Motives Behind Hate Crimes

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There are many motives behind hate crimes. To name a few, the motives can be race, religion, gender, sexual-orientation, and ethnicity. One particular hate crime helped expand what is considered a federal hate crime. The tragic 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard created a movement that would help shape the act known as the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, signed by President Obama in 2010. The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act expanded the definition of federal hate crimes to include crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. [1] The State laws for hate crimes and what is recognized as a hate crime vary. For example, according to the State Hate Crimes…show more content…
While researching and reading about the different types of hate crimes and the different hate groups that are organized in the US, I found that the majority of these hate groups all have similar beliefs and goals with that of the KKK. The specific beliefs vary, but the core ideas and goals are similar. It’s my opinion that the KKK could be held responsible in part for the creation of all hate groups. This being said, by researching the KKK, in essence I will be researching all hate groups that share similar…show more content…
One of the goals that have never changed is their attempt to enforce white supremacy. It is amazing that in this day and age, the KKK is still active and strong. They have become a more developed organization over time and conduct their organization as a business. They have many chapters throughout the US and into Canada. Many of the other hate groups have adopted the KKKs visions and goals into their own motives behind forming their groups. Looking back at how and why the KKK was formed, it’s amazing that 6 men have influenced so much hatred over the years. Those 6 men and what they and others that have followed stood for essentially brought on the need for laws to be passed and enforced. The KKK has inspired other hate groups to form, either is support of the KKK or as a retaliation against the KKK. The face of Criminal Justice and its laws has forever been changed, largely in part due to the KKK. Had Congress and Politicians been able to foresee what effect the KKK would have on the US and set in place measures to stop them before they became powerful, would the hate crimes and hate groups of today be as prominent? There will always be hatred in the world. There will always be people, groups, and organizations that do not agree or accept certain lifestyles, religions, races, and ethnicity. Perhaps though, had the KKK and those that
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