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 catalytic power of this Summit in bringing together those who are devoting their lives to pushing back and working to confront, understand and work towards solutions around hate in our society is a noble and difficult task. The Summit not only energized those who attended but led to connecting the dots in a global network of those doing this work. The stories of the victims of hate were painful to witness but their courage in coming forward was inspirational. Those who attended left energized with the hope that by working together solutions can be forged.
