Hate Crimes In America
Thought to be a thing of the past, hate related crimes are still very prevalent in modern society. Now described as “hate crimes,” these occurrences target innocent people solely on the basis of perceived social differences. In the following essay, I will attempt to define the history of hate in America; primarily hate groups and associated doctrines, as well as possible solutions to combat growing racial and other bias hatred in American youth. Let us first define what exactly a hate crime entails. Hate crimes, also referred to as bias crimes, have been described by the U. ... However, the meaning of what a “hate crime” really consists of remains somewhat vague. Some institutions argue that hate-motivated intimidation constitutes as a hate crime, while others insist that it must involve a violent act of some kind. ... The “Red Scare” of the 1950s found Russian and Slavic people falling victim to hate. ... According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, incidents of anti-Islamic hate crimes increased from 28 incidents in 2000 to 481 incidents in 2001, a 1600% increase (Hate Crime Statistics, 2002). Historically, Americans have almost always had some particular group in which to incubate their hate. This trend can be witnessed in the high prevalence of hate groups across the nation. According to The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project of 2002; 708 hate groups are active in America today; with California, Texas, and Florida having the highest numbers of active groups (Tolerance. ... Not all of these groups openly participate in hate crimes, but the mere presence and ideology of these groups undeniably add risks of violent incidents. Recently, hate groups have even started constructing alliances with other hate groups in order to increase memberships and reach more people. The most dominant of these hate teams is comprised of members of both the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazi groups. ... However, under the misguided teachings of those who perpetuate hate, these groups have often been found marching side by side or celebrating the same dysfunctions with one another (Griset/ Maham, pgs 90-91, 2003). Leaders of hate groups often look for frustrated and impressionable youths in which to instill their ideas. ... William Pierce is a prime example of how hate ideology continues to spread in modern culture. Hate has to be learned from somewhere. ... This pattern holds true for the vast majority of hate-affiliated organizations as well as individual thoughts and actions. ... By the time one leader of hate steps down, four more are ready to take his place. Among other modern trends in hate propaganda is the emergence of online hate groups. The Internet has granted hate groups ample room to spread their message of intolerance, and perhaps a more significant factor, recruit new believers into the ideology of hate.