Although researchers do not yet fully understand it’s cause, societies have grown to fear human hate. By itself, hate does not cause harm to others. But when humans act on their hate by putting others down, discriminating and causing unjust pain and suffering, hate can become an epidemic problem. These collective actions – unjust actions based on hate that are punishable by law – are known as hate crimes.

In an age when hate crimes and terrorism are becoming the weapon of choice, understanding hate becomes more important. While race is still the main motivator for hate crimes, perhaps humanity can learn from its previous mistakes, create preventative legislation and possibly stop hate crimes altogether.