Hate Crimes

November 9, 2016


Almost everyone, people of color, women, even white males and females have been subject to hatred and violence for the mere reason that they are different.


Hatred is a cancer in our society. I'm not a simpleton who believes that people should just all smile, hold hands and be friends. Some individuals are nasty and they are not my friends. I've hated individuals who behaved badly to me or my family, and I'm having a hard time trying not to hate some politicians.

Everyone is entitled to my opinion.

Throughout my life, I'm sure I have hurt someone, said something, done something that stemmed from ignorance, fear, insensitivity, etc. But to my knowledge, I have not treated an individual on the basis of assumptions about his or her group. 

General group hatred has to stop. It's easier to blame a group of people for my discontent. It's harder to change. One way to change is to recognize hate speech and behaviors, and stop them when we see them. 


Here are websites with relevant information:





Check out the training session on Bias Crime and the Law, a PDF available from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS). This doc has good examples.


It takes courage to confront hatred. We know that taking action might create a backlash. We know that silence is not acceptable. "No action" is a choice to let hatred dominate our culture. The following are things we can do when encountering hate speech. It would be great if someone would make "flash cards" for those wanting to step up and stop hate crimes.


  • Photograph, video or record the hate words. 


  • Make a statement to the perpetrator that the hate conduct is not tolerated in your town.


  • Get ACLU and pro bono legal cards to hand to victims so they can access free legal assistance to file charges or get an injunction.


  • Collect hate speech flyers and give them to the police with the photo of perpetrators, date, time, etc., of the incident so police can track hate crimes and neighborhoods where hate crimes are committed. 


  • Write letters or emails to the Editor, city officials, business organizations denouncing hate activity.


  • Learn hate group symbols to know when they are being used as secret “codes.” See ADL website for good list.


  • Talk to the business owner, office manager, store manager where the incident occurs to tell them such behavior threatens their own business, keeps people not into hate away. Or develop a boycott of a business that spouts hatred.


  • Read the Southern Poverty Law Center (Ten ways to…) noted above for more ideas.


Best I could do for now.