Reaction to identifiable differences in minority groups can create stereotypical images of their characteristics and behavior that feed hate, aggression, and violence against them. The control and repression of violence against minorities begin by recognizing its causes. The degree of violence as a reaction to differences is always an indicator of society's response to its particularities. Interaction between groups with differences appropriately includes disagreements based on those differences, but the state should suppress manifestations of extreme reactions to differences and mitigate conflicts. The most serious crime against minorities is armed conflict in which the state itself is involved. Significant social and political change carries new possibilities for discrimination against and rejection of people who are different from one's own self and group. In spite of efforts to socialize people to nonviolence, society will continue to see violence, and it often occurs between groups who fuel extreme reactions to their differences. 56 references (Publisher abstract modified)