Information was also collected by means of a review of journal articles and recently published texts on hate crime, a search of approximately 350 Web sites on the topic, and an analysis of articles in several newspapers. Results revealed that African Americans are most often the victims of race-motivated crimes. From 1992 to 1996, the number of hate crimes reported against African Americans increased by 52 percent. Factors that may contribute to a social and political climate in which people prejudiced against minorities are prompted to commit a hate crime include unemployment, poor financial circumstances, racial stereotypes in the media, race-based advertisements, radio talk show discussions, the use of race-baiting language, and a person's own experiences with black people. In such a climate a single high-profile incident can trigger a hate crime. Scapegoating, stereotyping attitudes, generalized resentment, the exhilaration of seeing someone suffer, and reaction to a personal threat can be reasons for hate crimes. The analysis concluded that the United States is experiencing a climate of increasing intolerance and a growing acceptance of racial prejudice. Local, State, and Federal officials have actively moved to address the problem and hate crime legislation has been enacted. However, the conservative climate of the 1980s and 1990s makes further progress unlikely at this time. Table and 24 references (Author abstract modified)