Combating Racism

It is clear that the number of hate groups in the United States is growing significantly in response to what they see as a distrust of government and hatred for minorities. As a result, the Southern Poverty Law Center has issued ten ways for individuals to fight hate. The goal of the Center is to oppose hate groups throughout the Country. It traces hate groups and their activity throughout the nation. Because of their increasing actions, it felt a need to issue ten ways in which everyone can fight hate. It reported that every hour at least one hate crime is committed and that everyday eight blacks, three whites, three gays, three Jews, and one Hispanic" become the victim of hate crimes.

Therefore, it would be very appropriate for the Center's suggestions to be taken seriously and to consider following them to combat this irrational hatred and violence. Let's look at these ten ways:

First, it says that we should "act." When hatred raises its ugly head, we are asked to do something," because silence and apathy will be interpreted as acceptance." Second, unite" by contacting a friend or coworker and organize a group of allies from churches, schools, clubs, and other civic sources." This should be done to "create a diversion coalition' and "get everyone involved." Third, "support the victims." Hate crime victims feel fearful and alone. Let them know you care. Surround them with people they feel comfortable with." Fourth, "Do your homework." Determine if a hate group is involved, then report accurate information to the community. Fifth, "create an alternative. Do not attend a hate rally. Find another outlet for your anger and frustration." Hold a unity rally or parade instead." Sixth, "speak up." Hate must be exposed and denounced. "Buy an ad, but do not debate hate mongers in conflict driven talk shows." Seventh, "lobby leaders." Persuade politicians, business and community leaders to take a stand against hate." Eighth, "look long range." "Create a bias response team. Hold annual events" to show that your group supports diversity and harmony within the community. Ninth, "teach tolerance." Bias is learned early "beginning with the home." However, peers and peer groups at schools and elsewhere in school and in the community also influence the development of bias. "Sponsor a "I have a dream contest," etc. Finally, "dig deeper." Look into issues that "Divide us: economic, inequality, immigration, homosexuality," and discrimination in all areas of American life including, housing, employment, school, politics, etc. Further, the Center suggests that "we look inside ourselves for prejudices and stereotypes."

In spite of the alarming rise in incidents of hate crimes, the Southern Poverty Law Center reported good news also. They feel that the situation is not hopeless, because concerned people all over the County are "fighting hate, standing up to hate mongers, and promoting "tolerance and inclusion. More often than not when hate flares up, good erupts, too." I agree with the Center in that the situation is not hopeless, because there are a number of positive developments in communities throughout the Country.

As President of North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice in North St. Louis County in Missouri, I have had an opportunity to see first hand many of the things the Center mentioned. In fact, since our Group has been existence, this is exactly what we are trying to do by opposing racism and hatred within this County. If more people in other Counties in Missouri, Illinois, and the rest of the Country would make a similar attempt, hate groups would be very reluctant to raise their heads. We just witnessed this in New York City a few days ago when the KKK went to Court with the support of the ACLU and won the right to march and hold a rally in Manhattan. Although they won the right to march in the Appeal Courts, the Court ruled that they could not wear masks. This restriction had the effort of exposing those who wanted to
practice hate, and as a result, only 16 individuals participated in this event. Whereas, it is reported that 800 counter protesters marched in protest against this group. The KKK's argument was that if they were exposed and identified, they would experience harassment. How ironic that a group wants to harass other groups are afraid to expose themselves for fear of being harassed. What they failed to take into account or care about is that those groups that they want to harass cannot put on masks and avoid their hatred and attacks.

Rance Thomas, PhD, President, North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice

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