Michael Waltman
Associate Professor of Communication, University of North Carolina
2023
Michael Waltman (PhD) is Associate Professor of Communication at the University of North Carolina. His research examines the social and political uses of hate speech. His research typically examines texts that are important to the formation of identity for specific groups. More broadly, his research focuses on the persuasive and social functions of hate (building the collective memory of a group, recruiting and socializing new group members, radicalizing followers, and encouraging violence).
At the Summit
The effort to eradicate hate requires the active participation of every component of our society, to include governments, the private sector, communities of faith and indeed every aspect of civil society. There is no more urgent task in front of us. The organizers of the Eradicate Hate Global Summit are doing the United States and the world an enormous service by tackling hatred and extremism with a focus on honest dialogue and conversation, genuine learning and practical solutions. This will not happen overnight, but the Pittsburgh community’s leadership in this effort is genuinely inspiring and motivating.