Hate Crimes Essay Example

“We live in an age where antisemitic hate crimes are on the rise, where Jews account for more than 60 percent of the victims of all faith-based hate crimes, and where hate crimes against Jews in the U.S. outnumber, on a per capita basis, those against Black and Muslim people in the U.S. more than 2 to 1”( The San Diego Union-Tribune ). The article published by The San Diego Union-Tribune on November 19, 2021, “ Opinion: Jews get to define antisemitism’ speaks on how responding to antisemitism in your community can help the attacked feel included and accepted Communities need to come together, like the students at Bonita Vista High school. Students at Bonita Vista High School have recently been exposed to antisemitism on campus , and one way to respond I to speak up and assist the victims. 

In today’s times it has become too normal to dismiss the importance of speaking up about hate crimes and bullying. It has also become all too common of having the idea that simply speaking out is insufficient to combat anti-Semitism on campus. Despite the influence of speaking out, people appear to be combating hate crimes. It should be noted that this is one of the more dangerous ways. If a person watches someone being attacked, speaking up demands active involvement, which, depending on the perpetrator, may make the witness a target as well. Although this rarely happens in which the potential benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks. Speaking up can show the attacker that they are not in the right and are singled out for their behavior. The pyramid of hate depicts how when people or institutions accept or "normalize" lower-level behaviors, the actions at the next level become more acceptable, and the origins of genocide hatred is based on acceptance of the actions depicted in the pyramid's lower levels. Although the activities at each level are harmful to individuals and groups, the behaviors become more dangerous as one moves up the pyramid. The lower levels of a pyramid support the upper layers. When people or institutions accept or "normalize" lower-level behaviors, the actions at the next level become more acceptable. In response to questions from the international community about the origins of genocide hatred, the Pyramid of Hate reveals that genocide hatred is based on acceptance of the actions depicted in the pyramid's lower levels. The first layer to the prymade of hate is biased Attuites which is stereotyping , insensitive remarks . fear of differences, justifying basis by seeking out like – minded people. These may seem harmless but is the start of allowing oppressing and hate enter out communities. As a community it is important to speak up in order prevent another mass genocide like the Holocaust. Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, gave a speech at the White House in 1999 titled The Perils of Indifference in which he emphasized the danger of apathy. According to ‘The Perils of Indifference by Elie Wiesel the author states that “The political prisoner in his cell, the hungry children, the homeless refugees -- not to respond to their plight, not to relieve their solitude by offering them a spark of hope is to exile them from human memory. And in denying their humanity, we betray our own.” (p._). Wiesel is trying to get the point across how a person not responding to hate crimes in their community is to deny a person's livelihood. When a person does not do anything and is indifferent to what is happening is allowing the aggressor and behavior to continue. Speaking of hate crimes is a very effective way to fight hate. The article ‘Eight Ways to Stand Up to Hate’ states “Classic social psychology studies reveal that people typically look to those around them for cues on how to behave—and that they tend to trust those cues even when doing so leads them badly astray.” The article conveys the important message that if we as a community were to speak up on what is happening instead of being a bystander the people around us will change. As of today, people have normalized the act of hateful behavior whether in person or on social media. To change the communities people, have to articulate their opinions.

Victims of hate crimes can feel alone or afraid. hate crimes commonly happen because of disabilities, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Surrounding the Victim with comfort and protection will show them they are embraced for who they are. For Victims of Hate Crimes, silence can amplify their isolation and shows that people are disregarding acts of hate. Supporting Victims can be something small like a phone call, or a letter. Hate attacks typically include symbols like a burning cross or a swastika. These symbols of hatred leave communities vulnerable and afraid so showing sport can offer a feeling of comfort and safety. The article from CBC News, ‘ 'We just came together: New Yorkers scrub Nazi graffiti subway with hand sanitizer ‘ explains the importance of people coming together. It happened in 2017 in Manhattan on a Subway Jared Nied and other passengers were uncomfortable due to antisemitic symbols and slurs plaster all over the train, so he began to ask people for hand sanitizer and tissues to wipe it off. Nied’s act sparked motivation and other individuals began to wipe it off as well. Creating an environment where it is known that hate crimes are not accepted makes a big impact and a symbolic step for stopping hate. In article,‘ Universe of Obligation’, maintains that " we might also refer to an individual’s universe of obligation to describe the circle of other individuals that person feels a responsibility to care for and protect.” In other words the an individual's universe of obligation for whom person feels obligated to protect and support. In the smaller community of bonita vista high as well as on a wider scale of San Degio and countuinintng it should be the populations job to protect for and protect those who are picked apart out and damaged by hate crimes.