I recently saw one of the few television ads with some popular athletes rejecting the hate that we see around us. I honestly do not remember a time in our history where that was something I heard on a commercial. I also know some believe that hate could be an addiction that leads to extreme behavior, including violence.
In 2023 there were almost 12,000 documented hate crimes in our country. It appears that this number is increasing each year, which is frightening in a country like ours where we have traditionally stood for equal rights and social justice.
Dr. James Hawdon, Professor of Sociology and Director for the Center for Peace Studies and Violence Reduction at Virginia Tech University, has spent years studying on-line hate. Here are a few comments regarding this topic from his research group regarding a recent study:
The research group has documented the increase in online hate that attacks groups based on their race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, or some other group characteristic. This is a form of cyberviolence that unlike bullying or stalking – is not aimed at an individual nor has it a specific victim, and “these materials, which include text, videos, photos, games, and other modes of communication, express hatred or degrading attitudes toward a collective.”
“This kind of hate speech has many detrimental effects … exposure to hate materials correlates with a range of negative behavioral and attitudinal outcomes, such as decreased social trust, intergenerational transmission of extremist ideology, reinforced discrimination against targeted groups, and fear and anger among members of a targeted group. Exposure to extremist materials has also been linked to acts of violence.”
When we think of the social media that we are exposed to, we know that the platforms are designed to keep users engaged; if the agenda is radical views of hate, then users can use it to confirm their own biases. With on-line anonymity and the potential for misinformation and disinformation, we can easily envision that this trend of hate could become epidemic as there are no ways to control the flow of hate information.
I have deep concerns about our youth being swayed by some of this social media. The calls for violence by radical groups could normalize violent acts due to biases and hate. This is not good for our young minds with brains that are forming values and stress responses. In a country that has been so divided, I am extremely concerned for our kids and how they are interpreting and responding to the world around them.
If we are going to have a society that cares about each other, holds to the values of acceptance for others, has peace and healthy relationships and non-violence, we cannot permit this messaging to permeate our youth and families. We must contest these messages and teach our youth appropriate ways to resolve their conflicts peaceably, understand those who are different from them, and strive for civility and kindness to their fellow citizens. It will start with each of our families and hopefully spread to all those in our sphere of influence. I do hope and pray that we will not see a culture of hate emerge. We all would pay a heavy price for that kind of development in our society.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
