Religious diversity has been the cause of war, hate, and crime all throughout history. Nothing brings people together like sharing mutual passion for what they believe in. Similarly, it can tear even the strongest nations apart. At a time when most of us like to believe we are more tolerant than generations before, hate crimes and religious related incidents are actually on the rise in many places.
This hate is often powered by an ignorance stemming from a stigma attached to different beliefs. The first step to decreasing the violence associated with intolerance would be fighting against this stigma. But the issue in getting people to play their part can be summed up in one word: why?
Why should we care? Why is this a problem? Why is this my problem? And the argument is common. Why should we fight for a cause that doesn’t benefit …show more content…
At San Jose University, a student was attacked for wearing her hijab. There is only so much that can be done by administrations and authorities in order to protect student bodies. Great progress has been made, but the real solution to the issue is the students themselves. By acknowledging this racial intolerance as an issue, and refusing to let a stigma stemming from hate influence our thinking, our generation can eliminate an entire outdated way of thinking.
Report what you see. From 2011-2015, about 54% of hate crime victimizations were not reported to police. Without proper justice, it is difficult to believe we are successfully fighting against anything at all. It is the belief that one can get away with their actions that encourages violent.
Last April, the Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution condemning racial, religious and ethnic hate crimes. The government is doing their part, are