Stop the HATE

Hate: a reaction to people whose interests consistently conflict with one’s own.

Every year more than half a million college students are targets of bias-driven slurs or physical assaults.

Every week, a cross is burned within the United States.

Every day, at least one hate crime occurs on any given college campus.

Every day, at least 8 blacks, 3 whites, 3 gays, 3 Jews and 1 Latino become hate crime victims.

Every hour, someone commits a hate crime.

Every minute, a college student somewhere sees or hears racist, sexist, homophobic or otherwise biased words or images.

(Source: www.tolerance.org)

The Associated Student Government began a week long event here at Fresno City entitled, “Stop the Hate.” The event was aimed at promoting “adversity” as stated by Fresno City College President, David Horwitz. The goal of “Stop the Hate” week was to instill a sense of acceptance among students of different ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, gender, religion, disabilities, and race. Students wore white ribbons in support of the event.

Historically, “Stop the Hate” week has been established in many schools and universities across the nation as part of Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of freedom, opportunities, and justice.

Schools have provided panel discussions and welcomed prominent guest speakers to their communities to speak about issues related to hate crimes, abuse, prejudice, domestic violence and racism. The goal of these events is to make students and members of the community aware of the differences present among themselves. Also, to use these differences in an effort to build tolerance and acceptance amoung a diverse community.

Past events in different school districts have included self-defense classes for men and women, cultural events, films aimed at highlighting historical events that have changed cultural, economic, and social perspectives.

On Friday, October 5th, the FCC Diversity Club presented “The Laramie Project” at Forum Hall 101. The Laramie Project is a play directed by Moises Kaufman, regarding the reaction to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming.

The play was made to show a hate crime motivated by homophobia. The play drew on more than 200 interviews of residents of Laramie. Audience members drew from their reactions and views of the death of Shepard. Due to its nation-wide success, the documentary is now showcased as a primary tool for teaching about prejudice and tolerance.

In America today, hate is prevalent and a slow undergoing progress. After the Civil Rights movement in the 60’s, many Americans have erased their ideologies of separation and seclusion. Most are more accepting of integration within school systems and fitting into the American public arena.

Unfortunately, ignorance still exists. Stereotypes are still prominent in many communities. Individuals each day are being subjected to acts of discrimination and bigotry. Today, statistics show that the two groups more susceptible to hate crimes are Asian-Americans and the gay and lesbian community. Religion is also a huge target and hate crimes are on the rise.

Students can stand up for their beliefs by educating those around them which is the best way to fight ignorance and hate. The more society is made aware of the differences among themselves, only then will hate-crimes be on the decline.

The differences come from an active student. If you are a target or victim of hate, be the activist and take every approach and initiative in fixing the problem before it spreads.

There are outlets for students who are victims of hate related crimes. Resources on campus help students who have been involved in socially unacceptable behavior. Approaching other students, faculty and staff to address these problems is the best way to resolve an issue at hand.

You don’t have to be the victim of hate-crimes to make a difference. If you are a witness to a hate-crime, stand up for the violence that is being committed and report it to an authority figure.

The last upcoming event for Stop the Hate week is being coordinated by the Latino Cultural Committee. On October 25, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. There will be a panel discussion focusing on Chicano/Latino Gangs in the campus staff dining room.

Stop the Hate. Embrace the diversity within our nation; listen and learn; be accepting of the many differences among us.