There was a study done in 1999 that showed almost 67 of reported incidents were the acts against an individual. These crimes usually included intimidation, simple assault, and aggravated assault. In addition, 50 percent of hate crimes were committed on race, 18 percent on religion, 17 percent on sexual orientation, 11 percent on ethic origin, and less than 1 half percent on disability and other multiple reasons. The most common types of hate incidents are usually racial slurs and graffiti, which are more than twice likely to occur than physical violence or destruction of property. African American and Hispanic students were shown to be the most likely victims. As far as perpetuators of these crimes, most experts believe that they are often affiliated with hate groups or gangs involved in hate groups. Most hate crimes are usually committed by teenagers and adults under the age of 25. These are usually males. In 1998, 69 percent of the offenders were white, and 16 percent were black. According to the Intelligence Project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, 602 hate groups were active in the United States in 2000. Some of these hate groups included Ku Klux Klan, Neo-Nazi, Skinhead, Black Separatist and more. Many studies say that the typical individual who commits a hate crime is usually a white male involved in some sort of hate group abusing drugs. They also say that many males who may have been molested as a child are more likely to commit hate crimes. As we see in other parts of the world such as Israel many hate crimes are being committed by people involved in religious groups. The ongoing trend of hate crime continues to be a challenge. I believe that this type of behavior starts way before the people become adults. I feel that your surroundings have a lot to do with your views on things. I think that people should be educated on these types of things at a young age. I don't think there will be too much change in the acts of these types of crimes unless the individual wants to make a change and begins accepting everyone regardless of race, creed, religion etc. There are also many underlying reasons of why people commit senseless acts of violence. They too need to seek help for their problems so that all of that inner turmoil won't be outwardly directed. |
