Sadly, the reporting of hate crimes is an everpresent reality in our daily lives.
Hate crimes are driven by prejudice and fear and a profound lack of wisdom.
The more we live in an “us” vs. “them” society – the more hate crimes are likely to be a part of our daily living.
The more separate we see ourselves –
The more “comfortable” we are with raging towards others.
Do not minimize prejudice in yourself or others including your children. Notice it – work on it – understand it – and do not promote it.

HATE CRIMES TAKE AWAY…

A societal sense of safety.
An individual sense of protection.
Group celebration and growth from appreciating difference.

HATE CRIMES ERODE…

The sense of shared community. The sense of individual responsibility. A sense of individual and group safety

THE TRUTH ABOUT HATE…

A hate crime is a crime.
It is not a “joke.”
It is not “free speech.”
It is not “I was just kidding”
It is not “you’re just too sensitive”

WHAT WE CAN DO TO STEM THE TIDE OF HATRED…

Be mindful of our words and actions.
Teach our children that difference is not bad.
Do not be silent in the face of hatred.
Do not accept what should be unacceptable with respect to behaviors, language, “jokes” innuendoes, etc.
Report evidence of hate language and actions to the appropriate authorities, agencieis, etc. Speak up!!!
Take personal responsibility to standing up to those who would use hate and grow hate as a way to control others.
Silence condones hatred. Do not be silent.

AND REMEMBER…

None of us were born with a “hate” gene. Children who “hate” are taught by their parents and the environment in which they live.
Hate kills …. Both the hater and the hated. When we talk about people as a group … and in absolute terms…we are wrong.
It is NOT true that everyone in a group is any one thing.
None of us are immune to anger and disappointment –
but we can immunize ourselves against angry, hateful acting out.
In so doing, we save ourselves and the world in which we live.

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Make today the day you remind yourself that
YOU MATTER!
Your thoughts and feelings
MATTER!
You deserve respect from yourself as well as others!

Do NOT allow anyone in your inner life
who does not know this or treats you in a way that suggests not knowing.