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Hate Groups: Opposing Viewpoints

NCJ Number
177538
Editor(s)
T L Roleff
Date Published
1999
Length
191 pages
Annotation
These 24 excerpts from books, journals, newspapers, and other sources present contrasting perspectives regarding hate groups and focus on the issues of whether they are a serious problem, whether certain groups promote hate and violence, the threat posed by the militia movement, and how hate crimes and terrorism can be reduced.
Abstract
The volume aims to challenge readers to question their own opinions and assumptions and to enhance their critical reading and thinking skills. Individual papers present varying data and arguments regarding the seriousness of the hate crime problem, whether many hate crimes are hoaxes, the accuracy of hate crime statistics, the definition of hate crimes, whether burnings of black churches are a serious hate crimes problem, and hate speech. Additional papers present opposing opinions regarding white supremacist groups, anti-hate groups, the relative roles of individuals and groups in hate crimes, and whether the military attracts violent bigots. Further articles focus on the militia movement and its threat to society and the government, the roles of personality and community action in reducing hate crimes, and the impacts of antiterrorism legislation and restrictions on violent speech. Figures, illustrations, discussion questions, index, annotated list of resource organizations, section reference lists, and 35 references