Why Hate Crimes Occur

350 Words2 Pages

Sheianne Danglade
ENG 151
Professor Elizabeth Murphy
Hate Crimes are a very cantankerous subject but as far back as many can deliberate they have been happening. Whether it be a bombing, a beating or maybe even just a verbal assault on someone because they are Jewish or racial assaults because they are African-American or of colored decent. Even because of sexual preference these things happen. So why do hate crimes occur? They occur as a result of preconception and obliviousness. Hate crimes is a “lack of understanding about differences among people and their traditions contributes to fear and intolerance. Left unaddressed, these sentiments many often lead to acts of intimidation and ultimately hate-motivated violence”. (“Why Do Hate Crimes Occur?")
The definition of hate crime laws …show more content…

Some examples would be, The Hate Crimes Statistics Act (1990): "... crimes that manifest evidence of prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity, including where appropriate the crimes of murder, non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, aggravated assault, simple assault, intimidation, arson, and destruction, damage or vandalism of property." (Public Law 101-275). Another would be The Bureau of Justice Administration (BJA; 1997): "Hate crimes--or bias-motivated crimes--are defined as offenses motivated by hatred against a victim based on his or her race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or national origin. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL): A hate crime is "any crime committed because of the victim 's actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender [male or female] or sexual orientation." Lastly The National Education Association (NEA): "Hate crimes and violent acts are defined as offenses motivated by hatred against a victim based on his or her beliefs or mental or physical characteristics, including race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation." (Robinison, B.