Derogatory language, a reflection of the mentality rooted in society, say sociologists

A day after the derogatory statements of the mayor of Skenderaj, Sami Lushtaku, towards former Vetëvendosje MP, Adriana Matoshi, sociologists emphasized that the use of harsh language is not limited to the political sphere. According to them, it is rooted in everyday life, and shows the mentality of society.

The statement made the day before by the mayor of Skenderaj, Sami Lushtaku, about former MP Adriana Matoshi has opened a discussion about the extent of offensive communication in society.

Sociologists emphasize that the harsh language reflected the day before on the political scene expresses a broad social mentality.

Sociologist Endrit Temaj says that the discourse is not accidental.

"This part of the discourse reflects two social aspects: currently it reflects the part of the culture, the mentality of how women are perceived, women in leadership, women in politics and in such important positions, and this is part of such a cultural, patriarchal construction, while on the other hand this part of the discourse also reflects part of the tension and over-polarization of society," said Temaj. 

Sociologist Fadil Maloku also says that offensive language extends into everyday life. 

"Racist language or the increase in the intensity of language use, let's say conditionally savage, is not a current standard. It has its own history and the history of harsh or savage language can undoubtedly be linked to the impasse that has been created," Maloku assessed. 

Sociologist Temaj emphasizes that when harsh language is legitimized by public and political figures, it directly affects the behavior of citizens. 

"If these models, these political, public figures legitimize something like this, then normally justifying actions is much easier even for those people who have these models as their role models. Therefore, they can support their actions by justifying them in these actions." 

The Ombudsman, Naim Qelaj, referring to a 2024 research on comments on social networks, said that society is greatly influenced by public figures. 

"We found that every eighth comment was hate speech. So the effect and impact that public speech by those who have influence and weight in the public has is enormous and this should never be used as political power or a weapon to cause extreme polarization within society," Çelaj said. 

Meanwhile, sociologist Maloku says that the use of this language in public shows a lack of social emancipation.

"The fact and the act that has been extended, has become multidimensional. This language and this cruelty, I would say, this actually proves that we are not yet a society that has a certain degree of emancipation," Maloku emphasized. 

A day earlier, the mayor of Skenderaj, Sami Lushtaku, said that the level of former Vetëvendosje MP Adriana Matoshi is like coming out of a brothel and not like being an MP. This prompted a reaction from organizations that protect women's rights, and was considered sexist language.