Hate Crimes

Hate Crimes

Profile of the typical individual who commits hate crimes

The crimes that are done against an individual or property through prejudice are called hate crimes. “This hatred comes as a result of an individual belonging to a certain societal grouping” (Winters, 1996). Some of the hate crimes include murder, which is commonly facilitated by racial prejudice. Generally, the hate crimes are committed against certain races and tribal groupings. The US past events signify many racial prejudice due to the formation of the white supreme body in Louisiana. The consequence of this movement made more people to be kidnapped, others killed and many threatened. The Mississippi tragedy in America also denoted hate crimes against the African black race. This occurred when a Negro was killed and dumped in a swampy area. Much of the elevating factors of hate crimes include the bias element of the performer. In our society, numerous activities that involve violence are generally geared by bias based events. The bias crimes are because of the hate that comprises brutality.

The hate crimes are committed mostly by the youths approximately at the age of twenty years. However, this is not a rebellion of the youth for it is a reaction toward victimization of their families by other groups. These crimes are done by groupings of four or more youths mostly under the influence of an inciting figure. The passion for ones group triggers this hatred because they want to defend or accomplish revenge towards other hatred communities. In this way, the youths are motivated to arouse violence in other communities in order to make them inferior or evacuate them from that region. In other instances, “the political influence on the youths is very common and hence causing these hate crimes” (Boeckmann & Turpin-Petrosino, 2002). Other factors such as economic development of certain ethnic communities bring prejudice. For instance, if one community is not economically stable while the other is economically stable, prejudice may arise from the less developed and thus may bring violence in the region.

Who are some targets and/or victims of hate crimes?

            Religious groupings are among some of the victims of the hate crimes. This was witnessed during the division of the Jews and the Christians. This division was motivated by the discrepancy in religious practices and in consequence one group considered the other to be unworthy. During the world wars, the Jews were persecuted by the other religious groupings. In addition, Christians have commonly been persecuted in the Muslim nations. The passion for ones religion makes him or her to hate the other opposing religious groups. The gay relationships in the world have also faced a lot of opposition and hatred. This is because they are considered as a negative social norm in the society. Therefore, the affected have been persecuted and secluded despite their campaign to be recognized. The act of homosexuality is considered as inhuman and consequently, much hatred has been poised to those who practice this act. Slaves were also victims of the hate crimes due to their diverse racial background. The slave masters were accustomed by threats and slaves harassment. This was triggered by the racial difference between the masters and the slaves. Mostly, the slaves were from Africa and hence they were black thus they were perceived to be uncivilized by the other races. The issue of language barrier was a catalyzing element that brought hatred between the whites and the blacks. This was because a lot of misunderstanding occurred and thus command of the slave masters were not correctly adhered to by the Africans.

What are some of the causes of hate crimes?

            The religion has played a key role in causing hate crimes due to the difference in spiritual backgrounds. In addition, the disparity in religious activities and practices of diverse persons cause many differences in terms of spiritual opinions. “The racially facilitated attacks also trigger to hate crimes” (Gerstenfeld & Grant, 2004). For instance, the racial conflict between the Africans and the Americans caused many deaths and destruction of property. It is evident even now there is hate felony against the blacks due to the ruling of the black president in the America. The sexual harassment has been witnessed in many areas due to the rejection of the homosexual society. Religious conflicts are occurring due to the disparity in the issue of homosexuality. This is because some are supporting and others are opposing homosexuality.

Effects of Hate Crimes

            The reason behind the hate crime is facilitated by the fact that the targeted individual posses a unique temperament or personality. “The affected lot includes the religion, ethnic groups, race, and gender” (Sherry, 2010). The victims of the hate crimes face negative effects that prevent them from having a joyful life. The feeling of rejection that dominates their lives makes them to lag behind in personal development. Consequently, they also suffer from low self-esteem due to this rejection. Fear and disbelieve in the lives of the affected is also a barrier to communal development. This is because, people fear to accumulate property and later the property being destroyed by their opponent. The hope for the future is deterred by the hate activities. Therefore, shame and embarrassment dominate their daily lives and thus unable to confidently love their community. The desire for revenge also is another negative effect that influences the victims of the hate crimes.

What actions can be taken to minimize the occurrence of hate crimes?

            The leaders of the communities should take the plunge in preventing the groups that are formed with bases of violence. There should be unification of different ethnic groups in order to enhance unity amid disperse communities. The leader should eliminate those activities that involve bias in the community in order to enhance fairness in the community. In addition, the community should form a coalition that shares power and administration ides and opinions.

 

References

Boeckmann, R. J., & Turpin-Petrosino, C. (2003). Understanding the harm of hate crime. Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell.

Gerstenfeld, P. B., & Grant, D. R. (2004). Crimes of hate: Selected readings. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications.

Sherry, M. (2010). Disability hate crimes: Does anyone really hate disabled people?. Farnham, England: Ashgate.

Winters, P. A. (1996). Hate crimes. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press.