Intolerance and Hate

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

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…

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”

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Physical Attack Another key move- from vocal to physical.

Again, generally incremental- destruction of property comes 1st. (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

Escalated Attack Some 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

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

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

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

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.