Hate Crimes

"Hate crime" is a modern name for a criminal act done purely out of hostility towards certain people, groups, or organizations. Such crimes can be directed toward racial minorities, homosexuals, women, politicians, religious groups, companies, government agencies, and even entire nations. We think of crime as something committed for money or possessions, but hate crimes involve emotions. This makes the perpetrators especially dangerous, because any member of a targeted group can become a victim. Americans have reacted strongly to fight these crimes, with cities forming hate-crime prevention groups and Congress introducing a Hate Crime Prevention Act. This book traces the history of hate crimes, from the persecution of Native Americans, to modern cases, like the Oklahoma City bombing and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which was aimed at all Americans. It examines the main categories of religious, political, social, sexual, and racial hate crimes. Hate Crimes shows the roles played today by Internet sites, e-mails, hate music, and hate mail. It looks at the types of people who commit such acts and the different groups that are the objects of their hostility. This book also examines hate crime laws and the organizations and federal agencies working to prevent these senseless crimes. Book jacket.