1. HATE CRIMES

2. Defining and Contextualizing Racism Racism is the belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities AND that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.

3. Levels Of Racism Racism is broad and pervasive in all levels of society and has three levels Individual Racism – actions of individuals that support racism Institutional Racism – manipulation of societal institutions to benefit the majority and restrict the choices, rights, mobility, and access of others. Cultural racism – cultural ways of one group are superior to another

4. Hate Crimes When people are the target of violence solely because of who they are It IS a problem in Canada, especially against Blacks, Jews and gays increasingly a problem against those who appear to be Arab or Islamic

5. Characteristics of Hate Crimes Hatred Is Intense and Impersonal Anger is emotion, hatred is a sentiment An enduring organization of aggressive impulses toward a person or a class of persons (Psychologist Gordon Allport)

6. Characteristics of Hate Crimes Hatred Is Based On Prejudice And Power Stereotype can harden into prejudice, discriminatory acts can follow, but only when perpetrator has physical advantage or power of authority Often power of those who hate comes from strength in numbers and weapons and surprise E.G. Mark Lepine Massacre

7. Characteristics of Hate Crimes Hatred Is Directed At Scapegoats For Other Frustratons Psychologists suggest that frusration may be at the centre of intense hatred toward out groups (Allport) E.G. KKK hatred against blacks Many suggest that lynchings were conducted by mobs of poor white farmers to “keep blacks in their place”

8. Characteristics of Hate Crimes Genocide Is An Expression Of National Hatred Greatest excesses of hatred directed against a group are those carried out by order of national policy E.G. Adoph Hitler wrote in Mein Kampf that Jews were responsible for the failures and problems of his own life As “Fuhrer,” he ordered a series of laws to isolate and eliminate Jews from Germany and Europe.