Minority Hate Crimes

Minority Hate Crimes

Hate Crimes against African Americans and Homosexuals
Travis Davis
Mcmahon-Howard
Sociology of Violence

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore how the social structure in America is related to the nature or extent of violent hate crimes toward African Americans and homosexuals. By exploring the social structures and beliefs of African Americans and homosexuals in America, one will be able to directly relate the social structure of society to the nature and extent of violent hate crimes geared toward these groups. This research also explains why this form of violence is different or similar in these sub societies.

Hate crimes are commonly referred to as bias-motivated crimes (Gerstenfeld & Grant 2004). In recent years, the number of reported attacks against Americans due to race, ethnic origin, or sexually orientation has increased dramatically. These violent hate crimes are performed by organized groups as well as by individuals. They are intended to harm their victims as well as send a message of intimidation and fear to entire communities of people. The fact that such offenses still occur in the United States is an indication that Americans must be vigilant to protect the democratic values in which they take such great pride (Herek, K. Barril, & T.K. Berril, 1992). Victims affected by violent hate crimes include (but are not limited to) African Americans and Homosexuals. Though contrast in nature, these two groups have been known to suffer from hate related violence in very similar ways.
Hate violence against African Americans
Hate violence against African-Americans has been a long standing issue in America. The complexity of this issue is often disregarded by society. Based on data presented by the FBI, African Americans are most often the victims of racially motivated violence. Historically, African Americans were victimized more often than any other minority group by what comes to be defined as hate crimes (Torres,...

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