What is a Hate Crime?
By Seann Carpenter
What is a Hate Crime?
By Seann Carpenter
Hate Crimes are one of the most difficult crimes to classify.
Most people view hate crimes as a criminal act against a particular race, but they can also be classified as crimes against homosexuals, against religious groups, against women, against the handicapped, against the elderly, against the homeless, etc. The best way to understand hate crimes is to study them and investigate every aspect of crimes that could be associated with hate. Knowledge is always the key to understanding.
While most hate crimes ARE against one's ethnicity or religious beliefs, it is worthy to note that there is an increase in recent crimes against homosexuals. Why is this not a prominent subject when we hear of hate crimes? Probably because of the conservative nature of society in general. However, with our society progressing slowly towards the acceptance of homosexuals, I believe that these crimes against homosexuals will gain in notoriety.
Are the "Skinheads" all tied to racist beliefs, and if so do they condone racially motivated crimes? Most people see a skinhead and automatically think "racist".The fact of the matter is that many "skinheads" are not racist at all. They simply enjoy a certain type of music and have a distinct lifestyle whose style centers on shaved heads, leather clothing, combat boots, etc. The idea that skinheads are racist comes from the skinheads who are looking for a sense of belonging. These skinheads are easily influenced by propaganda distributed by groups such as the Aryan Nations, White Aryan Resistance, etc., and intergrate their lifestyle with the racially motivated groups. If you spend any time in large metropolitan areas, you will see a diverse cultural background in skinheads. I personally have been to the S.F. Bay Area and seen skinheads of all races including black, asian, hispanic, and middle eastern.
What about militias? Militias have recieved recent notoriety in recent years, mostly for incidents such as the incident with David Koresh in Waco, Texas and the Ruby Ridge, Idaho shooting. Most of these militias are preparing for the crumble of the U.S. Government, and the predicted anarchy that will apparently follow. While most of us view these see this as one of the most extreme concepts, they view it as inevitable. The combination of great firepower and inadequate training, however, make for a hazardous combination.This may be why the FBI and ATF have recently cracked down on some organizations.
Knowledge is the key to understanding!!!!
So please check out these links below to help you better understand the
subjects I have mentioned. This way you can make you OWN judgments on what
these organizations represent.
LINKS
Hate Crimes Against African Americans More African American Victim Info
Hate Crimes and Jewish Americans Press Releses by the Anti-Defamation League
Statistics on Hate Crimes Against Homosexuals Anaysis of Hate Crimes Against Homosexuals
America's Invisible Empire's Home Page KKK Home Page
This web page in no way, shape, or form condones any hate crimes. It is merely a tool to gain knowledge about this subject.
I am not affiliated with any group, organization,
law enforcement agency, government agency, or educational institution.