1. Intolerance and Hate

2. What is it? (Purpose in Society)  “Hate” has been around forever- we all have negative feelings.  2 general categories: Rational and irrational  Rational- negative feeling caused by negative/unjust acts  Irrational- hatred without cause, usually based on outside control (race, religion, sexual orientation, nationality etc…)  Both rational and irrational hate mask personal insecurities- but irrational hate bleeds over into all aspects of life, where self worth is measured by being above what they hate

3. Identity  Hatred is a learned behavior- with or without cause.  The most potent forms usually begin with socialization (from family, social class, or society overall) Comes from the InGroup OutGroup idea- Us/Them. Grounded in belonging, status, recognition and power  Multiple historical examples- some very successful (and not so successful) empires have been built with terror, racism etc…

4. Symbols, Rituals and Mythology  Symbols: give meaning to irrational hate, unify the group. Can be visual or verbal, found on flags, clothing, tattoos, even bumper stickers  Rituals: indoctrination- actions which also fortify unity. A key idea for hate groups is to have “groupthought” rather than individual  Mythologies: a filter of reality for group members- you let go of other info (even in the face of facts) and cling to your version of the “truth”

6. Religion and Hate  Every major world religion teaches tolerance, love, brotherhood etc… and yet- religion is one of 3 main causes of war (others are $ and power) and religious fighting is particularly destructive.  People take their version of the truth to the extreme- must exterminate other versions.  While scriptural support often claimed- the real root is justification for preexisting hatred.  A very difficult feeling to change

7. The Hate Model  A hate group: an organization whose beliefs/actions are rooting in an enmity towards another group (target)  Government monitors 751 groups in the United States- most common “categories”: White Supremacist (ex. KKK), Neo Nazi/Skinhead, Anti Gay (ex.Westboro Baptist)  7 Stage process of activity common

8. Gathering/Leadership  People seldom hate alone- and with technology today it is easier than ever to reach out and find others with similar views.  Sometimes inspired by a charismatic (cultish) “leader” figure, which provides a high level of loyalty.  Finding a group provides peer validation, bolsters self worth, and prevents introspection (which might reveal flaws in thought process) Groups promote anonymity and diminish accountability

9. Definition/Recruitment  Group defines their “target” (scapegoat)  Build unity through symbols, rituals, often involving some sort of self sacrifice/self jeopardy for the group.  Hate groups seek out the vulnerable. Like cults, provide a sense of belonging, self worth, direction for those in crisis.  Times of econ crisis particularly fruitful for hate group membership

10. Disparagement/Dehumanization  Talking about their hate binds the group together- enhances self image.  Uses stories, songs, literature, aggressive games etc…to build their mythology. See their targets more and more as a “them” stripping away their human qualities (lots of propaganda)  The further this talk goes- the more “normal” it seems- they isolate themselves from those who are not a part of their group- often using a quasi-military structure  This is the last “private” stage, before they begin interacting with their targets.

11. Verbal Attack  Hate is incremental and progressive. Leave it alone, it just might die- so hate groups need to keep things fired up, and at this stage they do that by interacting with their targets.  Starts at a distance (scream insults, graffiti when no one is around)  Helps maintain agitation, and group members experience a feeling of power from these acts.  Move on to direct verbal confrontation- usually when target is outnumbered

12. Physical Attack  Another key move- from vocal to physical.  Again, generally incremental- destruction of property comes 1 st. (including burnings etc…) Then beating, eventually potentially murder  Build on the rush of adrenaline- move on to greater violence, gang beatings etc… hands on attacks often preferred by hate groups- allows them to express a need for dominance/physicality

13. Escalated Attack  S ome groups move on to weapons and wide scale attacks (bombings, etc…)- others do not, depends on target.  Also depends on the nature of the group- wide scale attacks are very public- makes it harder to stay under the radar etc…  Still generally like to be present for feeling of power- destruction brings hater a sense of self worth

14. Ultimate Goal  The goal of hate groups is to destroy their target- and interestingly, there is not one single example of that ever being successful.  Actually- hate crimes generally bring more sympathy to target group- and hater is the one who gets in trouble if caught

15. Intervention /Prevention  Unlikely that they will ever disappear- just find someone new to hate.  Society often ignores hate groups- which gives them tacit approval  In order to end hate- have to address the roots of the problem- the just the group, but the prejudice behind them

16. Institutions  The most common place to learn hate is at home- and we can‘t control families- but we can offer other options, and a counter message  Hate is fed by disenfranchisement- so how can we use schools/gov’t to make sure people belong. Youth is prime recruitment time- need more positive options for risk groups  Need to step in before crime- put pressure on to end activities

17. Society  Underlying causes may be societal differences- poverty, unemployment, lack of education.  People who feel left out are looking for someone to feel “better than” (all goes back to their own insecurities) and someone to blame.