Moral Legitimation and Delegitimation of State Violence in Colombia

This research examines social media discourses to unravel how moral evaluation can be used to legitimize and delegitimize state violence. Based on a Colombian case of police violence targeting protesting students at the University of Cauca, this study unravels the role of moral evaluation of social actors and their actions in affirming or contesting state violence. It underlines the use of dichotomies (i.e., “bravery-cowardice,” “honesty-dishonesty,” and “evilness-goodness”), the attribution of immoral character traits, and inciting negative emotions as ways of attributing morality or immorality to victims and perpetrators to legitimize or delegitimize political violence. It especially underlines the use of religious references in moral evaluations. By examining social media discourses about state violence, this article aims to contribute to a greater understanding of how political violence can be legitimized and delegitimized based on morality and emotions, which can help in developing ways to promote a culture of nonviolence.