Statistics indicate, and most of us, are concerned, with the apparent, huge increase, in the number, and degree of hate crimes, in the United States of America! This trend, has, unfortunately, gone – on, for some time, but, in the past four years, it seemed, many of these haters, felt enabled/ entitled, probably, because of the promises, and rhetoric/ vitriol, articulated by the former President! For a nation, who, for centuries, proudly, considered, itself, a Melting Pot, and, the Land of the Free, this dangerous, concerning set of actions, and the ramifications, etc, should be, and are, concerning, and sad! Why has there, been, such an up – tick in the number and severity of hate crimes, and when/ where will they end (or, will they)? With, that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 4 examples.
1. Racism: There should be, no denying, we witness, considerable, systemic racism, in this nation. It exists in nearly, all institutions, especially, apparently, regarding treatment by police, Courts, and our system of justice! Why do statistics, demonstrate, clearly, people – of – color, are treated, far – differently, than others? The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, gained recognition, and credibility, because of the disproportionately – high, number of arrests, injuries, and deaths, towards, certain minority groups, than others! Instead of there, being, equal justice, to – all, it seems, the wealthiest, are treated, preferably, both by the police, and the Courts, either accidentally/ incidentally, and/ or, by – design! When, so many feel, their race, is, often, the reason, they are treated, in certain ways, should concern us!
2. Islamic: Some of these haters, focus on those, whose religion, is Islam! People, are people, but, apparently, too many people, in this nation, are treated, unfairly, based on their religion! Shouldn’t this nation, stand – for, better, than this?
3. Anti – Asian: There has been a concerning, increase, in the number of hate crimes, committed, against Asians! Many believe, this is largely, due, to the conspiracy theories, and political rhetoric (of some), regarding the origins, etc, of this horrific pandemic!
4. Anti – Semitic: As a Jew, I am particularly, sensitive, to the significant number of anti – semitic, hate crimes. While, anti – semitism, never, went away, when, we see, some groups, wearing emblems of hate (Nazi symbols, etc), it seems, this may be a significant factor! Why should anyone, be victimized, because of their race, creed, or religion, etc?
If, we hope, to have a nation, which we can be proud – of, we must address the number and severity of hate crimes, and do something about the symbols, and rhetoric, which enhance, the ramifications! Will you, demand more, and better?
