is the web-persona used to execute a project to combat Fear, Disgust and Hate speach. The project is called the "FDH-project", and the idea is to develop standard short texts that can be used to respond to any statement that exploits these feelings to achieve any given agenda. This is not meant as a political project, but rather rather a quest for better communication between people.