The Socio-Emotional Effects of Hate crimes in Communities and on Human Beings

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The Socio-Emotional Effects of Hate crimes in Communities and on Human Beings

Introduction

Hate crimes are criminal actions intended to harm or intimidate people because of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or other minority group status. They are also referred to as bias crimes. Hate crimes have existed from the beginning of time, severely affecting communities and people without our knowledge. Since the 1980's researchers have tried to explain the social and mental effects of hate crimes on human beings as a whole. In order to eliminate these horrific acts of hate the United States needs to pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Sociology

A hate crime is a crime that intentionally offends the victim on an emotional level, for the victim is picked out solely for whom he/she is. The purveyors of hate use explosives, arson, weapons, vandalism, physical violence, and verbal threats of violence to instill fear in their victims, leaving them vulnerable to more attacks and feeling helpless, suspicious, and fearful. Others may become more frustrated and angry if they believe the local government and other groups in the community will not protect them. When perpetrators of hate are not prosecuted as criminals