Skopje, 22 December- The performative action “Tea Against Hate Speech” aims to speak out loudly against hate speech and its presence in daily public and online narratives. The event will take place on Macedonia Street, near the Memorial House of Mother Teresa.
The action is based on direct interaction with passers-by and utilizes a simple yet deeply rooted symbol in our culture—tea. In Macedonian daily life, teas and herbs are traditionally used as a remedy for the body, but also as a moment for calming, conversation, or silence. For this reason, “Tea Against Hate Speech” uses tea as a tool for rational thinking, slowing down impulsive reactions, and breaking the cycle of automatic insults and stereotypes.
In a pre-New Year atmosphere with symbolic scenography, tea will be distributed to citizens along with a short story explaining what hate speech is, why it is harmful, and how each of us can react and contribute to its prevention. Interested passers-by will also receive a small package of “Tea Against Hate Speech” for home use. This package includes basic messages and preparation instructions that symbolically call for responsible and conscious communication through silence and restraint.
To achieve the best results, citizens are urged to strictly adhere to the usage instructions for the “Tea Against Hate Speech,” as correct usage can lead to short-term effects reaching up to 100%. The tea is recommended for use while watching the news, during periods of high social media activity, and during feasts or celebrations.
Usage Instructions:
- Hold the cup with both hands.
- Take a sip and hold it in your mouth for at least five minutes—without speaking.
- Once the time has passed, swallow the tea and repeat the process.
This method achieves an immediate effect: the temporary but effective prevention of any form of hate speech. Through humor, performance, and everyday habits, the “Tea Against Hate Speech” action opens a space for a quiet but clear message: sometimes, the strongest response to hate is to stop, be silent, and think
This action was prepared by the Contemporary Art Center – Skopje, as part of the Innovative Media’s “Diversity Network 2.0 – New Agenda” project.
