by Carlson Montour

Created on: January 01, 2010   Last Updated: January 03, 2010

The definitions in federal law and various state laws differ, but generally a hate crime is considered to be any crime that is motivated by bias based on race, religion or other factors. Hate crime laws permit tougher punishment based on the motivation and broader social impact of the offense.

Obviously, the Hate Crime Laws do not and cannot control what people believe or feel. These laws attempt to deter such crimes by allowing more severe penalties than for the same crime committed but not meeting the standard of a “hate crime”.

According to the FBI, reported hate crimes are now at their highest level since 2001 – and the 2008 FBI report documents the highest number of crimes directed at Blacks, Jews, and gay men and lesbians since 2001. In 2008, the most recent year for which statistics are available, the FBI reported 7,783 hate crimes, an increase over the 7,624 reported in 2007.

One can’t help but wonder if hate laws don’t just enlarge the figurative targets on the backs of members of already vulnerable groups. It is difficult for this writer to believe that a person hell bent on committing such a crime is humble enough to even consider the possibility they will be caught and punished. The increased penalties just increase the challenge and risk; making the doer an even bigger hero to those of similar twisted thinking.

A much more effective deterrent would be if society in general showed its outrage at the commission of such crimes. Even more important is for the society to stop being tolerant of the attitudes that set the stage for such crimes.

We are far too tolerant of talk show hosts and web sites that preach hate and intolerance. We laugh at jokes that single out minorities and foster prejudice and stereotypes.

But you argue that there is this thing called freedom of speech in America. This is true. But we also have the freedom of using the off button. I argue that we have the responsibility to use the off button when offensive material aimed at inciting hate and violence is being sold to our children and us.

If you don’t openly take a stand against such drivel, you are by definition showing your support and approval.

No, laws cannot stop the hate. If only it were so easy. But you and I can make hate and violence less acceptable. Stop blindly accepting that we are going to be exposed to such garbage. Speak out against it.

Explain to your kids why it is not okay to laugh at jokes that belittle others who may be different than we are. It seems that hate crimes are not abhorrent to us until someone we love is a member of a targeted group.

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