TEN WAYS TO FIGHT HATE

 Home       Back      La Paix Herb Farm

1.  ACT     Do something.  In the face of hatred, apathy will be intrepreted as acceptance - by the haters, the public and, worse, the victim.  Decency must be exercised, too.  If it isn't, hate invariably persists.

2.  UNITE   Call a friend or co-worker.  Organize a group of allies from churches, schools, clubs and other civic sources.  Create a diverse coalition.  Include children, police and the media.  Gather ideas from everyone, and get everyone involved.

3.  SUPPORT THE VICTIMS    Hate-crime victims are especially vulnerable, fearful and alone.  Let them kow you care.  Surround them with people they feel comfortable with.  If you're a victim, report every incident and ask for help.

4.  DO YOUR HOMEWORK    Determine if a hate group is involved, and research its symbols and agenda.  Seek advice from anti-hate organizations.  Accurate information can then be spread to the community.

5.  CREATE AN ALTERNATIVE    Do NOT attend a hate rally.  Find another outlet for anger and frustration and people's desire to do something.  Hold a unity rally or parade.  Find a news hook, like a "hate-free zone". 

6.  SPEAK UP    You, too, have First Amendment rights.  Hate must be exposed and denounced.  Buy an ad.  Help news organizations achieve balance and depth.  Do not debate hate mongers in conflict-driven talk shows.

7.  LOBBY LEADERS  Persuade politicians, business and community leaders to take a  stand against hate.  Early action creates a positive reputation for the community, while unanswered hate will eventually be bad for business.

8.  LOOK LONG RANGE    Create a "bias resonse" team.  Hold annual events, such as a parade or culture fair, to celebrate your community's diversity and harmony.  Build something the community needs.  Create a web site.

9.  TEACH TOLERANCE    Bias is learned early, usually at home.  But children from different cultures can be influenced by school programs and curricula.  Sponsor an "I have a dream" cont est.  Target youths who may be tempted by skinheads or other hate groups.

10.  DIG DEEPER    Look into issues that divide us:  economic inequality, immigration, homosexuality.  Work against discrimination in housing, employment, education.  Look inside yourself for prejudices and stereotypes.

Copyright 2004 by the Southern Poverty Law Center.  The Southern Poverty Law Center is a nonprofit legal and educational organization based in Montgomery, Alabama.  The Center's co-founders are Morris S. Dees, Jr., and Joseph J. Levin, Jr.  Its directors are James McElroy, Chairperson, Julian Bond, Patricia Clark, Lloyd "Vic" Hackeley, Joseph J. Levin, Howard Mandell.   400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 936-8200  www.tolerance.org